i was wondering what kind of accurasy is everyone getting with factory ammo and reloads for a remington model 700 sps tactical in 223 rem... im getting 3-4 inch group, with a 5 shoot group off a bench at 100 yards... i have tried 5 def factory loads and all the same... i was going to start reloading for it next month but im thinking about selling it.. is this normal accurasy with factory ammo..... i checked the neck runout on 10 fired case's and it is runing 4-5 runout.... anyone have any ideas if i should sell it or try and work up a reload for it

No, it definitely is not normal. I have the same rifle (different serial # tho) and with the Federal XM193 it shoots 1/2" groups easily. I am assuming the rifle is new? From the factory, there should be approximately 50 inch/pounds of torque on the both of the bedding screws holding the stock on. If there isn't try to round up an inch pound torque wrench and torque them to that spec. Shoot 3 or 5 rounds and see if that doesn't solve some of the problem. You can also set them both at 50 in/lbs and then torque the front screw up 1 inch/pound at a time while shooting 3 shot groups. Thats what we have done with the same model in a 223, 243, 308 and they all shot 1/2" groups or better with good factory ammo. Also, you might make sure the scope mounts and rings are tight. Hope it helps

I would keep it until you've tried to get it to shoot with some reloading magic. If it doesn't work out to your satisfaction after trying this, then sell the sucker. When we buy a new rifle there is always that chance that it will be a non-shooter. When we buy a used shooter.....I always wonder why it was sold.

I have a Rem 700 SPS Varmint that is a real shooter with some .55-.78's if I'm doing my job.

Club if you don't mine my asking, what other possible problems have you eliminated?

Freefloat, rings, mounts,screws, good quality scope ect?

quote:

Club if you don't mine my asking, what other possible problems have you eliminated?

Freefloat, rings, mounts,screws, good quality scope ect?

+1

Consistent groups this bad on this gun aren't going to be solved by reloading. They are the result of a mechanical problem somewhere.

I'd try a different scope first. Then start walking through these other things.

LWD

If this is the one with the one with the Hoague, or HS Precision for that matter, stock, you may need to glass bed it even though it has pillars or the bedding block. I found those to be very out of round and binding for the action.

ok thank u all... i havent torqued the bedding screws yet, ill try that next... i put a nikon on it and ok rings and bass' but im going to get some better bass and rings next month and try tho's two things and see if that will help anything.... ill keep u all updated on if i get it shootong like its post to be

another QA, what is the best rings and bass' that i can put on that sps tactical

Anymore, they all work pretty well as long as you stay away from the made in china stuff. The ones I have seen like that are usually alum and pot metal.
I did have a 700 vls in .308 one time that wouldn't shoot a 4" group, brand new from Remington. After about 200 rounds, I sent it back to them and they didn't like the accuracy either. They replaced the barreled action and sent it back. If torquing doesn't help, give them a call and I will bet they will make it right.

Club, before you head out to buy new rings and mounts, be sure to check if the screws are tight on your existing one's. It's suprising how often they come loose under recoil, and causes problems for a guy.

Is that barrel free floated?

If it isn't floated, do so. If you don't know how, ask, and you will get plenty of help.

i need some more help plzz, what is a good youtube video or a good web-sit so i can see how to piller a stock and float the barrel... yes im a newbe to someof this stuff lol...

thanks

I would just start with freefloating. I wouldn't worry about pillar bedding unless you still had problems.

Here's a short video from Midway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0snATO8iJw

Midway and Brownells typically produce good video, but they always try to sell you something in them.

Instead of the fancy tool the show, I just wrap some sandpaper around a dowel. Sealing is optional, depending on the humidity where you live.

The last plastic stock I floated was only touching in one very small spot. It was about 1/4" by 1/16". After removing the spot it went from a 3" to a .75" gun.

ok will try that this weekend, thank u all for the help.... i some more info, what can i use for bedding a stock and were can i buy it

You might want to have the action blueprinted, if you plan on keeping this rifle for a while, my factory 700 VTR shot 1.2" @ 100yds, blueprinted and lapped it shoots in the .600" range.

Don't give up on it. If it is a synthetic stock like the Bell & Carlson or the HS Precision it should be pillar bedded and free floated. PM me and I think I can walk you through this.
Rick

ok,im all so thinking about trying my luck at blueprinting my model 700 all by my self... is it hard to do??? i did float the barrell on that SPS over the weekend and that helped the group size a little... im getting around 2" to 3" size group now.... next week im going to torque the stock bolts and see how much that helps....