My varmint rifle project

[NYBuckhunter]

I decided that I wanted to build a rifle for my new found love, predator hunting! I did a bunch of research and decided on what I wanted to start with and where I want to go with it. I am starting out with a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in 223. I decided on it because the 700 action is legendary, it comes with a heavy barrel with a decent rate of twist (12:1) and because of the cost of ammunition. I can shoot 223 without breaking the bank and it is a good round for the distances (max 250 - 300 yards) that I will be shooting. I got engaged to my girlfriend about a month ago and she said that she wanted to get me something as an engagement gift, so we set out looking for my rifle. We found a great price ($489) on the gun at one of the sporting goods stores around here for the gun setup with a 4-12x40 scope.



I did my research on what was available for a 50mm scope with illuminated reticule for under $300 and after reading many reviews on many scopes, I decided on a Vortex Crossfire 4-16x50 with illuminated Mil-Dot reticule. The scope is made in the USA and has a transferable warranty, so if I were to ever sell it, the next guy would still be covered. I wont ever be getting rid of this gun though lol.

Once I brought the gun home, I went ahead and ordered the scope using part of the money I made from selling my SKS. Today my scope arrived to my house, so I stopped at the sporting goods store on the way home and picked up a set of Weaver steel rings and a Rock Steady bipod with the rest of the cash I had from the SKS sale. As soon as I got home, I got it all put together, I think it turned out nice.





Now I just need to have it bore sighted and I will be adjusting the trigger pull down to 2 1/2 lbs vs the 4 1/2 that its at now. The gun has the X Mark Pro trigger in it, which is adjustable without removing anything from the gun. As soon as I get that stuff done, I am going to begin breaking it in. After speaking to a former military sniper, I will be breaking it in with 100 rounds, cleaning the barrel between each shot. I cant wait to get started!

The next phase of the project will be replacing the stock with a laminated Boyd's Thumbhole, which I will be pillar/glass bedding and floating.

[over drawn]

Nice gun! Shoot 'Em up!

[DocHolladay]

Order some Tubb's Final Finish loaded ammo to break it in. It will remove any tooling marks and also polish the throat and bore. This should increase accuracy and aid in ease of cleaning. It will also save you from having to shoot so much. Just clean good before shooting and inbetween rounds and you should be good to go. I just used some of the bullets and loaded them myself and it made a HUGE difference in cleaning ease and also improved accuracy. I can now increase my powder charge because of less friction in my barrel. My groups got 1/4" smaller, going down to 1/2" in total size. Me up'ing the powder charge may increase my group again, but from what I saw while working up my loads, the faster the smaller. If it makes you feel better, this does the same thing as when you have a gunsmith lap your barrel.

Here is a link for ya.... Tubbs Final Finish Bore Conditioner

P.S.- David Tubb is a World Champion shooter and wouldnt lead you in the wrong direction. At one point, he held the 1000yd record for smallest group.

[Brow Tine]

Very Nice NYB

[NYBuckhunter]

Thanks guys.

Doc, Im with you on this, I picked up 2 boxes of those Tubbs rounds last night after reading up on them last week. Plus I did a little more checking into proper barrel break in and that guy that I was talking to is nuts. The system I am going to use is:

clean bore, lube bolt, 1 shot
clean bore, lube bolt, 5 shots
clean bore, lube bolt, 10 shots
clean bore, lube bolt, 10 to 15 shots, clean again

Im going to break her in this weekend, should be fun!

[NYBuckhunter]

I got her broken in yesterday using the Tubbs rounds and the method I mentioned. I then sighted it in at 100 yards and started playing some shot for shot at 200 with my buddy that I went to the range with. My gun hangs with his AR in 223 no problem. Id like to get out for some coyotes before season ends later this month, plus Ill be out for woodchucks this spring and summer.

[DocHolladay]

Did you notice a difference in how easy it was to clean as you progressed with the Tubb's? Did you think to try a 3-5 shot group for a before and after comparison? Wish I would have thought to remind you to do it..... Anyway, what were your groups like?

[NYBuckhunter]

I used those to break the barrel in, so I hadnt shot it at all before I used them. I did run 60 rounds of regular surplus 223 through it after I did the break in and the groups were pretty good for off of a bipod with cheap, surplus ammo, around 1 inch or so at 100 yards. I didnt group it at 200, I just shot cans out there, but it was pretty consistent. I am going to take it out again and run the rest of the Tubbs rounds through it, along with the rest of the surplus stuff. After that I am going to start using the Remington UMCs and see how they do. This summer I am going to pick up all of the stuff I need for reloading so I can start working up custom loads for this gun and my 260. It will be cheaper to shoot my 40 as well.

BTW, I would recommend the Vortex scopes to anyone. I would have to say that mine is nicer than a competitive Bushnell for a lower price. Very crisp and clear even at full power. I want to see how it is in lower light while shooting though. The Mil-dot reticule kicks arse, its great for judging distances.

[DocHolladay]

I would start looking for primers and such now. It is slowly making a come back, but you would benefit from getting a couple of packs of the primers, bullet and brass you need. That way, if you get ready and that stuff is still in short supply, you will be a step ahead. I am looking for primers for my .44 mag right now. The place I usually buy from was out the last 2 times I checked. I have brass and can get powder. You can then get your press when you are ready.

[NYBuckhunter]

Yeah Im already looking around for things, Ive just had other things to spend money on lately. Ive got 220 rounds through the gun so far and I have been shooting the 55 grain Remington UMCs, which are holding 1/2 inch groups at 100 and not much worse at 200. I havent shot it any further than that yet, thats all the range at the gun club I go to has. My buddy and I are looking to start shooting steel plates out at 400 to 500 yards, we just have to find the place to do it.