Remington 700 VLS versus Remington XR-100

[Auburn1992]

I'm looking for a new target/varmint style rifle atm. The two that came across as perfect to me were the Remington 700 VLS (in .243) and the Remington XR-100 Rangemaster (in .223 or 22-250). I'm starting to like the idea of a .243 for better knock down power at longer ranges but was worried about barrel life. I've heard .243's have poor barrel life as compared to a .223. Another good thing, IMO, is that I can double the .243 as a deer rifle and coyote gun. I don't need another deer rifle but it would be nice. I know the XR-100 can easily shoot one hole at 100 yards but what about the VLS? What .243 bullet grain would be compatible with a 1 in 9 1/8" twist rate? What about a 1 in 12" with a .223? Weight is no option and neither is price ( as they are so close to eachother). Sportsman's Wharehouse has the XR-100 for $750 and the VLS for $720 (and is on sale). Which would be a better value and what is a good cheap scope to put on it (under $200)

 

[skinewmexico]

I sure wouldn't be afraid to shoot deer and coyotes with a 223. My kids have killed a ton of deer with a 223. That 1-12 twist is awfully slow though. The 243 would be handy above 600 yards.

 

[RevolverMan567]

vls vs Xr100

I am a self proclaimed remington man, so both of these guns will be siperbly accurate I currently own the xr and am on my way to owning the vls in 243 also, I shoot the xr out to about 300 yards on a good day and it does this beautifully, you can do it much farther out, however i think the 6mm calibers are some if not the best suited loads for any medium and long range when you get into the premium VLD. couple factors to consider,

1, how far will you actually be shooting, and how much: if your looking to do alot of meduim range shooting go with the xr in 223, if you are planning on doing alot, but not a whole lot, at extended range then he 243 will buck winf better and have higer BC.

223 is cheaper to shoot in any configuration, whether it be match ammo or cheapos, the 243 starts kinda high for plinking and moves into extrmely expensive with match components. This is why i went the way i did, i bought the xr in 223 to shoot alot and when the vls comes in I will order a boyds stock or something for it to make it setup the smae and have the one for longer range, just some food for thought, but I know if you get the XR and it is half as accurate as mine is with factory fodder (core-lokt ceapies) then you wil be ne happy camper. FWIW mine will shoot way under 1/2" at 100 if i do my part and has no aftermarlet work at all.