I have an old Browning Safari 30-06 I've used for years- but it suffers from barrel heat problems- and I am tired of dealing with it. Lost my confidence in the gun. So I am looking at a Remington 700 CDL or Ruger Model 77 MKII. Want to stay with 30-06 for reloading purposes. Any words of wisdom on these two guns or others I should consider would be of much help- thanks.

Hi Woodrowsrc....I have used both over the years and they are fine rifles.
The Remington 700 was a stainless in .25/06 and the Ruger 77 was in .257 Roberts. I actually preferred the Ruger over the Remington because the bolt would open (Remington) when carried with a sling off safety. The accuracy was a little better for the Remington but now the Rugers are hammer-forged so the comparison isn't fair.

Check your private message inbox.


SHOOTIST

What are "barrel heat problems".........for a bg hunting rifle this problem should never be a 'problem' whilst hunting. Fixing the (problem)? may be a far less expensive option unless you just want affirmation for a purchase.

Is this a wandering zero while you are sighting in ....could be bedding or contact problem.

Scope, mounts, rings ect. in working order and tight ?

If you don't identify the problem ....it is possible that you would not buy your way out of it.

"because the bolt would open (Remington) when carried with a sling off safety. "

Huh ??

Hi SKB.....the bolt handle was struck with my forearm on a backward motion.... sometimes the bolt would open...usually when holding the upper part of the sling with the opposite arm. 10/4?


SHOOTIST

10/4 .......read it a few times and it wasn't sinking in. Never had that problem but with chambered handloaded ammo my Remingtons are a bit stiff.

Actually both of you tend to scare me...Let me explain...

Shootist...You say that you are wondering around in the forest with the safety off while you have it slung over your shoulder? If my rifle is slung on my shoulder I am not hunting (I'm transiting) and the safety is on.

skb2706...You say your handloads make your Remington bolt "a bit stiff". Seems to me you need to check your OAL. You may be jamming the bullets into the lands making the bolt "a bit stiff"...

Now you get to re-explain...

"Barrel heat Problem"- on the range I can fire two shots in a nice group- then everything after that is all over the place. I understand in a hunting situation this should not be a problem, but I still do not like it! I've worked the stock and fit seems good with no contact to barrel. I have not glass bedded. I just don't like the fact that the third shoot is wild. Maybe a Ruger or Remington will be the same way.....

Bushmaster....I'm glad I scare you....maybe you're just not fast enough.


SHOOTIST

woodrowsrc wrote:

"Barrel heat Problem"- on the range I can fire two shots in a nice group- then everything after that is all over the place. I understand in a hunting situation this should not be a problem, but I still do not like it! I've worked the stock and fit seems good with no contact to barrel. I have not glass bedded. I just don't like the fact that the third shoot is wild. Maybe a Ruger or Remington will be the same way.....

If the first one or two shots group consistantly and the rest go haywire,you have a bedding problem. Barrel heat generally "walks" shots, accuracy doesn't suddenly go away.
Just for a quickie,bed the lug with some 5 mimute epoxy, something like JB Weld Quick. I think you'll see a difference.

Bill

Even with the safety on a 700 bolt will open.I like my 700s but that is one shortfall.The main time it is a problem for me is hunting on horseback with rifle in scabbard. The scabbard snaps shut over bolt handle. Often when rifle is withdrew the bolt is open because of jiggling around the scabbard opens the bolt.

It depends. The Remington 700s made since 1982 have a safety that does not lock the bolt when engaged. That is so folks can unload the magazine without an accidental discharge. The answer may be to trade in your rifle for an older Remington 700 with a safety that locks the bolt when engaged.

I have Remington, Winchester and Ruger bolt actions in .30-06 and like them. However, I bought a used Savage Model 110 bolt action in .30-06 cheap that will out shoot all of them. All the best...
Gil

roklok wrote:

Even with the safety on a 700 bolt will open.I like my 700s but that is one shortfall.The main time it is a problem for me is hunting on horseback with rifle in scabbard. The scabbard snaps shut over bolt handle. Often when rifle is withdrew the bolt is open because of jiggling around the scabbard opens the bolt.

A couple places to get a fix for the 700...
Remington 700 R.H. 3-Position Safety Shrouds
nudder'un
Still more...

Someone used to modify the old locking 700 triggers by slightly shortening the bolt lock extendsion and drilling another ball detent between the orginals in the sideplate. In the middle position, the sear was still blocked, but the bolt could be opened. I don't know if anyone is still doing that mod.

Bill

Browning A-Bolt safety's lock the bolt closed when it is ON. And I'm faster then you think...I own horses...

woodrowsrc wrote:

I have an old Browning Safari 30-06 I've used for years- but it suffers from barrel heat problems- and I am tired of dealing with it. Lost my confidence in the gun. So I am looking at a Remington 700 CDL or Ruger Model 77 MKII. Want to stay with 30-06 for reloading purposes. Any words of wisdom on these two guns or others I should consider would be of much help- thanks.

I wood check out a Savage 110.

And for those that like walking around with a rifle over the shoulder better have the safety on. Set a good example and always put safety first. If comments about practicing safety bother you, then your no hunter
Keep it coming...