I also have 2 700 ML's. A 54 cal and a 50. The 54 likes 100gr. T7 300gr 50 cal speer gold dots in MMP purple sabots. It also like about any thing else you stuff down the barrel.
All My 700 ML's came from the factory with the weather shield for the bolt.


My 50 cal likes 80gr. of T7 with about any thing you stuff down the bore. I use mainly 300gr gold dots in a green MMP sabot.

Yes cleaning the bolt is a must. I bout this kit from Gander Mountian for about $10.00 makes cleaning the bolt a breeze.


I use to use the clear duck tape to protect the bottom of the scopes. I went to a hardware store and bought a couple short chunks of 1 1/2 dia. clear hose and split it to fit around the scope which got rid of the sticky tape residue.

Another nice thing about the 700 is the adjustable trigger pull. I have mine both set for 2.5 pounds. There are several web sites that will walk you thur how to do it. Make sure you have a trigger pull gauge or a scale that measures in low onces.

One other thing I found out right after I got my first 700 is not to use liquid lubes on the bolts. Use a dri lube like Remington dri slide. In the cold the oil can freeze up enough to cause problems with the stricker hitting the primer.

Al