Remington 700 SPS Tactical - Heavy Barrel

[xTasee]

Folks...does anyone have experience with the 700 Tactical HB? For the 20" barrel that it carries, what are the actual weaknesses as far as velocity and range? This one is on my list to get, however, I've not shot it yet.

Some say the 20" barrel is great, others say that velocity is much lower due to the shorter barrel. Some claim they can hit a 600-800 range with the short barrel, via videos.

I'd appreciate some real-world experience and input on this one.
Thank you!

 

[waldron1305]

I have no trigger time experience with the 20". however i have talked to alan brown from aj brown arms here in the state. im looking at the 5r 20" myself. anyways he has told me that a 20" is the absolute minimum you want for 800-1000. And then it comes down to you ability and the loads you are running. but yes a 20" is capable of shooting 1000. ive done alot of research on the snipers hide. and guys there talk about varying -50 to-150 fps out of the 20" over the 24/26". so the length is capable depending on shooter ability and load.

 

[waldron1305]

Sorry, left this out. alan told me a 20" is capable but not ideal. he recommended 24" for 1000. and 20" for 600-800.

 

[42769vette]

i can make 750 yd hits out of my 20 inch barrel 308 cold bore with no issues. the 20 inch barrel is not as capable as 24 etc, but for most folks its fine

 

[Dave Doehrman]

Some say the 20" barrel is great, others say that velocity is much lower due to the shorter barrel. Some claim they can hit a 600-800 range with the short barrel, via videos.

I have the 700 SPS Varmint with the 26" heavy barrel and have shot 5" groups out to 1,000 yards using my reloads.

I also have the AR-10T with the 20" heavy barrel and shoot 10" groups at 1,000 yards using the same 168gr reloads. The 700 has a 1:12 twist and the AR-10T has 1:10 twist

I have seen some fellows shooting the 20" Tactical at 1,000 yards and everyone seems to agree that the 26" barrels do much better out past 800 yards. At 600-800 yards you should be fine with the 20", but if you plan to shoot beyond that range, I would go with the 26" barrel.

 

[Jeremiah]

Any reason you are set on .308? have you considered a .260?

 

[teddy12b]

I've shot a buddies 700 sps tactical 308 and it's a nice rifle. I'm spoiled because I shoot savage rifles, but I think the potential was there for the sps tact to be a real performer. The magpul precision rifle had a guy who preferred the 20" barrel lengths. It all depends on what you'd like to do with it.