Author Topic: Can't really decide? Please help if you have input. (Read 1578 times)

DalesCarpentry · « **on:** August 16, 2007, 05:31:56 AM »

I have been around GBO for awhile. This is my first post in this forum. I have a couple Handi Rifles and that is where I normally hang out. I am working nearly 80 hours a week right now and weather the wife likes it or not I am going to reward myself with a new rifle. She just don't know it yet. I have owned a couple Remingtons in the past and like them. I am looking for an out of the box very accurate varmint rifle. I have to say the XR-100 really peaks my interest. If you read some say you can get almost one ragged hole out of the box. I really like to hear that. I hunt Groundhogs here in Pa and some of the farms I hunt are very long shots. I wish they made this model in a 243. That would solve alot of my problems because sometimes I really have to reach out there and a 204 really does not have what it takes. I have had a 204 and past 300 and some yards the knock down power falls off. So then I think maybe 22-250 but just don't know. Then I look and read about the 700 SPS Varmint and it comes in the 243. I kind of think that should be how I go. Rember I am on the cheap side but don't mind paying for the right rifle that will let me reach out to as far as 600 yards. I also plan on some good glass for it. If any of you have input please speak up. It is hard to decide. Dale

beemanbeme · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2007, 10:48:54 AM »

600 yards is a looooong ways. I've done it in a Pdog field with a 22-250 but it was a lot more luck than skill. I'm sure the boys will chime in about their .223's with the specialty twists and heavy bullets.
A .243 might be the way to go but its gonna take a lot more cash to feed it than a .223 or a 22-250. Even if you reload.
A .224 bulk bullet will kill a groundhog or Pdog just as dead as any high dollar bullet you can buy.
The XR-100 can give you one ragged hole right out of the box but they are heavy. Don't know how you plan on using your varmint rifle.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2007, 11:18:20 AM »

A .22-250 or Swift is up to 600 yard PD shooting IF the shooter is and assuming the rifle, scope ammo is accurate enough. But don't over look the Remington 700 VLS in 6MM Remington. That's about as nice a super long range round for PDs as you'll find.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2007, 01:38:38 PM »

I second what Graybeard said, the only drawback about that is that 6mm ammo isn't as easy to find as others, but if you reload well.....

I'm ordering a SPS Varmint next week in .308. Look for my range report as to how the overall rifle is. If you get one before me, post up your findings

Back on topic....I lose confidence in the .223, .22-250 and even the .243 out to ranges like 600 yards. No matter the size of varmint, at that range I grab the .308 every time. With that said, if you do your part and you have a rifle and ammo thats capable, you'll still kill 'em dead. Out of those 3, I'd definitely grab a .243.

I got a woodchuck at 520 yards when I was a young teen with my Uncles VLS 6mm, that's when I fell in love with the VLS and that caliber. I over compensated as far as elevation and hit the top of its skull, left a nice chunk of brain on the dirt around his hole. Awesome rifle coupled with a very efficient round = many dead critters. I'm saddened to see that 6mm never took off, it deserves better.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2007, 01:54:01 AM »

Hello Dale, have you got time for this?

You will find the 700 action to be smooth and reliable. They are a class act, no doubt. I have a BDL VS I bought in 81 and it is still one of my favorite rifles, white line spacers and all. I really think the 260 Remington is a hard cartridge to beat for long range shooting. You can get VLD bullets for it and it launches them at decent velocities. Recoil is not too bad for the occasional shot, 5-10/day, that hunting woodchucks offers. But alas, I do not think Remington has any 260's listed this year in any of their rifles. The 700 VLS is a heavy rifle 9+ pounds that is offered in 243 and 6 mm as well as other varmint cartridges, but not the 260. It is blued, and it has a 26" barrel and laminated stock. It is a serious long range rifle. If I remember correctly you do not reload so my choice would be the 243. If you are going to reload then I would opt for the 6 mm Rem and work up a load for a 75+ grain bullet. Just my 2 cents.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2007, 02:51:23 AM »

Like LaOtto222 said, the VLS is one serious long range rifle, here is mine in .308

If you get one and you check to see if the barrel is free floated and you find it isn't, do NOT attempt to free float it, that pressure point is there for a reason.

I consistently get groups of .4 and .5 and that's with cheapo American Eagle 150 grain FMJ's, I've gotten down to a I believe .383 with Remmy Premiere Match 168grain HP's.

I've have never heard of a VLS that wasn't a serious tack driver out of the box, and that goes for all calibers. That's one model I doubt the Big Green will ever retire. It deserves a lot more praise then it receives, that's for sure.

What were we talking about again?

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2007, 06:17:08 AM »

Well guy's. Maybe the 6mm might be the way to go? I never really considered a 6mm till now. The VLS is offered in that caliber in my 2007 catalog. I see the 6mm shoots a little flatter than the 243. I just wonder what the cost of the 6mm ammo is compared to the 243 ammo? I do not reload yet but plan to start very soon.I also have a 8.5x25x44 Tacticle Muller scope I might put on it. What do you think of that? Can I really expect the VLS to shoot .50 MOA out of the box? Dale

sniperVLS · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2007, 06:31:43 AM »

.243 ammo is readily available and cheaper, reloading would take care of that problem though.

Every VLS I've shot(seven in total) were sub MOA. Once you start expecting things though, you may run into problems. All one can hope for is that it shoots atleast MOA, sub-MOA is icing on the cake.

You might get the best VLS ever produced, or the worst. Noone here will tell you you'll get .5", you won't know until you get some rounds thru it.

I am not familiar with those scopes, someone else might be and hopefully they'll post up.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2007, 06:39:16 AM »

Quote from: sniperVLS on August 17, 2007, 06:31:43 AM

.243 ammo is readily available and cheaper, reloading would take care of that problem though.

Every VLS I've shot(seven in total) were sub MOA. Once you start expecting things though, you may run into problems. All one can hope for is that it shoots atleast MOA, sub-MOA is icing on the cake.

You might get the best VLS ever produced, or the worst. Noone here will tell you you'll get .5", you won't know until you get some rounds thru it.

I am not familiar with those scopes, someone else might be and hopefully they'll post up.

You are probably right about expecting .50. I guese that would really be a dream on my part!!!! I do hope it shoots less than MOA. Dale

safetysheriff · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2007, 07:23:01 AM »

the rather short neck of the .243 Win' is sometimes reported as being part of the reason that hotrod eats barrels. the longer neck of the 6mm Rem' is conversely reported as being part of the reason that it is easier on barrels/throating. i'd get the 6mm myself, if 'stuck' on the idea of some heavier bullets for long-range varminting. that being said, however, i'd prefer the .22-250 over either one of them for varmints out to maybe 450 yards. with 60 gr' V-Max bullets i think you're good for that much distance, but don't know about going to 600 yards with Me behind the trigger. 600 yard shots will take some serious wind-doping ability as well as determining the range to target.

i'd be happy shooting vermin out to 400 yards, myself. i like the idea of getting 200 yards closer and of being more assured of hitting what i'm aiming at. BUT, that's my limitation. i've never taken a varmint at that distance yet, though i'd like to have the opportunity for it.

the .224 diameter projectile will be less expensive than the .243.

"Dick's Clothing and Sporting Goods" has the SPS in the new Varmint model here in n.e. Ohio for $549 in .223, .22-250, and .308 calibers. is there one near you? they have 'em in the green stock with the bull barrels. they are muzzle heavy, however.

take care,

ss'

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2007, 07:32:04 AM »

Dale, when ya get ready for your "reward", RR has some great prices on the SPS and other Remingtons, they're good to deal with and their shipping is very reasonable, they also show stock quantities available.

Tim

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?action=1037&brand=REMSPS

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2007, 10:47:32 AM »

Thanks Tim. Those are real good prices. I am thinking of just getting the 243 SPS and if it does not shoot as well as I like I would swap it to lam stocks. so the barrel could be floated. Dale

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2007, 11:45:06 AM »

Well guy's I have been talking to a friend over the phone and he has suggested the 260 for me. LaOtto222 also mentioned this round. The great thing about this round is I could load it light for varmints and heavy for deer. I could really have the best the best of both worlds. What experience have you guy's had with this round. The thing is I can only find it in the Mountain gun and I think it only has a 20'' barrel. Did they ever make the 260 in the heavy bull barrel that is 26''? Dale

Graybeard · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2007, 11:56:37 AM »

The LSS Mtn. Rifle is now discontinued in .260 but had a 22" barrel. I think the Model 7 CDL is now the ONLY rifle Remington chambers to this round. It has a 20" barrel.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:10:20 PM »

Here ya go Dale!!

Tim

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G6279

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=DPMSRFLR-260

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #15 on:** August 21, 2007, 09:43:52 AM »

Well guy's I did it. I made up my mind and ordered the Remington 700 SPS Varmint 243 today.I sure hope it shoots!!!! I should have it in a week or so. Dale

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** August 21, 2007, 09:51:19 AM »

If you ordered it from RR, be aware they don't ship immediately, they have a "processing time" of up to several days. $:-\$

Tim

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2007, 10:41:52 AM »

Tim I ended up ordering from a local gun shop. He sold it to me for $520.00 plus tax. I did not think that was bad because after you add R&R's shipping and then the transfer fees it would have been about the same and he is a good guy and could use the sale. Dale

quickdtoo · « **Reply #18 on:** August 21, 2007, 11:06:32 AM »

That's good, even if it costs a bit more, you're helping keep him in business and you'll have local service options if there's a problem.

Tim

sniperVLS · « **Reply #19 on:** August 21, 2007, 03:00:32 PM »

Congrats Dale, let us know how it is! I'm dying to get one but no such luck yet.

Went to Dicks to special order it and their distributor still has none on stock and I'm not handing them money for a wait that they said could take up to 6 months?!?!?! Its refundable but still...

Gander can order it and have it their within the week but they were in the middle of Inventory and told me to come back in 2 weeks. Ganders price is 20.00 more than Dicks, they wont price match because the Dicks I go to isn't close enough to be considered competition but another 20.00 is worth it if I can have it a week later.

I've learned, locally anyways, Dicks may have good prices for firearms but what good is it when they can't order anything? I asked about a right and left hand VSF in .308, zero. VLSS Thumbhole .223, zero. SPS Varmint, zero. Polices, zero. Sendero SF II .300rum, zero. Rem 870 Marine, zero. Rem 870 tac-2, zero. Their distributor sucks, I forgot who it was.

On most of their rifle prices, they are about 80.00 less than Gander, but again, does me no good if they can't get them in

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** August 21, 2007, 03:07:14 PM »

RR has 2 of the 308 stainless SPS...

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G7136

sniperVLS · « **Reply #21 on:** August 22, 2007, 01:14:05 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on August 21, 2007, 03:07:14 PM

RR has 2 of the 308 stainless SPS...

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G7136

I'd only do that if it was a last ditch effort, I'm not that desperate yet, but thanks

529.99 at Dicks and 555.99 at Gander. 557.00 at RR plus Shipping plus 20.00 to 30.00 to my local dealer for their FFL fee. In the end it's actually not much higher than Ganders price + tax, Dicks must get them in or they will be placed in a timeout!

We need reviews from all of you who have gotten this model! get out there and shoot, and take pics!

Ignore the above, I realized your link went to the Stainless. The Varmint I want is only 506.00

Hmm, I may have to give these guys a call. N/m, 0 in stock, I can't win