Understanding the Core of the Remington 700 Long Action
The Remington 700 rifle stands as a cornerstone in the world of firearms, renowned for its accuracy, ruggedness, and adaptability. Its design, first introduced to the public in the mid-twentieth century, has remained largely unchanged, a testament to its enduring appeal. This article dives deep into a specific variant of the Remington 700, the long action, and explores the diverse world of calibers that it accommodates. If you’re a seasoned shooter, a budding hunter, or simply someone intrigued by the engineering of precision firearms, this is your comprehensive guide to understanding the *Remington 700 long action calibers*.
The heart of any firearm lies in its action, the mechanism that handles the loading, firing, and ejection of spent cartridges. In the context of the *Remington 700*, the “long action” refers to the physical dimensions of the receiver, the part of the rifle that houses the bolt and other internal components. This longer action is specifically engineered to accommodate cartridges with longer overall lengths, allowing for a wider range of powerful rounds to be chambered. This inherent adaptability is a key factor in the Remington 700’s enduring popularity, enabling its use in a multitude of shooting and hunting applications.
The dimensions of a *Remington 700 long action* are specifically designed to handle longer ammunition. The action’s internal magazine well and bolt travel are extended to facilitate the reliable feeding, chambering, and extraction of these larger cartridges. The benefit is not just the ability to use a wider array of calibers; it also frequently translates to a more substantial bullet selection and the potential for superior ballistics, including increased range, flatter trajectories, and more energy delivered at the target. This design differentiates it from the shorter “short action” versions, which are designed for cartridges with shorter overall lengths. The choice between long and short actions often depends on the specific caliber and the intended use of the rifle.
Popular Choices: Standard Calibers for the Long Action
The versatility of the *Remington 700 long action* shines in its ability to handle a range of different calibers. Certain calibers have become synonymous with the long action, favored by hunters and shooters for their proven performance and widespread availability. Let’s explore some of the most popular among *Remington 700 long action calibers*.
The .30-06 Springfield holds a special place in American history, serving as the primary military cartridge for several decades. It is a versatile round, suitable for a wide range of hunting, from deer to elk, and even bears in some regions. This caliber has earned its place as one of the most-chambered calibers in a long action due to its relatively mild recoil, readily available ammunition, and exceptional ballistic characteristics at moderate ranges. The .30-06 offers a good balance of power and manageability, making it an excellent choice for hunters of all experience levels.
The .270 Winchester, another popular option, is renowned for its flatter trajectory and high velocity. Developed by Winchester in the early twentieth century, this caliber has proven exceptionally accurate, delivering impressive downrange performance. It is well-suited for hunting deer and other medium-sized game. The flatter trajectory makes it a favorite among hunters who shoot in open terrain, where precise shot placement at longer distances is crucial. The .270’s relatively low recoil is an added bonus, contributing to its popularity among shooters.
The 7mm Remington Magnum is a serious powerhouse, delivering exceptional energy and range. This caliber offers a good balance of trajectory, energy, and recoil and offers a good choice for hunting game up to the size of elk. It boasts a relatively flat trajectory, making it suitable for shots at extended ranges. Its ability to deliver a significant amount of kinetic energy at longer distances makes it a favorite among big-game hunters and long-range target shooters.
Beyond the Standards: The Magnum Calibers
The *Remington 700 long action* truly excels when it comes to magnum calibers. These high-performance rounds are engineered for maximum power and range, making them ideal for hunting large game and engaging targets at extreme distances. The long action provides the necessary space to accommodate the longer cartridges associated with magnum loads.
The .300 Winchester Magnum is a workhorse in the world of hunting rifles. It has earned its reputation as a versatile and effective round, suitable for a wide variety of game, from elk and moose to bear. With its high ballistic coefficient and substantial energy, this caliber delivers impressive downrange performance. The .300 Win Mag is a popular choice for hunters who need a single rifle capable of handling various game sizes and terrain.
The .300 Weatherby Magnum is a step up in performance, offering even higher velocities and a flatter trajectory than the .300 Winchester Magnum. Designed by Roy Weatherby, this caliber delivers incredible energy, making it exceptionally potent at long ranges. This caliber is often favored by hunters who pursue large game in challenging environments and desire the maximum effective range.
The .338 Winchester Magnum is a heavy hitter, designed for large and dangerous game. This powerful round delivers massive stopping power, making it an excellent choice for hunting elk, moose, and even potentially larger game like bears. The .338 Win Mag is recognized for its deep penetration and devastating terminal performance.
The .340 Weatherby Magnum offers a similar level of performance to the .338 Win Mag, delivering exceptional energy and range. This caliber delivers a flat trajectory and a high level of stopping power, making it another excellent choice for hunting large and potentially dangerous game. The .340 Weatherby Magnum is well-suited for hunters looking for maximum power and reach.
Other Notable Calibers
While the calibers discussed above are the most commonly encountered, the *Remington 700 long action* has been chambered in other, sometimes more specialized, rounds. This underscores the platform’s adaptability.
The .264 Winchester Magnum, while not as prevalent as some others, offers excellent performance with a flat trajectory and a high ballistic coefficient. This caliber is a favorite among hunters who appreciate accuracy, extended range, and minimal wind drift.
The 8mm Remington Magnum is an older offering, providing a heavy-hitting option for large game. This caliber offers significant stopping power and is well-suited for hunting elk and moose.
It is worth noting that the availability of ammunition and the specific factory offerings from *Remington* have varied over the years. However, the wide range of potential calibers continues to be a hallmark of the *Remington 700 long action*. The possibility of customizing your rifle with rebarreling to a less common caliber is an aspect of owning a *Remington 700* which many appreciate.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate caliber for your *Remington 700 long action* requires careful consideration of several factors.
Understanding the kind of game you intend to hunt is paramount. Different calibers are optimized for different game sizes. A round well-suited for whitetail deer might not be adequate for elk or moose.
Consider your typical shooting range. Some calibers are optimized for short-range shots, while others excel at extended distances. If you frequently take long shots, you’ll need a caliber with a flatter trajectory and higher energy retention.
Recoil and ballistics are also important considerations. Heavier recoiling calibers are more challenging to shoot accurately and comfortably, especially for extended periods. Ballistics includes factors like bullet drop, wind drift, and retained energy at various distances.
The cost and availability of ammunition are practical considerations. Some calibers have readily available and affordable ammunition, while others can be expensive and difficult to find.
Ultimately, personal preference, experience, and familiarity with a specific caliber all play a role in making the best choice. Trying different rifles and calibers before making a purchase is always recommended.
Aftermarket Possibilities and Customization
One of the enduring strengths of the *Remington 700* platform is the robust aftermarket. There are many customization options to adapt a long action to your specifications.
The availability of aftermarket stocks allows you to customize the fit and feel of the rifle. Various materials are offered, from wood to synthetic materials, each with its advantages.
Replacing the factory trigger is a common upgrade. Aftermarket triggers often offer a lighter, crisper pull, leading to improved accuracy.
Rebarreling allows you to chamber the rifle for a different caliber. This opens up a world of possibilities. This requires the expertise of a qualified gunsmith.
The Foundations of Maintenance and Care
Like any precision instrument, a *Remington 700* requires proper care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Regular cleaning is essential. After each shooting session, clean the bore to remove powder residue and fouling. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Proper storage is essential, and it is especially important to store your firearm in a dry, cool location. This is to prevent corrosion and ensure its longevity.
Always prioritize safety. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Use safe gun handling practices, and follow all applicable safety regulations.
Conclusion
The *Remington 700 long action* is a versatile and reliable platform. With its wide range of compatible calibers, it has earned its place as one of the most popular rifles in the world. From the versatile .30-06 Springfield to the powerful .300 Winchester Magnum and other *Remington 700 long action calibers*, the choices are extensive. Carefully consider your hunting or shooting needs, and choose the caliber that best suits your requirements. Remember to factor in recoil, trajectory, and the type of game you’ll be pursuing. The Remington 700 is a cornerstone of the shooting world.
Additional Resources
Websites such as Brownells and MidwayUSA offer an abundance of information about the *Remington 700* and accessories.
Online forums dedicated to rifles and hunting provide a wealth of knowledge and insights from experienced shooters.
Consult with a qualified gunsmith for expert advice on caliber selection, modifications, and maintenance.
Review official Remington documentation.
This comprehensive guide should give you a firm grasp of the *Remington 700 long action calibers* and will guide you in choosing the best one to meet your individual shooting needs. Remember to practice safe firearm handling and to always prioritize responsible gun ownership.
