The Remington 700 is a legendary bolt-action rifle, renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and adaptability. A key factor in its versatility is the availability of both short and long action receivers, allowing shooters to chamber a wide range of cartridges. This guide delves into the popular and less common calibers suitable for the Remington 700 short action, helping you choose the best option for your needs.
Understanding Remington 700 Short Action Compatibility
Before diving into specific calibers, it's crucial to understand what defines a "short action" in the Remington 700 platform. The short action's smaller receiver length limits the overall cartridge length it can accommodate. This generally means cartridges with shorter cases and, consequently, often smaller bullets. Trying to force a long-action cartridge into a short action can cause serious damage to the rifle.
Popular Remington 700 Short Action Calibers:
This section highlights some of the most prevalent and widely used calibers for the Remington 700 short action. Their popularity stems from a combination of factors including readily available ammunition, versatility in applications, and proven accuracy.
1. .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO:
- Uses: A highly versatile round popular for varmints, target shooting, and self-defense. Its relatively low recoil makes it suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
- Characteristics: Small, lightweight bullet, relatively flat trajectory, widely available ammunition.
- Considerations: Effective range is moderate compared to larger calibers. Penetration can be limited in heavier game.
2. .243 Winchester:
- Uses: An excellent all-around cartridge well-suited for varmints, deer, and other medium-sized game. Its accuracy and manageable recoil make it a favorite among hunters.
- Characteristics: Good balance of accuracy, energy, and range. More stopping power than .223 Remington.
- Considerations: May not be ideal for larger game animals in tougher conditions.
3. 6.5 Creedmoor:
- Uses: A rapidly growing in popularity, this round offers excellent long-range accuracy, flatter trajectory, and less recoil compared to similar calibers. Ideal for both hunting and target shooting.
- Characteristics: Excellent ballistic performance, moderate recoil, increasing availability of ammunition.
- Considerations: Relatively newer cartridge, so some component availability might be slightly less than more established calibers.
4. 7mm-08 Remington:
- Uses: A powerful and versatile cartridge commonly used for deer, antelope, and other medium-sized game. It provides increased stopping power over the .243 Winchester.
- Characteristics: Higher energy and better penetration compared to .243 Winchester. Moderate recoil.
- Considerations: Recoil is noticeably greater than the .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor.
5. .308 Winchester (sometimes fitted, but often requires modifications):
While technically possible to chamber a .308 Winchester in a Remington 700 short action, it often requires gunsmithing to ensure proper headspace and function. It's not a standard short-action cartridge and is generally best suited for long-action receivers.
Less Common but Worthy Calibers for Remington 700 Short Actions:
Several other calibers can be successfully chambered in Remington 700 short actions, although they might be less readily available or popular.
1. .22-250 Remington:
- Uses: Known for its exceptional accuracy and high velocity, making it a top choice for long-range varmint hunting.
- Characteristics: Extremely flat trajectory, high-velocity bullet.
- Considerations: Recoil can be significant for some shooters. More extreme trajectory drop than moderate-velocity cartridges.
2. .257 Roberts:
- Uses: This older cartridge offers excellent accuracy and performance on medium-sized game, balancing power and recoil.
- Characteristics: A good all-around choice for deer hunting.
- Considerations: Ammunition availability might be limited compared to more popular calibers.
Choosing the Right Caliber:
The best Remington 700 short action caliber for you ultimately depends on your intended use. Consider these factors:
- Intended Game: What type of animals will you be hunting?
- Shooting Range: How far will you typically be shooting?
- Recoil Tolerance: How much recoil can you comfortably manage?
- Ammunition Availability: Ensure ammunition for your chosen caliber is readily accessible.
Careful consideration of these factors will guide you toward selecting the ideal caliber for your Remington 700 short action rifle, maximizing your shooting experience. Remember to always consult with experienced firearm professionals for personalized advice and safe handling practices.
