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What do you think?

ZeroedForImpact

Private
Minuteman
Jun 26, 2011
17
0
40
U.S.
I'm been looking around for my next long range rifle and after narrowing my search I'm thinking about getting the Remington 700 BDL chambered in .300 WIN MAG from Cabelas.

At $659.99
-26" fluted barrel
-7.6 lbs

Twist is either 1-12 or 1-11 im guessing; Afraid of getting anything cheaper becasue I would like to hit targets at 1000yds and dont think anything less than that would work.

I chose the 700 BDL becasue I would like to put the McMillan
A-4 stock on there or maybe the A-3.

My primary use for the rifle would be hunting: deer, elk and pronghorn with the occasional 1000yds shot for fun. I'll be chosing the scope later, just want a stable platform first.

Thanks,
 
Re: What do you think?

If you are planning to shoot much, 7.6 lbs will be fine for a 300WM, however, if you are going to be shooting multiple shots in a row, I would look for something a little heavier.

The twist rate on that gun is likely 1 in 10. Most factory 300WM come with a 1 in 10 twist rate to stablize the heavier bullets.

Another consideration might be the smaller diameter of the barrel with the BDL. I would opt for something with a larger barrel. I think you will appreciate it while shooting and it will also look better in the stocks that you mentioned. For a little more, you could pick up a Rem 5R in 300WM. You could probably call up JW Presicion and they would have a stock that would fit your tastes ready to ship.

I known you mentioned hunting, but if you think you will use it more for shooting to 1000 yds, I would just stick with the good ole' 308.
 
Re: What do you think?

Well after I put my scope and bipod on it'll be closer to 10 lbs;
I'll have to look into the 5R.

I have considered getting a .308 the only reason i'm hesitant is for hunting, I want to make sure I can take down an elk quick and humanely from +400 yds; heard some hunters say that when using their .308 for elk and even deer the round more or less acts more like a FMJ (when using SP) and doesn't cause enough damage on impact, but maybe they were just using the wrong load at the time?

Thanks for your input,
 
Re: What do you think?

Have you shot this caliber before? If you haven't I'd suggest you do. Without a muzzle brake it can beat you up. It's not a lot of fun to shoot a lot of rounds down range. If it's just a hunting rig than that's a different story. I shot a friends 5R in this caliber and it wasnt what I would consider a range rifle. Just something to think about. Plus it's not as affordable to shoot as a .308. You'll pay many times more than you did for the rifle over its life time in ammo.
 
Re: What do you think?

Yeah I've shot the caliber before and yes its going to be for mostly hunting; I have considered the price difference in ammo between the .308 and .300. I do want to get a .308 eventually, its an amazing caliber to shoot.
 
Re: What do you think?

Shot placement is everything. An elk could be dropped with a 22-250 with one shot. Bullet selection would make a big difference also. 308 win has been around for a long time and there is no telling how many elk and other big game animals that have been taken with this round.
I have a 300wm and it shoots great. The rifle I carry to the wood 99% of the time is a 308 win. Shot a doe in mn that field dressed 235lbs at 250yards one shot and she fell where she was standing(308 win).
I have seen deer dropped with. 22 lr with a high shoulder shot.
Point being if you become proficient with a rifle it doesnt matter what the cal.
My vote 308 win.
 
Re: What do you think?

I agree that shot placement is everything....to an extent. 308 is a great round but in my opinion if you are planning on taking elk at 400 plus yards absolutely go with the 300WM. I have seen deer go a couple hundred yards with a blown out heart that was taken with a 270 at 150 yards. Now dropping a good size deer at 250 yards with a 308 is much different than dropping a 1000lb elk at 400-600 yards. 300wm will be a much better all around caliber for you. And the recoil really is not that bad, especially if it's going to be your hunting rifle and not a rifle you sit down at the range with for 5 hours at a time. Even so if you pick up a heavier rifle like a 5r than you have the best of both worlds in a heavier gun you can hunt with and is also geared toward long range target shooting as well. Just my 2 cents
 
Re: What do you think?

IMO I like the 300 WM as a hunting round and in like a 700 Sendero they really do not kick that badly and if they do, swap out the recoil pad for a Decelerator or LimbSaver pad as a less expensive fix or as stated above swap stocks. I do not see a huge increase in $$ if you reload but that also depends on how much shooting you do. It did not sound like you are going to be punching paper with the gun, more of a hunting rig. 300 WM has more kinetic energy than the 308 at distance and for animals that is a good thing. If you do not reload then you are looking at spending a little more $$ on ammo but all in all it won't make much difference when thrown in on the total cost of the hunt. Just my thoughts...
 
Re: What do you think?

Yeah, I have notice that after doing some research on other places to get the gun (or one similar) that they are very pricy.

I have even recently been looking at private sellers in my state, I figure if I find someone who is knowledgeable in precision rifles, then I can get a very good rifle at a good deal.

Easier said then done, I know but I'm keeping all my options open.

Thank you all who have commented, I really appreciate your input.