Help picking a new rifle

[cmorsch]

Im looking at getting a new rifle to take on hunts that will involve a lot of hiking. Im thinking of either a Remington 700 ADL in 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag? What does everyone think of these two or what other options to look at. Im trying to stay under 500 for a basic rifle since I will be changing out the stock and most likely the trigger as well.

 

[minute of elk]

I'm flat out blown away by the accuracy of my Tikka's.

The light one is 9 lbs in hunting trim (bipod, sling, full mag + 3 in the stock pack). I had every intention of upgrading the furniture, but can't really justify it yet. Also, I won't cry if I bash the stock on something while hunting.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I would go with a SPS or BDL 26" 7mm RemMag.

 

[WildRose]

Im looking at getting a new rifle to take on hunts that will involve a lot of hiking. Im thinking of either a Remington 700 ADL in 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag? What does everyone think of these two or what other options to look at. Im trying to stay under 500 for a basic rifle since I will be changing out the stock and most likely the trigger as well.

If I were going with a Rem I'd go with either the BDL or CDL.

The blind magazine of the ADL can be a pain at times.

Both calibers you are looking at are great for a number of uses and the decision should come down to range and the type of game you are going after.

If you want to shoot Moose and Elk at 1,000yds, the 300wm is where you want to go because you just have a hell of a lot more energy and higher BC bullets to choose from with the 300.

If your wanting to shoot deer sized or smaller game at that range, the 7mm Mag is all you need. The 7mm is also quite capable of taking the big game out to about 750yds with ease with the right bullet and shot placement.

Of course you could always come over to the dark side and join us 7mm STW shooters as well... .

Tell us more about what you plan to hunt and at what ranges and we can do a lot better job of helping you.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Remington does still chamber the SPS in 7mm STW if you can talk your local GS or FFL holder into ordering one for you...

I know my semi-local store had about 4-5 of them in stock that they couldn't get rid of... I need to get back up there to find a cheap used BDL or SPS LA magnum caliber so I can put my spare 7mm STW heavy barrel on it. Or if they still have any of those new SPS's in 7mmSTW still sitting around, I might go grab one of those...

In Stock @ Bud's Gun Shop...

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/..._id/80608/Remington+700+SPS+MAG+7MMSTW+26+WMB

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ts_id/76117/Remington+700+SPS+7MM+STW+26+BLUE

 

[cmorsch]

I plan to hunt sheep, pronghorn, and deer mostly with this rifle. And maybe elk sometimes. I would also be shooting out to 1000 yards max mostly. And 700-800 max on elk if I had to.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Go with the first link...It's got a factory muzzle brake on it.

7mm STW with handloads using Berger 180 VLD's should do exactly what you want it to do with no issues.

 

[WildRose]

I plan to hunt sheep, pronghorn, and deer mostly with this rifle. And maybe elk sometimes. I would also be shooting out to 1000 yards max mostly. And 700-800 max on elk if I had to.

CM if you want to shoot hornady bullets look at the interlock and interbond. They are much better bullets on game than the Amax. I've had the Amax's do some awful things when they break up and at these velocities they usually do unless you plan to do no shooting at under 700yds. I'm only a couple of hours west of you and if you wanted to shoot a 7mm STW or 300wm or both before you jump off of the cliff here purchasing one all it would cost you is the gas to get here and back.

For bullets, i'd strongly suggest looking at the Swift Sirocco, Hornady Interbond, and Accubonds. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

 

[Bigeclipse]

Im looking at getting a new rifle to take on hunts that will involve a lot of hiking. Im thinking of either a Remington 700 ADL in 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag? What does everyone think of these two or what other options to look at. Im trying to stay under 500 for a basic rifle since I will be changing out the stock and most likely the trigger as well.

I would look into the remington sendero. Definitely more than your budget, but it is a GREAT rifle in it's stock form. The trigger is even "OK". That is one thing you may change out later, but the stock is great, the barrels seem to be very decent and you get your 700 action. I got a remington mountain SS which is similar to the sendero (same type stock and such) but it is a light weight version with a thin barrel. I LOVE IT. Most guys on this site that dont want to spend a ton of money on a custom/semi custom rifle will buy senderos. Amazing rifle for 1000 bucks and when you get some cash later on after you shoot out it's barrel (if you ever do, not sure how much you shoot) then you can buy a custom barrel and you will have one FINE semi-custom rifle.

 

[cmorsch]

Thanks for the offer Wildrose, ill let you know if its something Im able to do. I had looked at the sender but decided against it cause of the starting weight. I want to keep the completed rifle under 10 Lbs.

 

[Bigeclipse]

Thanks for the offer Wildrose, ill let you know if its something Im able to do. I had looked at the sender but decided against it cause of the starting weight. I want to keep the completed rifle under 10 Lbs.

Then I would find the cheapest 700 I could...like an SPS, buy an aftermarket barrel and stock (bell and carlson if you need a budget but good stock or macmillen if you have the cash). A macmillen stock fitted by a gun smith with some bedding if needed will run you from 700-1000 by itself. The barrel will cost 300-400, and whatever your smith charges you to put it on your rifle. Truing/squaring your action will cost probably 100 bucks. So for somewhere between 1500-2500 you will end up with a nice semi-custom rifle that will no doubt shoot 1000 yards with proper handloads. If it were me, since I dont have lots of money id opt for the bell and carlson...which would be like 300 then have it fitted and bedded professionally for an additional 150-200. So say 500 for the stock+bedding, 600 for remington SPS NEW (I have heard there are walmart remington 700s that come with crap stocks for like 400 but havent seen one yet), 400 for barrel and 100 for squaring action. Then whatever trigger I desire...so around 1600-1800 bucks and you have a kick-*** rifle.

 

[cohunter14]

Given everything you have said, I would go with a Rem 700 SPS in 300win (over getting the ADL). That gives you something that you can shoot for now and upgrade as you go. A Bell & Carlson stock for $240 plus a nice trigger for $115 or so will get you in a great place. No need to upgrade the barrel right away unless it doesn't shoot, but I'm guessing once you got a new stock and trigger, it would be pretty accurate. Also, I would just bed the recoil lug yourself, save a bunch of money. The B&C stock comes with an aluminum bedding block, so bedding the lug would be all you need. Total cost would be in the $850-$900 range and you would have a very solid setup, but it would also give you the option to shoot the 'stock' SPS setup until you can afford the upgrades. Good luck!