.300 Rem Ultra Mag Model 700 vs. A-Bolt II

kl3640 · December 4, 2004, 09:49 PM

I'm interested in getting a .300 Rem Ultra Mag. Here are my options:

1) Police 300 Rem Model 700, parkerized metal, HEAVY barrel (26"), 3+1 magazine capacity, studs, drilled and tapped for scope, no sights, hinged floor plate, 1:10 twist, 9.1 pounds, synthetic stock - $759

2) Rem Model 700 stainless, 26 " barrel, 3+1 BDL, hinged floor plate, no sights, drilled and tapped, syn stock - $659

3) Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker, stainless action, 26" barrel (blue or parker, don't know which), syn stalk with palm swell, no sights, don't know about magazine type or capacity, 7lb 3 oz - $729

I assume that most of the weight difference on the Police 300 comes from the heavy barrel.

I don't know a lot about A-Bolt's.

Which is my best choice here for accuracy, durability, and reliability? The weight difference is not a concern. Also, which action cycles smoothest and most reliably, with the fewest feed errors? Lastly, is any one of these a particularly good bargain at the price listed (doesn't include tax, shipping, or transfer/background fees).

Thanks in advance (sorry for all the questions)!

John Ringo · December 5, 2004, 05:42 AM

One thing to consider with a 300 Win Mag or 300 Ultra is the intended use of the rifle. This round is pretty massive with a lot of recoil. It's not going to produce a 69 ft/lbs recoil like a 458 Magnum, but it will be in a range that will give the average shooter a bit of a challenge. The 300 Win Mag has a recoil of about 26 ft/lbs, and the 300 Ultra Mag is around 31 to 33 ft/lbs.

But, on a similar note I love the 44 Magnum. Most shooters hate this round because it pounds your hand pretty good. So I am not trying to deter you from going with one of "the big boys".

My choice would be a Weatherby if money wasn't the issue. But for a reasonable price you can't go wrong with a Savage. For a bit more money you can get a nice Remminton or Winchester. You really can't go wrong with any of these choices.

The 300 Mag would be a great choice for large game like Elk. It will be just fine for deer as well so long as your state allows you to hunt with it. The only drawback to rounds like this is the cost of the ammo. The shells are almost a buck a piece.

My advice would be to go get a nice stainless Savage in 300 Win Mag for about $500 and spend the extra money on the optics. The optics will cost much more than the rifle. I have seen optics ranging from $300 (Tasco) to well over a thousand dollars. Do your research on the optics before buying. They are not all created equal. The range that you will be shooting will be a huge factor.

kl3640 · December 5, 2004, 01:23 PM

Thanks Ringo, for your thoughts on 300 mag carts. What are you thoughts about A-Bolt II vs. Model 700, assuming similar other physical characteristics (barrel length, materials, etc...)? My primary is use is med/large North American game (500 lb black bear is likely to be largest).

As for kick, I'm not too worried about it because here in NJ, we're not allowed to rifle hunt (I want the rifle for out of state hunts in PA, Maine, and such). Therefore, we use a lot of slug guns (I use a Savage 210F 12GA and an H&R New England Ultra Slug Hunter, 12GA). With a 3" Copper Solid, which is a 478gr projectile, you get a pretty healthy kick, so I've learned to get used to it and not flinch.

litework · December 5, 2004, 02:18 PM

Unless Remington has changed their practices, I would take an A-bolt over a Remington anyday. My last two big rifle purchases were a Remington LSS chambered in .300 RUM and a Browning Abolt Medallion in .300 Win Mag. I much prefer the Browning. I did not like the Remington's extensive use of plastic on the trigger guard and floor plate. The gun is beautiful with the exception of the plastic. Older Remingtons are not plagued with plastic.

I prefer Browning's bolt rotation to Remington's. You don't have to worry about smashing your thumb against your scope with the Browning.

Browning is the only rifle that I own that has an easily adjustable trigger with instructions on how to make the adjustments in the owner's manual.

We are talking about the .300 RUM; the guns' ability to handle that caliber are greater than mine. Remmy's bolt is more simplistic so it might be more durable. I prefer the action on the Browning, though.

keens · December 5, 2004, 06:30 PM

I had (wish I still did) a Remington Stainless Sendero in 300 RUM...it had a stainless fluted barrel and I promise would shoot 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards with Factory ammo...Not everyone likes the H&S precision stock, but I do (it is not a McMillan though). This rifle again would be my first choice...but in the Browning I love my Stainless Stalker and it is my go-to rifle...it is chambered in 30-06.
I love the Police model too with the heavy barrel...since I already have the LTR, I would likely go for the full size model that you mentioned to have a pair of similar rifles just for the fun of it.
I like them both (Browning and Remington) I do like the factory trigger on the Browning better though...and the bolt throw...decisions...this is part of the fun.

kevhead · December 6, 2004, 01:56 AM

While I'm certain you are going to have a fine rifle no matter which brand you choose, my preference is definately with the Browning. I have an A-bolt M-1000 Eclipse /BOSS chambered in .300WM, and couldn't be happier, and I have had loyal Remington folks comment on the trigger action. I preferred the trigger, bolt action, placement of the thumb safety and the style of magazine for the Browning as well. As to the caliber, I can only imagine the punishment one will endure when cracking a .300RUM, but overkill will likely never be a concern to me. I also believe the winmag will take down anything in North America without question, and ammo is readily available.

bk007 · January 22, 2005, 12:49 AM

I am also considering getting a remington in either the 7mm ultra mag or 300 ultra mag and would like to know the difference in the recoil between the two. I noticed for the 7mm the only ultra mag bullet choices was 140 grain while the 300 you have a few more choices from 150-180. Therefore I am leaning towards the 300 since you have more options. Is there some sort of website or online database you can go to to see the different recoils for different calibers?

keens · January 22, 2005, 10:15 AM

To decide between a .300 ultra mag. and the 7mm ultra mag. is in my mind personal preference. The recoil of the big 7 will be a little less, but for reasons of preference, I like the .300's better. The 7 will shoot a little flatter with comparible bullet weights...and with the 140 grain bullet, the 7 is very flat which makes hitting distant targets easier (if there is no wind).
Somethinhg about the larger diameter of the .300 just interests me more. But either way, I love the Ultra magnums and bet you will too.

bill k · January 22, 2005, 12:41 PM

I have 300 Ultra mag sendero, I love it one week and hate it the next. This is my hate week, next week when my new bullets get in I'm sure I'll love it. I haven't been fortunate enough to find a factory ammo that will shoot under an inch and a half at 100 yards. Your choices of ammo are limited so it's my opinion (and yes, every has one), you need to be a reloader to have success with this round.
I've used a number of different weight bullets, different powders, and different charges. Now I can do the half inch groups at 200 yards most of the time. The thing I like, and the reason I got it, is the 2 and 3 inch groups at 4 and 500 yards.
An answer to the origional question would be the remington with the heavy barrel. The heavy barrel dramatically reduces the recoil with the added weight.

keens · January 22, 2005, 04:51 PM

I totally agree with Billk. However I must have been lucky because my Sendero stainless fluted .300 ultra mag would actually shoot 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards...not every time of course, but hardly ever more than an inch at 200...with factory Remington ammo and the Swift scirocco 180 grain bullet.
I am not that great a shot either...I have a friend who does not shoot much...and had never shot a .300 of any kind who used to shoot better groups than me...I am kicking myself for selling it...If I replace it though, it will be with the 700P...one day maybe.

December 4, 2004, 09:49 PM	#1
kl3640 Junior Member Join Date: December 4, 2004 Posts: 7	.300 Rem Ultra Mag Model 700 vs. A-Bolt II I'm interested in getting a .300 Rem Ultra Mag. Here are my options: 1) Police 300 Rem Model 700, parkerized metal, HEAVY barrel (26"), 3+1 magazine capacity, studs, drilled and tapped for scope, no sights, hinged floor plate, 1:10 twist, 9.1 pounds, synthetic stock - $759 2) Rem Model 700 stainless, 26 " barrel, 3+1 BDL, hinged floor plate, no sights, drilled and tapped, syn stock - $659 3) Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker, stainless action, 26" barrel (blue or parker, don't know which), syn stalk with palm swell, no sights, don't know about magazine type or capacity, 7lb 3 oz - $729 I assume that most of the weight difference on the Police 300 comes from the heavy barrel. I don't know a lot about A-Bolt's. Which is my best choice here for accuracy, durability, and reliability? The weight difference is not a concern. Also, which action cycles smoothest and most reliably, with the fewest feed errors? Lastly, is any one of these a particularly good bargain at the price listed (doesn't include tax, shipping, or transfer/background fees). Thanks in advance (sorry for all the questions)!

December 5, 2004, 01:23 PM	#3
kl3640 Junior Member Join Date: December 4, 2004 Posts: 7	Thanks Ringo, for your thoughts on 300 mag carts. What are you thoughts about A-Bolt II vs. Model 700, assuming similar other physical characteristics (barrel length, materials, etc...)? My primary is use is med/large North American game (500 lb black bear is likely to be largest). As for kick, I'm not too worried about it because here in NJ, we're not allowed to rifle hunt (I want the rifle for out of state hunts in PA, Maine, and such). Therefore, we use a lot of slug guns (I use a Savage 210F 12GA and an H&R New England Ultra Slug Hunter, 12GA). With a 3" Copper Solid, which is a 478gr projectile, you get a pretty healthy kick, so I've learned to get used to it and not flinch. Last edited by kl3640; December 5, 2004 at 04:13 PM.

January 22, 2005, 12:49 AM	#7
bk007 Junior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Posts: 3	300 Ultra Mag I am also considering getting a remington in either the 7mm ultra mag or 300 ultra mag and would like to know the difference in the recoil between the two. I noticed for the 7mm the only ultra mag bullet choices was 140 grain while the 300 you have a few more choices from 150-180. Therefore I am leaning towards the 300 since you have more options. Is there some sort of website or online database you can go to to see the different recoils for different calibers?

December 5, 2004, 05:42 AM	#2
John Ringo Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 379	One thing to consider with a 300 Win Mag or 300 Ultra is the intended use of the rifle. This round is pretty massive with a lot of recoil. It's not going to produce a 69 ft/lbs recoil like a 458 Magnum, but it will be in a range that will give the average shooter a bit of a challenge. The 300 Win Mag has a recoil of about 26 ft/lbs, and the 300 Ultra Mag is around 31 to 33 ft/lbs. But, on a similar note I love the 44 Magnum. Most shooters hate this round because it pounds your hand pretty good. So I am not trying to deter you from going with one of "the big boys". My choice would be a Weatherby if money wasn't the issue. But for a reasonable price you can't go wrong with a Savage. For a bit more money you can get a nice Remminton or Winchester. You really can't go wrong with any of these choices. The 300 Mag would be a great choice for large game like Elk. It will be just fine for deer as well so long as your state allows you to hunt with it. The only drawback to rounds like this is the cost of the ammo. The shells are almost a buck a piece. My advice would be to go get a nice stainless Savage in 300 Win Mag for about $500 and spend the extra money on the optics. The optics will cost much more than the rifle. I have seen optics ranging from $300 (Tasco) to well over a thousand dollars. Do your research on the optics before buying. They are not all created equal. The range that you will be shooting will be a huge factor.

December 5, 2004, 02:18 PM	#4
litework Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2001 Location: Culpeper, Va. Posts: 413	Unless Remington has changed their practices, I would take an A-bolt over a Remington anyday. My last two big rifle purchases were a Remington LSS chambered in .300 RUM and a Browning Abolt Medallion in .300 Win Mag. I much prefer the Browning. I did not like the Remington's extensive use of plastic on the trigger guard and floor plate. The gun is beautiful with the exception of the plastic. Older Remingtons are not plagued with plastic. I prefer Browning's bolt rotation to Remington's. You don't have to worry about smashing your thumb against your scope with the Browning. Browning is the only rifle that I own that has an easily adjustable trigger with instructions on how to make the adjustments in the owner's manual. We are talking about the .300 RUM; the guns' ability to handle that caliber are greater than mine. Remmy's bolt is more simplistic so it might be more durable. I prefer the action on the Browning, though.

December 5, 2004, 06:30 PM	#5
keens Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2004 Posts: 446	I had (wish I still did) a Remington Stainless Sendero in 300 RUM...it had a stainless fluted barrel and I promise would shoot 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards with Factory ammo...Not everyone likes the H&S precision stock, but I do (it is not a McMillan though). This rifle again would be my first choice...but in the Browning I love my Stainless Stalker and it is my go-to rifle...it is chambered in 30-06. I love the Police model too with the heavy barrel...since I already have the LTR, I would likely go for the full size model that you mentioned to have a pair of similar rifles just for the fun of it. I like them both (Browning and Remington) I do like the factory trigger on the Browning better though...and the bolt throw...decisions...this is part of the fun.

December 6, 2004, 01:56 AM	#6
kevhead Junior Member Join Date: December 3, 2004 Location: Southern Wisconsin Posts: 5	While I'm certain you are going to have a fine rifle no matter which brand you choose, my preference is definately with the Browning. I have an A-bolt M-1000 Eclipse /BOSS chambered in .300WM, and couldn't be happier, and I have had loyal Remington folks comment on the trigger action. I preferred the trigger, bolt action, placement of the thumb safety and the style of magazine for the Browning as well. As to the caliber, I can only imagine the punishment one will endure when cracking a .300RUM, but overkill will likely never be a concern to me. I also believe the winmag will take down anything in North America without question, and ammo is readily available.

January 22, 2005, 10:15 AM	#8
keens Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2004 Posts: 446	To decide between a .300 ultra mag. and the 7mm ultra mag. is in my mind personal preference. The recoil of the big 7 will be a little less, but for reasons of preference, I like the .300's better. The 7 will shoot a little flatter with comparible bullet weights...and with the 140 grain bullet, the 7 is very flat which makes hitting distant targets easier (if there is no wind). Somethinhg about the larger diameter of the .300 just interests me more. But either way, I love the Ultra magnums and bet you will too.

January 22, 2005, 12:41 PM	#9
bill k Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Dog Creek, CA Posts: 457	I have 300 Ultra mag sendero, I love it one week and hate it the next. This is my hate week, next week when my new bullets get in I'm sure I'll love it. I haven't been fortunate enough to find a factory ammo that will shoot under an inch and a half at 100 yards. Your choices of ammo are limited so it's my opinion (and yes, every has one), you need to be a reloader to have success with this round. I've used a number of different weight bullets, different powders, and different charges. Now I can do the half inch groups at 200 yards most of the time. The thing I like, and the reason I got it, is the 2 and 3 inch groups at 4 and 500 yards. An answer to the origional question would be the remington with the heavy barrel. The heavy barrel dramatically reduces the recoil with the added weight.

January 22, 2005, 04:51 PM	#10
keens Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2004 Posts: 446	I totally agree with Billk. However I must have been lucky because my Sendero stainless fluted .300 ultra mag would actually shoot 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards...not every time of course, but hardly ever more than an inch at 200...with factory Remington ammo and the Swift scirocco 180 grain bullet. I am not that great a shot either...I have a friend who does not shoot much...and had never shot a .300 of any kind who used to shoot better groups than me...I am kicking myself for selling it...If I replace it though, it will be with the 700P...one day maybe.