Remington 700 or Ruger 77

Old Stony · August 16, 2013, 04:35 PM

I need a little advice on what is shooting better. I have a TC encore in 7mm-08 that I have just given up on as far as accuracy. I carry a rifle in my truck daily and would love a stainless rifle that would give me the accuracy I need. The stainless is a good factor as it will be in and out of the truck daily in all kinds of weather and will not be treated kindly.
Basically, I have settled into the idea of either a Ruger 77, or a Remington 700 with composite stock and chambered again in 7mm-08. After a lot of experimentation I got the TC to finally shoot 1 1/2 inch groups, but only with 120 grain bullets, and I want something that will shoot into at least an inch with a 140 grain.
Anybody getting better performance from either the Ruger or Remington?

jmr40 · August 16, 2013, 05:15 PM

If you were to test 10 rifles of each there would be some overlap. Some Rugers more accurate than some Remingtons, but if accuracy is the only criteria I'd say the odds are in favor of the Remingtons shooting slightly better.

If I were buying a target rifle I'd probably start with Remington. If I were buying a hunting rifle I'd buy Winchester or Kimber (tie), with Ruger as a close 2nd place finisher. Accuracy is going to be close enough, and there are other features more important to me. Either should be capable of 1" groups.

ammo.crafter · August 16, 2013, 06:02 PM

Most TC barrels are not manufactured to the highest standards. I cannot say enough about the TC work done by Mike Bellm.
He can "accurize" any TC chamber. Head spacing in TCs are also not the best. Mike can handle this as well. Look at his web site.
I have many rifle and handgun barrels worked on by Mike and they all shoot MOA at 100 yards. The 7-30 Waters he made up will put bullet thru bullet at 100 yards, all day.

As far as a bolt action, I love those Remingtons...my first was and is a model 600.

Sierra280 · August 16, 2013, 06:47 PM

I've shot both in 308, for a hunting rifle I think I would have to go with the m77, still prefer my 700 for target shooting.

I agree with jmr40, about the overlap, if you shot 10 m77s and 10 700s probably be a toss up.

Toney · August 16, 2013, 06:51 PM

I'm a big fan of the 700...

steveNChunter · August 16, 2013, 07:01 PM

If your buying a used rifle, I recommend an older Remington. If you're shopping new stuff, I recommend the Ruger over the Remmy, but I'd rather have a Savage, Tikka, or Weatherby Vanguard over the Ruger. Remington ain't what it used to be unless you want to do some work such as new stock, bedding job, trigger, etc.

Revoltella · August 16, 2013, 07:11 PM

Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. Comes in stainless, synthetic stock and 7mm-08. Also guaraneed to shoot 3 shot group <1 MOA @ 100 yards, using premium ammunition, right out of the box.

I have two of them, in .308 and .223. Yesterday I shot two groups +/- 3/4" at 200 yards with the .223.

roc1 · August 17, 2013, 10:01 AM

Remington 700 all the way. I owned 2 Rugers good rifles old model a lot better gun than the new Hawkeye. I had to send it back to factory twice. Action was rough as a cob and even when they finished second time it was rough. I have felt others on gun racks same way some smooth most are rough. They will tell you that doesn't matter but when you need to make quick follow up shot like I did on a deer with a 7-08 and it hangs a little not the best feeling all came out well but was not happy. Rugers first guy told me I needed to learn to push bolt with the palm of my hand instead of having hold of bolt and closing it. I finally emailed president and did get results. I have always liked Rugers and still do and have had great luck with CS dept.That one time was not good. I still have several handguns from Ruger. I owned the new model 70 Winchester as well great rifle but hardest kicking gun I ever owned it was 30-06. I have always had good luck with Remington and Savage both are tops in accuracy dept. have new and old Remington rifles only had one that needed to go back and Remington fixed it. CZ makes great rifles have that shoots great big fan of them as well.
Hope this helps a little
Roc1

reynolds357 · August 17, 2013, 04:48 PM

I have two Remington 7-08's. One is a Model 7 blue with the premium walnut stock. The other is a 700 stainless with composite stock. They both shoot 1/2" at 100.
The Encore should shoot much more accurate than what yours is doing. There are literally about 15 little things that any one of them can make an Encore be a tack driver or a scatter gun. It takes time, but they can usually be made to shoot. I am guessing you need an over sized hinge pin. Bedding the fore end works wonders on some of them.
I just personally dont like Ruger. I could elaborate, but since I dont have a 77 7-08 I will reserve my opinion.

AllenJ · August 17, 2013, 05:17 PM

You should choose the brand that you like best, that fits you better and feels good in your hands. We can all say Remington is more accurate than Ruger or that Ruger is more accurate but in the end it is a crap shoot. I've heard and seen horror stories from both brands, and I've seen some really good shooters from both.

Old Stony · August 17, 2013, 06:28 PM

I have both Ruger and Remington rifles that work well, I was just curious about someone's experiences with the newer ones in the 7mm08 caliber. I think I'll take a shot at the Remington this time again and hope. I sent the TC in to S&W and they replaced the barrel on it...but it still won't shoot like I would want it to. I shoot a lot of pigs and whatever on a regular basis and carry a rifle in the woods pretty much daily. I've shot hogs with the TC, but I'm limited to the 120 grain bullets to get accuracy out of it. Deer season is right around the corner again and I'd love to get a 7mm-08 up and in good working order by then.

reynolds357 · August 17, 2013, 07:07 PM

The Remington will probably drive tacks with the Winchester factory loaded 140 gr. ballistic silvertip. I have yet to handload anything that will beat them.

springfield 720 · August 17, 2013, 07:17 PM

the Mosin 7.62 x 54 will take them both for a ride..

ripnbst · August 17, 2013, 07:38 PM

I've got a Rem 700 ADL .308 that is a sub-moa gun at 200 yards. That's the furthest I've shot it.

ripnbst · August 17, 2013, 07:41 PM

Mosin accuracy is poor compared to even budget rifles of today. However you can knock it around and not feel bad at $140ish. You want a scope on the gun or no? I am guessing yes based on your 700 and 77 options.

FrankenMauser · August 18, 2013, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Remington 700 all the way. I owned 2 Rugers good rifles old model a lot better gun than the new Hawkeye. I had to send it back to factory twice. Action was rough as a cob and even when they finished second time it was rough. I have felt others on gun racks same way some smooth most are rough.

I don't agree with the current Remington 700s being decent rifles, but I do agree with the Hawkeye being a rather disappointing step down from the 77 Mk II. The Ruger American is a better rifle than the Hawkeye.

If you told me I only had two choices: Rem 700 or Ruger Hawkeye, and I had to choose one...
I would ask if there were any on the used rack. -That's how pitiful I think the current production of those models is, from both companies.

new_scopeshooter · August 18, 2013, 12:35 PM

Remy 700!!!!
Sub moa right out the box

reynolds357 · August 18, 2013, 02:02 PM

Remington 700 sub moa? Maybe! They are hit or miss on accuracy. I have not owned many 700's that were sub-moa until I did extensive work on them. I own 28-30 700's and other than the Sendaro's I dont recall any of them except the 7ultra being sub-moa out of the box.

steveNChunter · August 18, 2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Remy 700!!!!
Sub moa right out the box

Not nearly as many have been in the last 7 years or so. Bedding seems to help most of the newer ones that aren't shooting well. Triggers aren't as smooth as they used to be either

Paul B. · August 18, 2013, 03:28 PM

Duno what the quality is like on the newer Remingtons and Rugers but from comments I've seen it'd give whichever one I was inyereted a very thorough going over. If controlled feed is a must then it's the Ruger. If it makes no difference whether controlled feed of push feed, then which ever one appeals to you the most. I'd probably like a 7MM-08 if I had one but I already have its grampa, the 7x57 do I'll stick with that.
Paul B.

cookie5 · August 18, 2013, 08:30 PM

I would have to say a top end Remmington 700 .

Saltydog235 · August 19, 2013, 07:20 AM

I have two 700 Varmints in 7mm08, both of them shoot under 1/2" with my handloads. 150grn Nosler BT's over 45.5grns of H4350 seated to .010 off the lands and touched off by a Win LR primer at 2700FPS.

Old Stony · August 23, 2013, 02:22 PM

I gave in and just bought a Ruger 77 off of an auction. I know it's taking another chance in the accuracy dept., but I have another one in .350 Rem. mag that shoots good. I guess I need to start loading for the 7mm-08 again so I can start with the load development by next week when the Ruger arrives. I gave the Encore to a friend that wants to put a .223 barrel on it...and I wish him well with it.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · August 23, 2013, 02:48 PM

Both are great rifles. I pick the Remington just because they are my personal preference. I have a few of them and all shoot great. One is a full custom gun and it is the best shooting rifle I have ever owned or shot.

ThomasT · August 23, 2013, 02:58 PM

I bet your new 77 shoots just fine. I have had two of these in the past, an older MKI in 243 and a MKII in 30-06. The 243 would shoot 1" groups with every ammo I tried and the 30-06 would shoot between 1-1 3/4" groups depending on the ammo. I stupidly sold both.

I just bought another 77MKII of GB and haven't shot it yet. I have only had it a week now. It did have the famous "Ruger Squeak" at the end of the barrel channel where the wood pad is that supports the barrel. I sanded that out and sealed the wood. That was all it took to free float the barrel.

The gunwriter John Barsness made the point that with the angled action screw on rugers that glass bedding wasn't needed. So we'll see. Hopefully I will get time to test fire it next week. If it will stay around an inch and a half at 100 yards thats good enough for what I want it for. Then its time to hunt.

August 16, 2013, 04:35 PM	#1
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	Remington 700 or Ruger 77 I need a little advice on what is shooting better. I have a TC encore in 7mm-08 that I have just given up on as far as accuracy. I carry a rifle in my truck daily and would love a stainless rifle that would give me the accuracy I need. The stainless is a good factor as it will be in and out of the truck daily in all kinds of weather and will not be treated kindly. Basically, I have settled into the idea of either a Ruger 77, or a Remington 700 with composite stock and chambered again in 7mm-08. After a lot of experimentation I got the TC to finally shoot 1 1/2 inch groups, but only with 120 grain bullets, and I want something that will shoot into at least an inch with a 140 grain. Anybody getting better performance from either the Ruger or Remington?

August 16, 2013, 06:02 PM	#3
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	well.... Most TC barrels are not manufactured to the highest standards. I cannot say enough about the TC work done by Mike Bellm. He can "accurize" any TC chamber. Head spacing in TCs are also not the best. Mike can handle this as well. Look at his web site. I have many rifle and handgun barrels worked on by Mike and they all shoot MOA at 100 yards. The 7-30 Waters he made up will put bullet thru bullet at 100 yards, all day. As far as a bolt action, I love those Remingtons...my first was and is a model 600. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

August 16, 2013, 07:01 PM	#6
steveNChunter Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Location: Southern Appalachian Mtns Posts: 1,520	If your buying a used rifle, I recommend an older Remington. If you're shopping new stuff, I recommend the Ruger over the Remmy, but I'd rather have a Savage, Tikka, or Weatherby Vanguard over the Ruger. Remington ain't what it used to be unless you want to do some work such as new stock, bedding job, trigger, etc. __________________ DEO VINDICE

August 17, 2013, 10:01 AM	#8
roc1 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Lubbock Texas Posts: 560	Remington 700 all the way. I owned 2 Rugers good rifles old model a lot better gun than the new Hawkeye. I had to send it back to factory twice. Action was rough as a cob and even when they finished second time it was rough. I have felt others on gun racks same way some smooth most are rough. They will tell you that doesn't matter but when you need to make quick follow up shot like I did on a deer with a 7-08 and it hangs a little not the best feeling all came out well but was not happy. Rugers first guy told me I needed to learn to push bolt with the palm of my hand instead of having hold of bolt and closing it. I finally emailed president and did get results. I have always liked Rugers and still do and have had great luck with CS dept.That one time was not good. I still have several handguns from Ruger. I owned the new model 70 Winchester as well great rifle but hardest kicking gun I ever owned it was 30-06. I have always had good luck with Remington and Savage both are tops in accuracy dept. have new and old Remington rifles only had one that needed to go back and Remington fixed it. CZ makes great rifles have that shoots great big fan of them as well. Hope this helps a little Roc1 Last edited by roc1; August 17, 2013 at 10:07 AM.

August 17, 2013, 07:38 PM	#14
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	Remington 700 or Ruger 77 I've got a Rem 700 ADL .308 that is a sub-moa gun at 200 yards. That's the furthest I've shot it.

August 16, 2013, 05:15 PM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	If you were to test 10 rifles of each there would be some overlap. Some Rugers more accurate than some Remingtons, but if accuracy is the only criteria I'd say the odds are in favor of the Remingtons shooting slightly better. If I were buying a target rifle I'd probably start with Remington. If I were buying a hunting rifle I'd buy Winchester or Kimber (tie), with Ruger as a close 2nd place finisher. Accuracy is going to be close enough, and there are other features more important to me. Either should be capable of 1" groups.

August 16, 2013, 06:47 PM	#4
Sierra280 Junior member Join Date: July 29, 2013 Location: Gardnerville, NV Posts: 569	I've shot both in 308, for a hunting rifle I think I would have to go with the m77, still prefer my 700 for target shooting. I agree with jmr40, about the overlap, if you shot 10 m77s and 10 700s probably be a toss up.

August 16, 2013, 06:51 PM	#5
Toney Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2005 Location: Stillwater Oklahoma Posts: 790	I'm a big fan of the 700...

August 16, 2013, 07:11 PM	#7
Revoltella Junior member Join Date: August 7, 2013 Posts: 198	Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. Comes in stainless, synthetic stock and 7mm-08. Also guaraneed to shoot 3 shot group <1 MOA @ 100 yards, using premium ammunition, right out of the box. I have two of them, in .308 and .223. Yesterday I shot two groups +/- 3/4" at 200 yards with the .223.

August 17, 2013, 04:48 PM	#9
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	I have two Remington 7-08's. One is a Model 7 blue with the premium walnut stock. The other is a 700 stainless with composite stock. They both shoot 1/2" at 100. The Encore should shoot much more accurate than what yours is doing. There are literally about 15 little things that any one of them can make an Encore be a tack driver or a scatter gun. It takes time, but they can usually be made to shoot. I am guessing you need an over sized hinge pin. Bedding the fore end works wonders on some of them. I just personally dont like Ruger. I could elaborate, but since I dont have a 77 7-08 I will reserve my opinion.

August 17, 2013, 05:17 PM	#10
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	You should choose the brand that you like best, that fits you better and feels good in your hands. We can all say Remington is more accurate than Ruger or that Ruger is more accurate but in the end it is a crap shoot. I've heard and seen horror stories from both brands, and I've seen some really good shooters from both.

August 17, 2013, 06:28 PM	#11
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	I have both Ruger and Remington rifles that work well, I was just curious about someone's experiences with the newer ones in the 7mm08 caliber. I think I'll take a shot at the Remington this time again and hope. I sent the TC in to S&W and they replaced the barrel on it...but it still won't shoot like I would want it to. I shoot a lot of pigs and whatever on a regular basis and carry a rifle in the woods pretty much daily. I've shot hogs with the TC, but I'm limited to the 120 grain bullets to get accuracy out of it. Deer season is right around the corner again and I'd love to get a 7mm-08 up and in good working order by then.

August 17, 2013, 07:07 PM	#12
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	The Remington will probably drive tacks with the Winchester factory loaded 140 gr. ballistic silvertip. I have yet to handload anything that will beat them.

August 17, 2013, 07:17 PM	#13
springfield 720 Member Join Date: November 17, 2012 Location: Minn Posts: 60	the Mosin 7.62 x 54 will take them both for a ride..

August 17, 2013, 07:41 PM	#15
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	Remington 700 or Ruger 77 Mosin accuracy is poor compared to even budget rifles of today. However you can knock it around and not feel bad at $140ish. You want a scope on the gun or no? I am guessing yes based on your 700 and 77 options.

August 18, 2013, 12:35 PM	#17
new_scopeshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2011 Location: central ohio Posts: 391	Remy 700!!!! Sub moa right out the box

August 18, 2013, 02:02 PM	#18
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Remington 700 sub moa? Maybe! They are hit or miss on accuracy. I have not owned many 700's that were sub-moa until I did extensive work on them. I own 28-30 700's and other than the Sendaro's I dont recall any of them except the 7ultra being sub-moa out of the box.

August 18, 2013, 03:28 PM	#20
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	Duno what the quality is like on the newer Remingtons and Rugers but from comments I've seen it'd give whichever one I was inyereted a very thorough going over. If controlled feed is a must then it's the Ruger. If it makes no difference whether controlled feed of push feed, then which ever one appeals to you the most. I'd probably like a 7MM-08 if I had one but I already have its grampa, the 7x57 do I'll stick with that. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

August 18, 2013, 08:30 PM	#21
cookie5 Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 2011 Posts: 217	I would have to say a top end Remmington 700 .

August 19, 2013, 07:20 AM	#22
Saltydog235 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2010 Location: Pawleys Island Posts: 1,563	I have two 700 Varmints in 7mm08, both of them shoot under 1/2" with my handloads. 150grn Nosler BT's over 45.5grns of H4350 seated to .010 off the lands and touched off by a Win LR primer at 2700FPS.

August 23, 2013, 02:22 PM	#23
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	I gave in and just bought a Ruger 77 off of an auction. I know it's taking another chance in the accuracy dept., but I have another one in .350 Rem. mag that shoots good. I guess I need to start loading for the 7mm-08 again so I can start with the load development by next week when the Ruger arrives. I gave the Encore to a friend that wants to put a .223 barrel on it...and I wish him well with it.

August 23, 2013, 02:48 PM	#24
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	Both are great rifles. I pick the Remington just because they are my personal preference. I have a few of them and all shoot great. One is a full custom gun and it is the best shooting rifle I have ever owned or shot. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

August 23, 2013, 02:58 PM	#25
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,753	I bet your new 77 shoots just fine. I have had two of these in the past, an older MKI in 243 and a MKII in 30-06. The 243 would shoot 1" groups with every ammo I tried and the 30-06 would shoot between 1-1 3/4" groups depending on the ammo. I stupidly sold both. I just bought another 77MKII of GB and haven't shot it yet. I have only had it a week now. It did have the famous "Ruger Squeak" at the end of the barrel channel where the wood pad is that supports the barrel. I sanded that out and sealed the wood. That was all it took to free float the barrel. The gunwriter John Barsness made the point that with the angled action screw on rugers that glass bedding wasn't needed. So we'll see. Hopefully I will get time to test fire it next week. If it will stay around an inch and a half at 100 yards thats good enough for what I want it for. Then its time to hunt.