Ok based on the recommendations of the the forums I have my rifle setup with decent optics and kit (I think–spotting scope/tripod, dope book). I said decent, not “uber”, so with that in mind:
I put my scope in talley rings and zero’d rather quickly at 25 yards. I’ve added a Harris Bipod–I don’t expect those to great affect accuracy, just trying to “emulate” a good setup. The best bargin was the rifle–I already had it so it was “free” and the intent is to learn before I start dropping major coin on a major rifle build.
On a stock 24" Reminting 700 BDL (circa late 90s), what kind of accuracy can I expect. This is a thin barrel, off the shelf at the local store. My local ranges limit me mostly to 100 yards with a few offering ranges to 400.
Any other upgrades than can be made that are worth the price? I’ve read that some Remington’s have adjustable triggers–I don’t have the feel for what a good trigger is so I’m not keen to adjust it just yet, but I have read that it is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve accuracy.
Otherwise I think it might be time to get out and shoot the thing (or shoot it more as it where), along with attending some training. Perhaps get a reloading set. 300 mag don’t come cheap–but that’s life in any caliber for precision.
Did you mention what cartridge it’s chambered in… or did I miss that?
Anyhow, pencil barrels aren’t known for their repeatability, especially under long strings of fire as often happens in the tactical “snipery” world of new marksmen.
However, with the right loads they can still shoot sub-moa for the first 4-6 shots taken in succession. The hotter and faster the cartridge, the fewer shots it will take to heat it up and start throwing fliers.
Your best money will be spent on reloading, and shooting.
I’d rebarrel it, I’d also go to a different caliber unless you need it for hunting or whatever. 300 wm recoil can be brutal and for target shooting doesnt offer any distinct advantage over 308 until you start getting out there pretty far.
You need to decide what you want to do with it. If you hunt, I would leave it alone and it should be plenty accurate for that or if doing really long range hunting, decide how heavy you want it based on hunting needs and re-barrel. If your interest is target shooting, do a heavy re-barrel, minimum 24", I would go 26" with the 300wm. I personally don’t feel that a properly set up 300wm would be a chore to shoot and enjoy. Is it going to recoil more than a short action, depends on the set up.
I just zeroed my 30-06 the other day, 24" SS Rem700/stock rifle, used 150 grain Hornady SST interlock’s. At 200 all shots were within the confines of the 3" paster, measured just under 2"(nothing earth shattering), so your stock 300wm should do the same with good ammunition.
If you are going to shoot a lot, yes invest in reloading. In my opinion, if just hunting and don’t want to invest in reloading, time and effort tweaking a load, just buy the good factory stuff, maybe pick up some cheaper ammo for positional shooting, understanding slight zero differences.
The Timney’s are good triggers, I have one on a recent build and it’s nice. I went with steel Warne’s on my latest hunter, 7mm-08, I like the 4 screw hold on them, if the Talley’s are 2 screw and you plan to shoot it alot and/or re-barrel, I would look into the heavy duty “tactical” rings such as Nightforce, Badger, etc. Usually the 2 screw rings will loosen or slip with the magnums, most people with hunting rings will never see this as the rifles don’t see high round counts.