The Remington 700 is a legendary bolt-action rifle, renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and adaptability. Its long action variant accommodates a wider range of larger cartridges, making it a favorite among hunters and long-range shooters. But with so many calibers compatible with the Remington 700 long action, choosing the right one can be daunting. This guide will explore the popular and noteworthy calibers available for this platform, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and intended use.
Understanding Remington 700 Long Action Compatibility
Before diving into specific calibers, it's crucial to understand what defines a "long action." Remington 700 long actions are designed to handle cartridges with longer overall lengths than their short-action counterparts. This difference is primarily due to the case length of the cartridges they chamber. This increased length allows for greater powder capacity, often resulting in higher velocities and flatter trajectories. However, longer actions mean a longer, heavier rifle overall.
Popular Remington 700 Long Action Calibers:
This section categorizes popular calibers by their common applications, assisting you in selecting the best fit for your intended purpose.
For Hunting Big Game:
- .300 Winchester Magnum: A classic and incredibly versatile magnum cartridge, offering excellent stopping power for a wide range of big game. Its accuracy and relatively manageable recoil make it a favorite among hunters.
- .300 Weatherby Magnum: Known for its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory, making long-range shots more feasible. Its powerful performance demands respect and proper recoil management.
- 7mm Remington Magnum: A powerful cartridge known for its accuracy and flat trajectory. It's a strong performer on big game across various distances.
- .338 Winchester Magnum: A hard-hitting cartridge delivering immense stopping power, ideal for large and dangerous game. It generates significant recoil.
- .375 H&H Magnum: A legendary cartridge with proven stopping power, traditionally used for dangerous game hunting in Africa and other regions.
For Long-Range Shooting:
- .300 Winchester Magnum: Its long-range capabilities, combined with readily available ammunition, make it a popular choice for long-range shooting.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: While technically fitting into a short action as well, this caliber is often found in long actions and offers superior long-range performance due to its excellent ballistic coefficient.
- 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge): Designed specifically for long-range shooting, this cartridge prioritizes accuracy and consistency at extended distances.
- 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum: Providing extreme velocity and flat trajectory, this makes it an excellent option for serious long-range engagements.
Less Common but Noteworthy Calibers:
Several other calibers can be chambered in a Remington 700 long action, often chosen for their unique characteristics or niche applications:
- .270 Winchester: While typically found in short actions, it's occasionally chambered in long actions, offering a powerful alternative with slightly more powder capacity.
- .338 Lapua Magnum: A cartridge favored for its exceptional accuracy and range, frequently utilized in precision long-range shooting competitions and hunting applications.
- .378 Weatherby Magnum: This cartridge is renowned for its extremely high velocity and long range potential, mostly used for extreme long-range shooting and hunting exceptionally large game.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Caliber:
Selecting the right caliber depends heavily on your intended use. Consider these points:
- Intended Game: Match the caliber's stopping power to the size and dangerousness of the game you plan to hunt.
- Shooting Distance: Long-range applications necessitate cartridges with flatter trajectories and higher velocities.
- Recoil Management: Higher-powered cartridges generate more recoil, impacting shooter comfort and accuracy.
- Ammunition Availability and Cost: Ensure the selected cartridge's ammunition is readily available and within your budget.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of popular Remington 700 long action calibers. Remember to thoroughly research specific cartridge characteristics and always practice safe firearm handling techniques. Consult with experienced shooters and firearms professionals to ensure you make the best decision for your individual needs and skill level.
