Remington 700 300 Win Mag Review: A Classic Bolt-Action for the Modern Hunter

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The Remington 700. A name synonymous with accuracy, reliability, and American firearms heritage. For decades, it has been the rifle of choice for hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement professionals alike. Among the myriad caliber options available, the 300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) stands out as a powerhouse, capable of taking down large game at considerable distances. In this Remington 700 300 Win Mag review, we’ll delve into what makes this combination a force to be reckoned with, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for various shooting applications.

The Legacy of the Remington 700

Before diving into the specifics of the 300 Win Mag chambering, it’s crucial to understand the pedigree of the Remington 700 itself. Introduced in 1962, the Remington 700 was designed as a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to the Model 721 and 722 rifles. Its cylindrical receiver, renowned for its strength and rigidity, quickly became a hallmark of the design. The “three rings of steel” – the recessed bolt face, the chamber surrounded by the receiver, and the barrel screwed into the receiver – provide exceptional safety and accuracy. This design philosophy has allowed the Remington 700 to remain a popular choice for custom rifle builds and factory configurations alike. Its widespread adoption has also led to a vast aftermarket of parts and accessories, allowing shooters to tailor their rifle to their exact needs.

The Power of the 300 Winchester Magnum

The 300 Winchester Magnum is a belted magnum cartridge known for its flat trajectory and impressive downrange energy. Developed in 1963, it quickly gained popularity among hunters seeking a versatile cartridge capable of taking down elk, moose, and even larger game at extended ranges. The 300 Win Mag offers a significant step up in performance compared to cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield, providing flatter trajectories and greater resistance to wind drift. Its ability to deliver a substantial payload of energy at distances beyond 300 yards makes it a favored choice for open-country hunting. Many hunters find the Remington 700 300 Win Mag combination ideal for challenging hunts.

Remington 700 300 Win Mag: Performance and Accuracy

The marriage of the Remington 700 action and the 300 Win Mag cartridge results in a rifle capable of exceptional accuracy and terminal performance. Factory rifles, particularly those with heavier barrels and well-tuned triggers, are often capable of sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy with quality ammunition. This level of precision makes the Remington 700 300 Win Mag suitable for both hunting and long-range target shooting. However, it’s important to note that the recoil of the 300 Win Mag can be substantial, especially in lighter rifles. Proper shooting technique and the use of a recoil pad or muzzle brake are highly recommended to mitigate felt recoil and maintain accuracy. The Remington 700 300 Win Mag‘s performance is largely dependent on the specific model and the ammunition used.

Key Features of the Remington 700 300 Win Mag

Action: The Remington 700’s cylindrical action is known for its strength and rigidity. Its push-feed design ensures reliable feeding and extraction.
Trigger: The factory trigger on the Remington 700 has been a point of contention in the past. While some find it acceptable, many shooters opt for an aftermarket trigger for improved consistency and a lighter pull weight.
Barrel: Remington offers the 700 in various barrel lengths and profiles, from lightweight hunting barrels to heavier, more accurate varmint or target barrels. The barrel twist rate is typically 1:10, which is suitable for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights.
Stock: The stock options for the Remington 700 are vast, ranging from synthetic stocks to laminated wood and even chassis systems. The stock plays a crucial role in comfort, ergonomics, and accuracy. A well-fitted stock can significantly improve a shooter’s ability to control the rifle and achieve consistent results.
Magazine Capacity: Most Remington 700 300 Win Mag rifles feature a 3- or 4-round internal magazine. Some models are available with detachable magazines, which can be advantageous for faster reloading.

Pros and Cons of the Remington 700 300 Win Mag

Pros:

Power and Range: The 300 Win Mag offers excellent downrange energy and a relatively flat trajectory, making it suitable for long-range hunting.
Accuracy: The Remington 700 action is inherently accurate, and with proper setup and ammunition, it can deliver sub-MOA performance.
Versatility: The 300 Win Mag is a versatile cartridge suitable for a wide range of game, from deer to elk and moose.
Aftermarket Support: The Remington 700 has a massive aftermarket, with a wide variety of parts and accessories available to customize the rifle to your specific needs.
Availability: The Remington 700 300 Win Mag is widely available, both new and used. Ammunition is also readily available at most sporting goods stores.

Cons:

Recoil: The 300 Win Mag generates significant recoil, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters.
Cost: Ammunition for the 300 Win Mag can be relatively expensive compared to smaller calibers.
Weight: Remington 700 rifles chambered in 300 Win Mag can be heavy, especially those with heavier barrels and larger scopes.
Trigger Issues: The factory trigger on some Remington 700 rifles has been known to have issues, although this can be addressed with an aftermarket trigger.

Who is the Remington 700 300 Win Mag For?

The Remington 700 300 Win Mag is best suited for experienced shooters and hunters who are comfortable with the recoil of a magnum cartridge. It’s an excellent choice for those who hunt large game in open country where long shots are common. It’s also a good option for long-range target shooters who want a powerful and accurate cartridge. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners or those who are sensitive to recoil. The Remington 700 300 Win Mag is a serious tool for serious hunters and shooters.

Alternatives to the Remington 700 300 Win Mag

If the Remington 700 300 Win Mag doesn’t quite fit your needs, there are several other options to consider:

Savage 110: The Savage 110 is another popular bolt-action rifle known for its accuracy and affordability. It’s available in 300 Win Mag and other popular calibers.
Winchester Model 70: The Winchester Model 70 is a classic bolt-action rifle with a long and storied history. It’s available in 300 Win Mag and other popular calibers.
Tikka T3x: The Tikka T3x is a Finnish-made bolt-action rifle known for its smooth action and excellent accuracy. It’s available in 300 Win Mag and other popular calibers.
Weatherby Vanguard: The Weatherby Vanguard is a Japanese-made bolt-action rifle known for its accuracy and value. It’s available in 300 Win Mag and other popular calibers.

[See also: Best Long Range Hunting Rifles]

[See also: 300 Win Mag vs 300 PRC: Which is Better?]

Final Thoughts on the Remington 700 300 Win Mag

The Remington 700 300 Win Mag remains a relevant and capable rifle in the 21st century. While it may not be the newest or most technologically advanced rifle on the market, its proven design, inherent accuracy, and the power of the 300 Win Mag cartridge make it a formidable combination for hunting and long-range shooting. If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate bolt-action rifle chambered in a powerful magnum cartridge, the Remington 700 300 Win Mag is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for the recoil!

Ultimately, the best rifle for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to do your research and try out different rifles before making a decision. But if you’re looking for a classic American bolt-action rifle chambered in a powerful magnum cartridge, the Remington 700 300 Win Mag is a solid choice.