Help with new 308

[KAcwby06]

I'm looking for a new varmint type 308. I've put some thought into the savage precision carbine because I've had experience with savage before and their accuracy is great but they still feel cheap to me. I'd like a 20 or 22 inch barrel and something that's pretty accurate out of the box that would be maybe 500yd capable. I've looked at the model 70 and the x bolt but not real sure of there accuracy without having to build some custom loads. I'm open to any suggestions though. Thanks for any help!

 

[allaroundhunter]

Well, the Remington 700 SPS Tactical comes out of the box with a 20" barrel, and should get you to 500 yards just fine.

My Remington 700 SPS Varmint (.308) has a 26" barrel, but it shoots right about .5 MOA out to 400 yards (haven't measured groups past that).

 

[KAcwby06]

I've looked at the sps tactical but heard some complaints about the stock being too flimsy and touching the barrel with a bipod attached, which kinda upset me because I love a hogue stock. Is your 700 very ammo picky?

 

[allaroundhunter]

I have only run Federal Gold Medal Match ammo through mine (about $25/box) and it shoots both the 168 and 175 gr rounds like a champ.

Mine does have the problem that the tactical model does however. So I use a bag support that isn't all the way at the end of the stock.

A new stock is definitely in the works for me, but I was going to do that regardless of which .308 I bought. A good aftermarket stock is better than most all "stock" stocks.

 

[juk]

Dont forget the CZ 550 Varmint and Ruger's Varmint offerings. They are both absolutely solid.

 

[KAcwby06]

How much difference will it make if the stock does end up touching the barrel?

 

[corky52]

I shoot a Savage 10PC in .308. It'll shoot moa all day (if I do my job right ;-) ) I do like the 20" barrel for walking through the woods. Plus I don't worry about scratching up a nice wood stock. I wasn't crazy about the camo stock at first, but it kinda grew on me

 

[allaroundhunter]

How much difference will it make if the stock does end up touching the barrel?

My groups open up to about 2" at 100 yards when the stock is touching the barrel, compared to about .5" when it isn't.

Here is what the rifle can do at 200 yards (3 shot groups):




And here are some 5 shot 200 yard groups in a varying crosswind:

 

[KAcwby06]

That's what I was afraid of. I want to be able to mount a bipod and not have if affect accuracy. Which is a shame because that's the only thing deterring me from getting the 700

 

[allaroundhunter]

That's what I was afraid of. I want to be able to mount a bipod and not have if affect accuracy. Which is a shame because that's the only thing deterring me from getting the 700

Well, if you were to ever want to change something with the gun, the Remington 700 has the most aftermarket options. Buying a better stock will be a good investment on any rifle that you decide on.

 

[KAcwby06]

How's the accuracy on the cz?

 

[KAcwby06]

Well I strayed from my list but I think I've finally made my decision. I think I'm going with a Howa with a hogue stock and a 20in heavy fluted barrel.

 

[MtnCreek]

That's what I was afraid of. I want to be able to mount a bipod and not have if affect accuracy. Which is a shame because that's the only thing deterring me from getting the 700

A lot of people replace their HSP stocks on the 700 police rifles. You should be able to pick up a used one for around $200. The HSP stocks are ridgid. Also, maybe the police model would be an option to look at. I think they go for around $800 in .308.

Good luck on the new rig.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Well I strayed from my list but I think I've finally made my decision. I think I'm going with a Howa with a hogue stock and a 20in heavy fluted barrel.

I think you'll be well pleased with that rifle.

 

[KAcwby06]

Thanks everybody for the help!

 

[jehu]

Accurate out of the box to 500yrd = Sako SS Varmint 308, no mods needed!!