A Storied Past: The Remington 700’s Foundation
The story of the Remington 700 is a tale of continuous refinement and unwavering dedication to precision. It wasn’t born overnight. Its ancestry can be traced back to Remington’s earlier rifle models, specifically the Remington Model 721 and 722, released in the 1940s. These rifles introduced innovative design features that streamlined the manufacturing process and offered improved accuracy. However, the Model 700, introduced in 1962, took these advancements to another level.
The Model 700 marked a significant shift. It introduced a short-action receiver design, which offered increased rigidity and faster cycling times. Furthermore, it featured a more efficient bolt design, providing smoother operation and tighter lockup, key elements for precision shooting. This combination of features proved to be a winning formula. The rifle quickly gained traction among hunters, target shooters, and the military alike.
The influence of the Remington 700 cannot be understated. It became a benchmark for bolt-action rifle design, inspiring numerous competitors and shaping the evolution of the hunting rifle. Its adaptability has been another key to its success. Remington understood early on that offering the rifle in a variety of calibers would broaden its appeal, attracting a diverse customer base with different needs and preferences. This has led to the proliferation of different variations and custom offerings, further cementing its place in firearm history.
Exploring Cartridge Families and Their Applications
The Remington 700 is offered in a stunning array of cartridge sizes. The selection of the right one is paramount to its effectiveness and enjoyment. Let’s explore the landscape of these often-overlooked cartridges.
Many factors need to be considered when choosing a caliber. The primary consideration is the purpose you intend to use the rifle for. Hunting requires different considerations than target shooting, for example. Then, there is the size of the target (game) you will hunt, the anticipated shooting distances, and your personal tolerance for recoil. Some hunters prefer a flat trajectory, which favors certain calibers with high muzzle velocities, while others prioritize the ability to drop the animal quickly. Also, availability and the cost of ammunition play a crucial role in your decision.
Popular Choices for the Hunting Field
For the hunter, the choices in Remington 700 calibers are vast. Several stand out as consistently popular and effective choices.
The All-Around .30-06 Springfield: This venerable cartridge boasts a rich history and is often considered the quintessential hunting caliber. It’s known for its versatility, capable of taking down a wide range of game, from deer and black bear to elk and moose, depending on the bullet weight. The .30-06 offers a decent balance of recoil and power, making it manageable for many shooters. Muzzle velocities typically range from around 2,600 to 3,000 feet per second (fps), depending on the bullet weight. Ammunition is readily available and generally affordable. This, combined with a wide range of bullet weights and styles, makes it a practical choice for various hunting scenarios. The .30-06’s trajectory is somewhat curved at longer ranges compared to some flatter-shooting calibers, but it remains a highly effective choice for most North American game.
The Versatile .308 Winchester: Often considered the younger sibling of the .30-06, the .308 Winchester has rapidly gained favor. Developed in the 1950s, it became a popular round for military and civilian use. The .308 Winchester offers similar performance to the .30-06 at moderate ranges, but often with a more compact size and less felt recoil. This can make it more comfortable for some shooters. It’s a very popular choice for hunting deer, hogs, and other mid-sized game animals. It’s also a favorite for target shooting at intermediate distances. The .308 Winchester has a good ballistic coefficient, which translates to flatter trajectories and better retained energy. It’s also widely available, both in terms of rifles and ammunition.
The Big Game Powerhouse: 7mm Remington Magnum: For hunters seeking more range and stopping power, the 7mm Remington Magnum is a solid option. This magnum cartridge delivers higher velocities and flatter trajectories than the .30-06 and .308 Winchester. It is particularly well-suited for larger game such as elk, moose, and bear at longer distances. The 7mm Rem Mag offers a good balance of power and manageable recoil. Muzzle velocities typically reach between 3,000 and 3,300 fps. Be aware that the increased power translates to a higher cost for ammunition and requires a bit more experience managing the recoil.
The Classic: .270 Winchester: A favorite of many hunters, the .270 Winchester is known for its flat trajectory and relatively mild recoil. This makes it an ideal choice for deer, antelope, and other medium-sized game at longer ranges. The .270 offers a flatter trajectory than many other hunting calibers, making it easier to hit targets at extended distances. It achieves good performance at these ranges. While it may not deliver the same knock-down power as the larger magnums, the .270’s accuracy and long-range capabilities make it a formidable choice for the experienced hunter. Ammunition availability is good.
The Rising Star: 6.5 Creedmoor: In recent years, the 6.5 Creedmoor has exploded in popularity, not only in hunting, but also in the world of long-range target shooting. This caliber offers exceptional ballistic performance, including high ballistic coefficients, which allows it to maintain velocity and resist wind drift at great distances. It excels at delivering flat trajectories and consistent accuracy. While perhaps not ideal for very large game due to its bullet weight, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a great choice for deer, antelope, and other mid-sized game. It offers minimal recoil, making it a comfortable choice for many shooters.
Other Considerations when Choosing a Caliber
Beyond the primary function of hunting, shooting sports or tactical situations, different calibers thrive in the various roles the Remington 700 fulfills.
Ammunition Choice: Once you have decided on a caliber, the next step is to determine the best ammunition. The most important variable in this is the weight of the bullet. Choosing a bullet weight that is appropriate for your target species is crucial. Lighter bullets offer flatter trajectories and higher velocities, but may not deliver sufficient stopping power at longer ranges. Heavier bullets offer more retained energy, but may have a less-than-ideal trajectory.
Recoil Consideration: The effect of recoil has more to do with the specific design of a rifle than with the caliber itself. However, the amount of recoil is generally linked to the size of the cartridge. The more energy a cartridge has, the more recoil is felt by the shooter. So, a .30-06 will have less recoil than a 7mm Rem Mag. Be realistic about your comfort level and ability to handle recoil. Excessive recoil can negatively impact accuracy and enjoyment of shooting.
Range: Another consideration is the maximum effective range, and the ability of the shooter. The maximum effective range for different calibers varies. Some calibers are only effective at short and medium ranges (less than 300 yards) while other cartridges are specifically designed to hit their target at extremely long distances.
Environmental Considerations: It’s critical to be aware of local regulations and constraints when selecting a caliber. Some jurisdictions may have minimum or maximum caliber requirements for hunting particular species. Furthermore, the use of lead-based ammunition is becoming increasingly restricted in some areas, which adds a further layer of consideration.
The Remington 700: A Legacy of Adaptability
The Remington 700’s ability to embrace a wide range of calibers has been central to its longevity and widespread popularity. This has given shooters the freedom to select the right cartridge for the task, ensuring that this iconic rifle remains a constant presence in the hands of hunters, shooters, and military personnel worldwide. The Remington 700 continues to evolve, but its core principle of offering top-tier accuracy and reliability remains.
By carefully selecting the caliber and matching it with the intended purpose, shooters can unlock the full potential of the Remington 700. The rifle continues to be a powerful and versatile platform.
The Pursuit of the Right Cartridge
The decision of “What Caliber Is Remington 700” is truly a personal one, depending on a variety of factors that include game species, expected shooting distances, and personal preference. Remember to consult with experienced shooters and firearms experts for guidance. Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect match is to get out there and start shooting. This will help you better understand your own preferences and needs. The Remington 700 offers a solid foundation for a lifetime of shooting enjoyment. Embrace this rich history, and may your shooting endeavors be both safe and fulfilling.
