Remington 700 5R Milspec FDE, 308, Review and Range Report

[coolbox]

I got myself a Remington 700 5R in 308, FDE. I understand this is a comparatively rare model to get. Below are some pictures with my CZ550 Varmint, which this has replaced at the shooting range for the time being at least.
























I cleaned after each of 1st 3 shots, and then after the the first group, then after the 3rd group.

Zeroing and first group, sub MOA





Second Group, sub MOA




THIRD GROUP, WHOA!



The distance is 100mtrs, and ammo is POF 175smk. It suits the rifle quite well I believe.

I competed with the rifle in a local match. I stood no chance with my skill set (inconsistency over 20 shots) at 600 and 1000yd matches. However, during practice prior to the match, I was shooting half MOA out to 1000 yards. 3 shot groups. Regularly. In the match, I realized a shooter is no good without proper spotter and good understanding of wind. Now, working on wind and spotting.

By comparison to the CZ550 Varmint, while this might be at par in general mechanical accuracy, the stock grip suits prone shooting more, and is more comfortable. I am looking to get a chassis for this rifle now, but not so easy in my neck of the woods. Easier for Remington models than for CZ models. If I could get an adjustable stock/chassis for the CZ550, I would have not bought the 5R to be honest. However, Remington is easier to accessorize in general. I am not yet decided about whether to retain the CZ or to sell it.
The trigger is 4lbs at lowest value, which does not help accuracy either. I will get a timney at 2.0 lbs and get done with that part.

The QD mounts (ERA TAC) are a blessing. Oh, and this has 20moa rail plus 20moa mounts, so, no complains of elevation. Zeroed at 3.5mils at 100 meters. I have over 22mils of adjustment available !

 

[Bart B.]

For comparison, note the most accurate benchrest rifles keep all fired shots inside about 2/3rds MOA at 600 through 1000 yards.

Yes, record single 5- or 10-shot groups are much smaller, but they're seldom repeated. The tiny ones happen when everything is perfect - or - when all the component and rifle variables in all directions tend to cancel each other out. One's a lot more common than the other.

That said, your stuff's doing pretty good.

 

[coolbox]

Thank you for the information Bart.B. Appreciated.

Yes, I do realize that I need to improve over my form for a complete set of 20 rounds.
And need to invest in the equipment too. The rifle might be quite ok as is, but to seriously compete with top shooters in LR matches here, I need front F-Class bipod, most likely the rempel, and an edgewood rear bag. These should be an improvement over the harris bipod and calldwell rear rest, hopefully. Further, a timney to get this safely to 2 lbs (its 4lbs at lowest setting now), and hopefully, a chassis too. Its a long list, and easiest part is to start working on my own consistency over 20 rounds. Above all, need to read wind much better.

 

[farmerboy78]

Thank you for the information Bart.B. Appreciated.

Yes, I do realize that I need to improve over my form for a complete set of 20 rounds.
And need to invest in the equipment too. The rifle might be quite ok as is, but to seriously compete with top shooters in LR matches here, I need front F-Class bipod, most likely the rempel, and an edgewood rear bag. These should be an improvement over the harris bipod and calldwell rear rest, hopefully. Further, a timney to get this safely to 2 lbs (its 4lbs at lowest setting now), and hopefully, a chassis too. Its a long list, and easiest part is to start working on my own consistency over 20 rounds. Above all, need to read wind much better.

I have a 5r milspec and have it setup similar to what you're wanting. I have a xlr industries chassis and topped mine with a vortex viper pst 6-24 ffp mrad. I handled for mine and it really likes the 175gr nosler custom competition in lapua palma brass with 44.5gr varget and cci primers. Running right around 2760+. I also have a time Calvin elite trigger that can go down into the ounces. Nightforce direct mount one piece rings.

 

[coolbox]

@farmerboy78
Can you share some pictures?

Also, does the 5R in 24" give similar mv as compared to 700 1:12 twist versions in 26" barrels? I dont have access to a chrono till December this year, but need to know if I am losing out on MV vs the 26" versions.

I would like to try out some Berger 185 juggernauts, for 800 and 1000 yard matches in particular. All that is December onwards hopefully.

Currently, using factory ammo, that gives avg 2690 fps (chronoed) from Remington 700p 26". It is 175smk over 44grains of NC1055 (Bofor). Its a powder I cant find any detail on, but is very close to varget based on the chrono results.

 

[Bart B.]

The difference between 24 and 26 inch barrels with .308 Win ammo is only about 50 fps; if both have the same chamber, bore and groove dimensions.

I've shot the same .308 ammo 25 to 50 fps faster in some 24 inch barrels than other 26 inch ones; the 26 ones had larger bore and groove diameters than the 24; .3010"/.3084" in the 26 (two Win 70 match rifles), .2990"/.3076" in the 24 (two M1 Garands in 7.62 NATO).

 

[coolbox]

@Bart B
Thank you.
I understand. The twist in most Remington 700 308 is 1:12, with 6 grooves I recall, while the 5R milspec (mine) is 1:11.25, and with 5R rifling. So its not a direct comparison. Until I have a chrono, I cannot be sure. Just trying to get some heads up here from guys who have these.

 

[Bart B.]

Note that the muzzle velocity a given load produces across several commercial rifles of the same type and cartridge, a 50 fps spread in average velocity is common. They all don't have the same bore and groove dimensions; a sure cause of muzzle velocity changes. There's a .002" to .003" spread in bore/groove diameters allowed by SAAMI specs for the .308 Win.

 

[farmerboy78]

@farmerboy78
Can you share some pictures?

Also, does the 5R in 24" give similar mv as compared to 700 1:12 twist versions in 26" barrels? I dont have access to a chrono till December this year, but need to know if I am losing out on MV vs the 26" versions.

I would like to try out some Berger 185 juggernauts, for 800 and 1000 yard matches in particular. All that is December onwards hopefully.

Currently, using factory ammo, that gives avg 2690 fps (chronoed) from Remington 700p 26". It is 175smk over 44grains of NC1055 (Bofor). Its a powder I cant find any detail on, but is very close to varget based on the chrono results.

I'll get some pictures just as soon as I can!

 

[coolbox]

@Bart B
Noted. I understand. I will wait till I can chrono my rifle.

@Farmerboy
Waiting eagerly !!

 

[johnmcl]

Coolbox and all,

You've got a fine rifle there, Coolbox. I have one that's about 10 years old now. I have mine configured for a short to medium range capability. I have a Leupold Mark 4, 3.5-10X with a TMR reticle. The idea was to build a precision rifle up that would own from 50 to 500 yards.

I'm firing reloads through it, with Sierra 165 HPBT over 40.5 +/- IMR 4895. I find that a very stable round, with a small standard deviation in velocity over any given 20 rounds. I'm going about 2650 fps, trying to match the Federal Gold ballistics. That round uses a 168 gr Sierra Match King.

I hope you find your rifle as enjoyable as mine.

 

[coolbox]

@johnmcl
Thank you.
I hope to shoot this regularly up to 1000 yards. I am using factory loaded 175 smk that gives avg 2690 fps in two Remington 700p (26") rifles, I have to chrono mine.

 

[farmerboy78]

Hey coolbox, here ya go with a few pictures!

 

[coolbox]

farmerboy
Very nice!! Thank you.
How does it shoot for you?
Is that added weight at the bottom?

Its windy and dusty most of the year at my range. People on web suggest against the Calvin Elite trigger. How do you find it?

 

[farmerboy78]

It shoots very nicely, I really like the setup! Yes, it's a weight. I have shot it in f class @ 600 and 1000. I added the weight just to reduce the recoil, for a better sight picture on target and comfort. It is steel round stock turned down and mounted in 30mm scope rings. It added 3lbs to my overall weight. I love the Calvin elite! I have 2 of them, and I'm glad I went that route. I know jewel is supposed to be the cream of the crop, but there have been 2-3 of brand new triggers failing at my local range. It was found that there was a hardening issue and components were shattering. I haven't had one single hiccup with the Calvin elite. It is very crisp, will go down into ounces for trigger pull, and hasn't nearly no travel before break. From all that I've read the jewel is bad in dusty conditions.

 

[coolbox]

Thats a good idea to add weight.
I am glad the Calvin Elite is working out fine. I have read that it is similar to Jewel in dusty environment, gives errors. Its good to know otherwise. I would want my trigger to be at abt 2 lbs, maybe 2.5 lbs. You think the 510 is alright for that or does one really need CE for that too? Would CE make difference or be still better at 2 lb setting? Thanks in advance.

 

[farmerboy78]

I have mine right about 1lb

 

[dh1633pm]

I have the Milspec with the 5R in 308. I have a KRG Xray Stock and timney trigger. Viper Vortex with a DNZ Mount. I don't get much past 300 yards due to the terrain in my area. Very wooded and hilly. Along with my Savage LRP, they are most accurate rifles that I own. I have an advantage that most of you don't. I have a friend that works at the plant (Remington) and builds the military versions. I don't live too far from the plant.

 

[farmerboy78]

I have the Milspec with the 5R in 308. I have a KRG Xray Stock and timney trigger. Viper Vortex with a DNZ Mount. I don't get much past 300 yards due to the terrain in my area. Very wooded and hilly. Along with my Savage LRP, they are most accurate rifles that I own. I have an advantage that most of you don't. I have a friend that works at the plant (Remington) and builds the military versions. I don't live too far from the plant.

How is that lrp I suggested treating you?

 

[coolbox]

@dh1633pm
Some pictures of your 5r would be nice. How do Remington employees view the 5r conpared to the m24?