Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I went hunting for the first time earlier this year and was instantly hooked. I've lined up some whitetail hunts for this fall in Missouri and Tennessee and I want to buy my first rifle so I can practice this summer. I've been researching calibers and looking at rifles for the last few weeks and I think I've narrowed it down to two. Every day I switch back and forth between the two, so I'm hoping to get some opinions to help make a final decision. The two rifles I'm considering are the Remington 700 CDL SF Limited Edition chambered for 260 Remington and the Remington 700 Mountain LSS chambered for 7mm-08. Based on what I've read online it sounds like both of these rifles shoot very good and both of the calibers work well for whitetail deer. I also really like the way both of these rifles look. The MTN LSS is a little shorter and lighter, which would be nice. It has a laminate stock and I like what I've read about how they hold up very well in the rain. However, I love the walnut stock on the CDL SF LTD ED and I think it would be neat to have a limited edition rifle, although it's probably not really that big of a deal to most people. I enjoy tying my own flies and I think it would also be cool to handload my own ammunition, so I'm not worried about the availability of 260 Remington ammo. I'll just buy it online until I learn how to handload. I know I have to make up my own mind, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask for some words of wisdom from men with experience. I'm planning to spend some serious coin on this rifle, so I want to make sure I'm at peace with the purchase. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

If you want to make sure you have peace with your first rifle purchase, I think you should go with the 7mm-08 its a little faster and harder hitting plus it may be a while till you start reloading and the 7mm-08 will be easier to find ammo for. The 260 won't disappoint you with its work on deer though.

If you think you that you would have a hard time hunting hard and scratching your rifle I wouldn't get a pretty rifle. Rifles are tool meant to be used and abused.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

Thanks for the advice. I thought about it some more and I think I'm going to compromise and buy a CDL SF in 7mm-08. I read a review of the MTN LSS and I'm concerned it might be too jumpy for me because it's smaller and lighter than the CDL.

I decided early on that I'm not going to worry about scratching the stock. If it gets beat up from good use, then so be it.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

That is a couple of nice rifles you are considering. If a little extra weight does not bother you to carry around then I would get the heavier rifle. IMO you will shoot better with the heavier rifle. You picked a couple of good cartridges. Personally I would reconsider and look at a 308 or a 30-06. Simply because ammo will be cheaper, and you will have a bit heavier caliber if you decide to hunt anything else. The 30-06 is considerably more cheaper to shoot than the two cartridges you listed(also the 308). A lot of people think the lighter cartridges are just as effective on deer as the 30-06. Personally I do not believe they are. However a lot of people consider the premium bullets necessary in the lighter caliber's. Premium bullets are not necessary in a 30 caliber, which will make ammo even that much more cheaper. Tom.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

Both are nice, surprisingly, half the time anyone mentions a remington on here I think its usually for one of their "ugliest models offered" prizes.....

Between the .260 and 7mm-08 I'd pick the 7mm-08 hands down I think, and quite sure its more popular than the .260 as well, something to consider, esp if you're new and don't handload....though I bet both will be around for years to come, but you never know.

Of those 2 rifles, I've never liked how laminates looked, though they are more hardy compared to wood stocks, ie with swelling and shringing.....but not as good as a synthetic. So that may be somethign to consider....

Also it looks like the laminate model has a shorter barrel.....in that case I'd def choose the 7mm-08.

Is the 7mm-08 faster than the .260? I'd assumed the .260 would be faster ie same powder pushing a smaller bullet. The 7mm-08 would be a better all around IMO.

You may consider a .270 win, .270 wsm, .30-06, .300 wsm, someone mentioned the .308......a good round, though I really like that 7mm-08 configuration amonst the .308 brotheron. Get the 7mm-08

I'd get the 7mm-08 or .270 wsm in the CDL SF hands down!
or hey why not in .257 wby?

PS- you plan to spend some serious coin on this/a rifle? how so? I think you'll be getting a great set up in the CDL SF in 7mm-08, though you may really consider the .270 WSM.

If you are planning to spend some coin....certainly spend the money on a quality scope.....

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I just picked a a 700 CDL in .270 Winchester a few weeks ago.The trigger was my only complaint as it had a heavy trigger pull. For $20 my gunsmith worked the trigger to 3lbs and no noticeable creep or overtravel(to me anyway). I topped it off with a Nikon Monarch, mounted in Talley Lightweight one piece rings and bases. If you are notstuck on the CDL SF, you may take a look at the "plain" CDL(matte blue finish and satin walnut stock.). You could probably save yourself some cash and put it towards better optics.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

Funny that you suggest the .257 Wby. I haven't seen it mentioned much in the forums I've read, but I do really like the looks of this LSS .257 Wby Mag Anniversary Edition:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/premier_dealer_exclusives/model_700_LSS.asp

However, it seems like it might be overkill for what I'm planning to use it for? My understanding is that the caliber is best suited for long range use and I'll most likely be shooting at deer well inside 200 yds.

I thought a lot about going with a 30-06 because that's what all my buddies told me to get, but I decided to pass on the 30 calibers for now so I'll have an excuse to buy a bigger rifle later on. :)

I did buy a scope already, but I'm not sure how good it is. It's a Cabelas Alaskan Guide 3.5-10x50. It's normally $310, but it was on sale for $145. I think the model is being discontinued and replaced with a new version, which explains why they're on sale. I asked the guy at Cabelas what he thought and he said it was honestly a good value at that price. I figured it would do the job as a first scope. It's seems to be pretty clear and easy to adjust, but what do I know. If it doesn't work out then I'll upgrade to a better scope next year.

So, unless I have a revelation this weekend I'm planning to order the CDL SF 7mm-08 next week. At least that's what I'm telling myself today....

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

Speaking as someone that owns a CDL SF in 7-08 I would not buy another one (sorry)

[ol][*]It is annoyingly heavy to carry even with the fluted barrel etc (you might not have to carry it as far?)[*]The stock is incredibly slippery right where I carry it, as soon as it gets a little dusty or wet its like a bar of soap! - None of my other rifles have ever been dropped, I have dropped the CDL about a million times!!! (2 scopes damaged or destroyed, major scratches on barrel)[*]The stock scratches very easily and started looking rough quite quickly (probably not helped by the dropping[:@])[*]The 'cross bolts' are cosmetic inserts only as far as I can tell...[*]Stock compressed which meant the action screws started to interfere with bolt (needed pillar bedding)[*]Accuracy out of the box was poor - needed trigger lightening & the above bedding improvements to approach MOA
[/ol]This was not an el cheapo rifle to start with - people seem happy to accept this level of quality with a standard 700, but this is supposed to be top of the line? Many other very nice rifles at that price point (A-Bolt? Kimber?). Limited edition - so what!! limited to "as many as we can sell" ads nothing to value or resale

As for 7-08, its a fine cartridge which will destroy deer sized animals with ease. Reasonably flat shooting & very managable recoil. I dont like hard kicking rifles at all, but I would not hesitate to use a very light 7-08 espec with a recoil pad like the R3 one. Ammo cost is a major barrier to the .260 at least here in NZ .260 is around twice the price of 7-08 here.

Anyway - good luck with your choice!

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

Ugh...that was a total buzz-kill, but thanks for the honest feedback.

Ok, maybe I should start over in my quest for advice. Here's the question:

You are a 6'2", 210lb, novice hunter. You have about $1000 and you have to spend it on a new 7mm-08 rifle. You will be hunting whitetail deer in the midwest with it. It cannot have a synthetic stock. You already have a scope that you must use on this rifle. Any cash leftover must be used to buy ammo so that you can practice. What rifle do you buy?

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I would get a Remington CDL or a Winchester Model 70. If they don't have what you want, find an A-bolt that is new.

Every rifle is different. Every guy is different. I have never owned, or personally seen a Remington that wouldn't shoot. However, I do reload. I think relying on manufactured ammunition can often hold a rifle back in the accuracy department.

I have also seen guys shoot a known load out of my rifle and not get nearly as good a group.

If you like the Remington, then get it. I wouldn't consider doing things like trigger work, glass bedding, and floating the barrel as signs that you got a lemon. Everyone used to do it. Now they just expect it to not be necessary.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

Lately the Remingtons I am hearing about have been a little hit or miss, but don't write them off just yet after one bad review.

I good alternative might be in the Savage line. They have a great reputation and the American Classic is one of their prettier ones.


Tikkas have an incrediable reputation and look good as well.


Go to a Cabela's or similar store and handle a few guns find one that fits you that is the key. I like the reputation and look of the Tikka but it doesn't fit me right so though good for someone else its not good for me. Find your rifle them come back and ask our opinion on it.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I would rather have the CDL over any Mountain soda straw barrel rifle...How they call a rifle that is as unhandy and bulky and heavy as a 700 mountain rifle is a "mountain rifle "is beyond me.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I have had a 700 CDL ( matte finish barrel/action, with satin finish stock) in 7-08 for 4 yrs. now. It is one of the best out-of-the-box shooting rifles I've ever owned. It really came on when I started handloading for it. As far as the stock getting slippery when wet, I don't understand that at all. The stock is very well checkered and I've never had one bit of trouble with it. My action screws have never moved, nor has the wood compressed. If I had trouble like that with any gun, it would be sent back to the factory. I don't know how you compress wood using the required 40 in. lbs. torque on the action screws.
I feel that the 7-08 has better reloadability potential than the 260, but that is certainly a personal choice. Either round is quite capable of killing deer at the ranges you discussed.
Whatever your choice, good luck with your decision. I think you will find reloading a very rewarding adventure should you get involved. Lots of good info and help here..............

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

There are quite a few fine rifles out there at if you're in the 1000 dollar range, maybe consider 1200, I know quite a few other rifles probably enter at that point.

I hear ya on the smaller cartridge now and bigger later, also right now there are quitea few new rounds proving themselves, waiting a few years should only help clarify which succeed. If you are planning to own more than 1 rifle, then yea I would avoid a .30-06, and specialize more, ie a 7mm-08 and a .300 wsm or so.

I think the 7mm-08 is a great choice, you could certainly pick worse, but not much better for what you're talking of doing.

Definitely look at all the gun sites......and see whats on the market, winchester, browning, remington, kimber, sako, etc..etc... cooperarms, ruger?

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I was seriously looking at a Savage until the guys at Cabelas steered me towards the Ruger M77 Hawkeye and the Remington 700 CDL. I will say that I've read countless posts singing the praises ofSavage rifles. The consensus seems to bethat they are one of the most accurate rifles out of the box and that AccuTrigger is perhaps the besttrigger system on the market today.Consider the fact that they are less expensive than most of their peers and it seems almost too good be true. The only negative thing I've read about Savage rifles is that some people think they're ugly. I'll be honest with you - when I checked them outat the store they didn't appear to be any uglier or prettier than most of rifles I looked at from other manufacturers. That's probably just my inexperience talking, but seriously - are there any noteworthyissues with Savage rifles that would make an experienced hunter want to pay a couple hundred more for a Winchester, Browning, Ruger,Remington, etc?

Pros: highly accurate, very affordable, AccuTrigger
Cons: ???

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

I would go with the 700 CDL.....I have a Remington 700 BDL 7mm-08 and I absolutely love it. It has a 22 in. barrel as opposed to the 24 on the CDL, but hunting out in the midwest I would probably go with the 24 in. anyways.

RE: Remington 700: CDL SF or MTN LSS?
 

They are no cheaper then Ruger less then Winchester,Browning and Remington. I think their bolt is too complicated and I don't like their floorplate system or the quality of materials it is made of whether it is a floorplate,magazine or blind . I don't like they feed and no big fan of the accutrigger. Their wood stocks look plain and their synthetic stocks are the cheapest put on any factory rifle.

CS- I'm agonizing over the same Remington models CDL SF and the mountain LSS
Did you make a purshase yet? what did you decide?
Any thoughts?
thanks
Frank

I was in the same situation you are a few months ago.
I was dead set on a 7-08 for good reason.
I also refuse to buy another Remington.
I was left with savage tika weatherby or browning. Browning had nothing I liked in that caliber, savage has the wrong rate of twist for the 7-08 (1-11.5) I decided on the weatherby vanguard that I put a aftermarket stock on . It comes with a 24" barrell which is great.
The gun is probably the most accurate gun I have owned.
If I were you I would look at the weatherby sporter or sub moa in 7-08 or the vangaurd for 399.00 and put a custom stock on it like I did.
Heres the sporter and sub moa.













The winchester featherweight is another, I just didnt like its looks
It has a 22" barrell and the correct twist, 1-9.5








heres my weatherby vanguard 7-08 with a knox axiom stock on it

Personally I would go with the 7mm-08, just more ammo choices out there. I would poke around on Gunbroker and see if you can find a Remington Model 7. It is sort of the in between gun on the CDL and Mountain rifle. I have had 2 model 7s and they are great shooting guns..

This thing is 7.5lbs on the nose WITH the scope and steel mounts, thats heavy and bulky???:confused:
Attachment 6194



I owned alot of rifles before I bought this one and Im pretty picky but I must say, my MTLSS 7-08 is a dream to carry ,and it does under an 1" everytime. Its also sweet looking IMO. The only thing I did was swap the trigger for a rifle basix but the factory one was not that bad either.

The M700 LSS Limited in 257 Wby is exactly the rifle that I have, and I love it. There are always critical reviews for every rifle made, but I've not had any problems with the two Remington M700's I've owned (this one and an older ADL that I foolishly traded). Mine looks great, and shoots great, except when I tried feeding it Retumbo! If you want this LSS Limited, it was a 2008 special run, but check Gunbroker. That's where I bought mine from a dealer in New York (I live in Iowa), and I got a great deal on it. This gun comes with a very nicely done monte carlo laminated stock, with the new SuperCell recoil pad, which is actually better than the excellent R3/Limbsaver pad that's standard on most Remington guns. It also has the X-Mark Pro Trigger. Mine has what appears to be an early incarnation of the X-Mark, as it does not allow adjustment without removing the stock. I was able to easily adjust my trigger down to a very crisp 1.5 pounds, while still being about to pass the post adjustment safety checks with ease. As for accuracy, I've not settled on a load because of difficulty finding powder, but the one load that showed the most promise was IMR-7828 and the 100 grain Barnes Tipped TSX. That load was easily sub-MOA, with some groups under 1/2 MOA.





Mike

As an added note, if you do not handload, then I would strongly recommend against getting a 257 Weatherby Mag. It's interesting to note that while Remington is now chambering a number of rifle in 257 Wby, they have not started loading factory ammo for it. If you choose to shoot factory ammo, your choices are limited to Weatherby brand ammo and a couple others, and the cheapest ammo available is $50/box. If you've got a lot of money, this isn't an issue, but since you said you have $1000 to spend, I'm guessing money IS an object. If you handload, then it doesn't cost any more to load the 257 Roy than it does to load a 7mm Rem Mag (less actually, because comparable bullets are cheaper).

Mike