New barrel on the Rem 700 or buy a Tikka?

[Little Dutch]

I'm not happy with the accuracy on my Rem 700 .22-250. I bought it used from an estate from a friend of the family a long while back. It's the varmint model with the heavy-ish grey stock. I'm reasonably happy with the package as is, just not the accuracy. I'm considering rebarreling it, but I'm also wondering if I'm better off looking for a Tikka T3x.

I'd like to make it my prairie dog rifle.

Thoughts? What haven't I considered yet?

Thanks.

Pretty sure this is the same package. I replaced the cheap scope that was on mine with something better, but otherwise I think it's stock:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fscgunshop.com.au%2Fproduct%2Frem ington-700-varmint-in-22-250-s-n-e6588304%2F&psig=AOvVaw141NYacy-ykb4b0zHg9Qam&ust=1647631189399000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLjE_tLuzfYCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

[earplug]

Look at a Criterion REM/AGE barrel swap.

[00tec]

I'd start by getting it out of the cardboard quality Rem stock. My varmint 700s came in awful furniture, it was the first thing to go.

[Tim K]

A barrel from a reputable barrel manufacturer will likely out perform even the best factory barrel. I'd put a Bartlein or Kreiger on it.

[Little Dutch]

I'd start by getting it out of the cardboard quality Rem stock. My varmint 700s came in awful furniture, it was the first thing to go.
That is where the cost question starts to really come into play. With a new stock the price-point starts to become a wash with buying a new Tikka. I didn't think that Varmint stock was too bad, but I've got very little experience with aftermarket stocks.


A barrel from a reputable barrel manufacturer will likely out perform even the best factory barrel. I'd put a Bartlein or Kreiger on it.

Bartlein offers 1:12, 1:7.7, and 1:6.5 twists. Even 1:12 is a significant change from 1:14, which is the only option for the Shilen match on Midway. I haven't checked other brands yet.
I reload and would absolutely be open to trying longer bullets. What's the preferred twist and associated bullet weight on a prairie dog .22-250? This is one I can probably answer with some internet digging, but haven't done that yet either. I can tonight after work of course.

[Tim K]

In a perfect world, what bullet would you like to use?

[Hoser]

I would get a 8 twist that way you can use most any bullet from 35 to 85 gns.

Most varmint hunters go with lighter bullets like 50-55 gns.

[longrange2]

I’ve heard good reports about Ragged Hole barrels, they are Wilson blanks and about $200. I think Cooper uses them on their rifles. I’ve got a stainless R700 in .223 I may try one on. I think I’m going 1:8 twist and sporter contour.

[Great-Kazoo]

Have you considered recrowning it, first, As well as tried different weight bullet ?

[Little Dutch]

I generally prefer Sierra Gameking and Matchking bullets, but whatever bullet weight is going to give me accuracy at distance is good with me. I’m not hard-set on any particular weight or brand.
I don’t have a ton of .224 laying around. Enough to do test loads with most weights between 55 and 75, but not enough to warrant a specific twist rate on a new barrel.

Thanks for the heads up on all the possible brand barrels to look at.

Thanks for the lighter bullet for varmint hunters too.

[00tec]

I love my 40gr .223 loads, but they get pretty trashy past 300 or 400 yards with the wind here. I'm on a 1:12, so my options are limited

[Tim K]

If you’re not married to a particular bullet, Hoser’s advice is also mine. Fast twist give you versatility.

[whitewalrus]

So the 22-250 is really built around slow twist and light for caliber bullets. Which is not the popular thing anymore. If you look at loads for it, often few are even found with heavy bullets. It was designed around lighter bullets flying fast as possible.

If you wanting to shoot heavy for caliber bullets, the 22 creedmoor may be your better choice as this is designed with fast twist and heavy for caliber bullet choice. Some of the older guys I know will tell you to step up to bigger caliber if you want a heavier bullet - like 243.

With prairie dogs, any bullet will do. You aren?t trying to save anything, so matters not how blown up they get. Most people I know will shoot 45-60 range for 22 caliber. Mostly due to cost and that you need nothing bigger. This range is also good for when you want to get the fur from a coyote.

The tikkas are some of the best out of the box that you can get sub $1K, but upgrading your current barrel should be cheaper than a new gun.


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