20” Long Action Talk

[Ktwebb33]

I recently acquired a Remington 700 chambered in 270win. I have plans of using the action for a build and wanted some input.
Where I hunt, 90% of shots would be <300…a rare opportunity could stretch it out to 400-500ish. Understanding the sacrifice of a shorter barrel, I’m pretty set on a 20” barrel, for running suppressed.
Currently, I’m set up to reload for 30-06 so I’m leaning towards a 20” 30-06 build. I like the versatility of 120’s-200’s+.
Any other suggestions for a 20” long action build?
Anyone with a similar set up and real world experience?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I like my 18” 30-06

 

[B23]

There's really no wrong answer and since it's a LA Rem 700 you can damn near make it anything you want. If you already are leaning towards the 30-06 there's no need to talk you out of it, but, if you're asking for suggestions I'm sure you'll get many.

My first choice would be a 6.5-284 but there's nothing wrong with a 270Win or 30-06 if that's what you want.

 

[keystone112]

30-06 is a great choice.

280 AI is worth a look.

 

[grfox92]

I would go shorter than 20" if your not reaching out over 500 yards. I would also suggest 280AI for a long action R700.

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[30338]

I have an 18" 30-06, great with 155 Scenars. As a 22" barrel I used to shoot 180 grain accubonds with great success.

Depending on your hunting and rifle looneyism, my 23" barreled, #2 hart, 8 twist, 6.5-06 shooting 140 berger vld at 2900 fps had low recoil and awesome killing to beyond your stated requirements. I rebarreled it after shooting out barrel to 6.5-284 and like it as well. Brass availability tilts favor towards 6.5-06 though as 25-06 and 270 brass both work for easy sizing.

Easy button is probably just the old 06 though.

 

[Arcola]

I have an 18” 280ai that has become my go-to for everything <500yds. Built it to run suppressed but it’s equally enjoyable and accurate without a can.

 

[Ktwebb33]

30-06 is a great choice.

280 AI is worth a look.

I have tried to read up a lot on the 280AI and it definitely has my interest…already having dies and a few hundred rounds of various weights of bullets for reloading an ‘06 plays a part in the decision

 

[Ktwebb33]

I have an 18” 280ai that has become my go-to for everything <500yds. Built it to run suppressed but it’s equally enjoyable and accurate without a can.

This is good to hear….the 280ai is on my radar for sure

 

[Ktwebb33]

I would go shorter than 20" if your not reaching out over 500 yards. I would also suggest 280AI for a long action R700.

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Several here have said the same thing…18” 280AI’s…very cool

 

[Ktwebb33]

Inside of 500 yds, what do y’all think the difference between a 20” 30-06 vs 20” 280AI would be? Slight fps advantage to the 280ai but anything else?

 

[B23]

Inside of 500 yds, what do y’all think the difference between a 20” 30-06 vs 20” 280AI would be? Slight fps advantage to the 280ai but anything else?

If they were both shooting the same bullet weight I don't think the 30-06 will give up any velocity to the 280AI even with it's slightly larger case capacity. Equal bullet weight the 7mm bullets will have a BC advantage over the 30 cal bullet but at the distance you'll be shooting it won't make much difference.

 

[grfox92]

If they were both shooting the same bullet weight I don't think the 30-06 will give up any velocity to the 280AI even with it's slightly larger case capacity. Equal bullet weight the 7mm bullets will have a BC advantage over the 30 cal bullet but at the distance you'll be shooting it won't make much difference.

162 and 180 ELDMs are deadly bullets.

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[Ktwebb33]

I have an 18” 280ai that has become my go-to for everything <500yds. Built it to run suppressed but it’s equally enjoyable and accurate without a can.

What do you shoot through it? Factory or handloads? Any idea on your velocity?

 

[Ktwebb33]

I like my 18” 30-06

What do you shoot through this? Factory? Handloads? Any idea on velocity?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What do you shoot through this? Factory? Handloads? Any idea on velocity?

Hand loads, either 165g partitions or 180g accubonds. I’ll have to check my notes but I believe the 166s are around 2750 and the 180s around 2650, both stay above 1800fps until just any of 500yds and since I try to keep it within 300yds, it’s not an issue at all.

 

[Arcola]

What do you shoot through it? Factory or handloads? Any idea on your velocity?

Handloaded with Hammers. I have one load with 143HH that shoots .2 moa all day long at 2870, sub 10 es. Another node right at 3000 that is about .6, also under 10es. Mild pressure signs on that one, but I hunt the faster load.

 

[Arcola]

Handloaded with Hammers. I have one load with 143HH that shoots .2 moa all day long at 2870, sub 10 es. Another node right at 3000 that is about .6, also under 10es. Mild pressure signs on that one, but I hunt the faster load.

Also, I have an identical rifle with a 24” barrel that I shoot unsuppressed. Shoots the same loads 200fps faster.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

A 16" 25/06 with an 8 twist barrel shooting the berger or hornady 130+ grain bullets would be sweet. Way more than a 300 yard gun and less recoil than the other options provided. Plus 4" less barrel to deal with.

Similarly, a long action 260 AI or 6.5x284 with an 8 twist 16" barrel gets you into all the great 6.5 bullets and a ~800 yard terminal range. Both those cartridges are a bit long for a true short action anyhow.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What do you shoot through this? Factory? Handloads? Any idea on velocity?

I just stopped at the range with my 30-06 and my garmin, I just shot a few rounds to check velocities. I was getting 2610 with my 180 Accubonds which puts me at 1800fps right about 500. The 165g partition load was right around 2700fps.

That 30-06 is definetly my favorite gun.