I'm looking at the Remington 700's that Cabela's always has a markdown on. If I remember right they were the SPS. I'm planning for a .308 or a .30-06. I'm leaning towards the .308 as I've kinda always been a fan of them from what I've heard. Plus if I get into reloading, I'd like to keep my powder burning to a minimal... Deer rifle is what I'm thinking and possibley longer ranged targets. I worry about the pencil thin barrels on them so thanks in advance guys and I'm looking for any and all info on these guns!

Which SPS model is it? As far as a std. weight bbl, I like them. As a deer rifle, while using it as intended and not shooting long strings of rounds, a light bbl will put the first couple shots as accurately as a HB, bbl qaulity being the same. If I was walking alot, I might even go with a carbine-sized gun. For a practical rifle for me, being handy and fast handling is ALWAYS better than some long, heavy unit that shoots the 3rd or 4th round closer to the first 2 rounds. A std rifle is not a niche gun, even though sometimes HB this and Target bbl that seems the status quo. Vice versa. For a deer rifle, especially in the woods, i'd even go so far as to choose a carbine-sized gun over a HB target type gun if those were my only two choices.

As far as calibers, which ever you prefer. I like the 243 ALOT but also like dad's Win. 70 in 30-06 alot, too. A 7mm-08 would be a good choice as well. We use to have a guy who was a big fan of 25-06's and knew them inside and out. Anybody seen Ledz??


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Not sure about which SPS model it is. Just the standard sythetic stocked standard weight barrel. I thought and am still thinking about chamberings. I like the idea of a .243 and the .25-06 but this might be a rifle I'd take out west for elk some day. Considered the 7mm-08 as well but that's a little harder to find and also a little more expensive as well! I would like a lighter barrel for deer hunting but i also want to at least shoot some impromptu targets at longer ranges, just for the fun of it. I know the limits of a .308 and I'd be limiting my shots to around 250 on animals for sure. But I'm getting ahead of myself! How many shots until that barrels starts throwing accuracy due to the light(er) weight of it? 5 shots? 10?

Depends on the inherent stress in the bbl. could be 2-3-4-5 or more, depnding on the bbl.

FYI: HO, If you have a Dick's Sporting Goods in your area, they currently have a rem. 700 SPS in .308 with a 26" heavy barrel and the (newer) synthetic stock with "Buick" holes in camo for under $500. I have a Cabela's Varmint 700 SPS - basically the same rifle with a black stock and a dull stainless heavy barrel and jeweleled bolt - in .22-250, that I bought there on sale for about the same price ("on sale"); I think they also come chambered in .308 Win. You might check with Cabelas to see if they have that model; maybe some in other areas do, e.g.: Wheeling W VA if not yours.
Also, mine shoots surprisingly well. Haven't touched the trigger, handloaded, etc. and still getting an easy inch m.o.a. with factory F-P ammo.