Remington 700 SPS Tactical

[J.R.W.]

I'm looking at getting one of the Remmy 700 Tactical models and have a couple questions. I'm pretty set on the 20" Tactical model as I'm only planning on 300 yards max range and like way the gun handles. Remington has a fairly new offering of this rifle that uses 1:10 twist opposed to the 1:12 of the normal model. I'll be hand loading for it, so playing with bullet weights isn't a huge concern. Will I see a significant benefit with the faster twist with the short barrel? The main feature drawing me to the AAC model with the 1:10 twist is a factory threaded muzzle. I'd like to be able to use a muzzle brake on the rifle and if I ever move to a friendlier state, I could put a suppressor on it with ease.

I can get both within a relatively similar price range. I'm hoping to get some opinions on both the barrel twists and the rifles from anyone who might own one. On a separate note, an older friend who did a good bit of high power rifle shooting really recommended using the Tubbs bore lapping system. It seams reasonably priced if it has any benefit at all.

 

[Gordon]

The AAC model has that twist to stabilize the Sierra 220 and 240 Match Kings at 1000 fps = subsonic! I have played with those javelins at that speed and they will kill a deer very nicely !
An 11.25" twist has been shown to be good for at least 190 Match Kings in a .308 BTW.

 

[srkavanagh6621]

They are a very accurate great gun!

 

[JDGray]

My Savage 10FP has a 20" barrel, with a 10" twist, has no problem with 155 or 168gr SMKs. Both shoot .5moa, no velocity loss to speek of, 168gr GMM clocks at 2600fps. Not saying the Rem will be the same, but a good combo in the Savage. I like the short sticks, as I picked up a R700 LTR in .223, a few months ago, and love it!

 

[J.R.W.]

Anyone happen to have the barrel diameter for the SPS Tactical?

 

[TonyAngel]

I measured mine a while back and think it was .890" at the muzzle. It is a heavy barrel, although it does have a taper to it.

 

[coloradokevin]

A friend of mine has the SPS Tactical AAC (with the 1/10 twist). He's currently loading 175grain SMK bullets in his rifle, and has been having great results (100 yard 5-shot groups in one ragged hole).

His rifle is almost new (probably less than 200 rounds), but I've been impressed with its performance so far.

 

[herkyguy]

Here's a shot of mine in .308. I can attest to its accuracy out to 560 yards. I reached out and touched an 8" steel plate with some Gold Match. A whole lot of drop out that far though. Out to 300 yards, you'll do great things with that gun. I have read that 20" is the minimum barrel length for full powder burn in .308. I am not expert, but I am quite happy with it.

 

[J.R.W.]

Picked up the SPS Tactical model today sans the threaded barrel. Its going to be sitting in a B&C Stock in the next few days and wearing a Millet TRS-1 4-16x50 scope on Millet Tactical rings and an EGW base. I know the scope isn't the best, but should get me started for the time being. The dies are in from Midway as well as some 168gr Sierra Match Kings and a pound of Varget. Looking forward to working up some handloads for it and seeing what it can really do.

 

[kis2]

congrats! can't wait for the range report

 

[bpl]

CoKev,

Re:

A friend of mine has the SPS Tactical AAC (with the 1/10 twist). He's currently loading 175grain SMK bullets in his rifle, and has been having great results (100 yard 5-shot groups in one ragged hole).

Has he tried the 168gr FGMM in it? If so, how'd it do?

 

[J.R.W.]

Well I finally got it and tweaked it a bit. The factory stock had to go, so a Bell & Carson took its place. I added an EGW base, some Burris Xtreme rings, and a Millet TRS-1 4-16x50 scope. The glass is pretty clear and the adjustments have just the right amount of tension. I also like the ability to lock the turrets. I'm just hoping it shoots as nice as it looks.

 

[herkyguy]

NICE!!! Did the Bell and Carlson fit right on with the heavy barrel or did you need to tweak it? I have the same gun and that stock looks great. Where'd you get it and how much??

 

[J.R.W.]

The stock was completely drop in, no fitting at all. The barrel is fully free floated. Even with the weight of the gun on the bi-pod, the clearance doesn't change. Besides making contact with the barrel under slight pressure, I didn't like the fit on the original Hogue stock.

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/StoreFront

Depending on where it is going, you'll probably spend about $240 with shipping.

 

[TonyAngel]

JD, you're getting 2600fps out of that 20" barrel with that Savage? Did you confirm that with a chrony? I'm shooting as SPS Tactical and 2600fps is where I'd like to be, but am having trouble getting there.

herkyguy, what load were you shooting out to 560 yards? I'm getting ready to do my first 600 yard shoot and am starting to have second thoughts about trying it. I don't think I have my rig/load ready yet. The last time I had access to a chrony, my 168gr SMK over 42gr of RL15 was getting me 2400fps. Extrapolating data, 43.5gr of RL15 should put me at 2500fps and 45.2 should put me at about 2600fps, but the 45.2gr load is hot. If you don't mind letting me know what your load was and what your come ups were, I'd appreciate it. I'm just looking for a point of reference.

bigwhitney, congrats on getting a new stick. If you are going to plant it in a new stock, I'd suggest finding a 700P pull off stock. I got one for just over $200 and it's NICE. HS Precision makes some nice stocks and at that price it was a no brainer. Just going to the better stock pulled a couple tenths off of the size of my 100 yard groups. Well, the stock and practice.

 

[Tang419]

I just set one up for a coworker. Shoots very nicely. Ammo was 168gr Winchester BST's. Scope was 3-9x40 Monarch. The one "flyer" in the 3 shot group, was my fault. I pulled it, because he didnt want to adjust the trigger.