The Remington 700 and the .270 Winchester: A Tale of Two Legends
The Remington 700’s Birth and Evolution
The Remington 700’s roots lie in the mid-20th century, born from a desire to create a rifle that was both accurate and cost-effective. The Remington Arms Company, a name synonymous with firearms innovation, put considerable effort into its design, starting with the action. The 700’s action is its heart, built around a robust bolt with locking lugs that directly engage the receiver, providing exceptional strength. This is crucial for handling the high pressures generated by powerful cartridges. Features like its precision-machined receiver and carefully engineered trigger system also contributed to the 700’s inherent accuracy potential. It was designed to be a rifle that a shooter could depend on, time and time again. This foundation of reliability and inherent accuracy set the stage for its long and successful life.
The Popularity of the .270 Winchester
Alongside the Remington 700’s evolution came the .270 Winchester cartridge, a round that revolutionized the hunting world. Introduced in the 1920s, the .270 Winchester quickly gained a following for its flat trajectory and impressive range. Its creator, Winchester Repeating Arms Company, designed it to fire a .277-inch diameter bullet, offering excellent ballistic coefficients that translated to minimal bullet drop over long distances. This allowed hunters to make more precise shots at further ranges, increasing their effectiveness in the field. The .270 Winchester possessed a versatile performance profile; it could be used for medium-sized game like deer and antelope but also held enough stopping power for larger animals such as elk, making it a favorite choice for hunters seeking a single rifle for varied applications.
Remington 700 BDL .270: Unpacking the Details
Core Features of the Remington 700
The Remington 700 BDL, with “BDL” standing for “Deluxe,” represents a step up in aesthetics and finish. It combines the core performance of the 700 action with a more refined appearance, making it a truly desirable piece of equipment.
The core feature of the Remington 700 lies in its bolt-action system. The rifle utilizes a cylindrical bolt that locks into the receiver, creating a robust and secure system for containing the powerful explosion of gunpowder that propels the bullet. This action’s simplicity is a virtue; it’s inherently reliable and easy to maintain. The bolt design allows for smooth and fast cycling, important for follow-up shots. Extraction and ejection are also carefully designed, ensuring spent casings are removed cleanly and efficiently.
The trigger system, often a point of customization, is another critical element. The 700’s trigger, though frequently considered factory-adjusted for safety, is known for its crisp break when properly adjusted. This clean break is essential for accuracy; a heavy or inconsistent trigger pull can cause the shooter to jerk the rifle and spoil the shot. Aftermarket options are common, allowing shooters to further fine-tune their rifle to match their preferences.
BDL Model Specifics
The BDL model sets itself apart from other 700 variations largely through its stock design and decorative touches. The stock is typically crafted from walnut or other high-quality wood, carefully chosen for its beauty and grain. The stock is often embellished with checkering, providing a secure grip in all weather conditions. The BDL often featured an engraved or inlaid floorplate, adding a touch of elegance. Some BDL models were also equipped with a Monte Carlo stock, the raised cheekpiece and comb designed for optimal scope alignment.
Performance Characteristics: Accuracy and Beyond
Accuracy and Reliability
The Remington 700 BDL .270 is well-regarded for its inherent accuracy potential. When paired with quality ammunition and a skilled shooter, it is capable of consistently grouping shots tightly at distances that are more than adequate for most hunting scenarios. The rifle’s accuracy is affected by a multitude of factors. These include the quality of the scope, the stability of the mounting, and even environmental conditions. Proper bedding – ensuring the barreled action is firmly and correctly seated in the stock – is another major aspect of its ability to provide precise shots.
.270 Winchester Ballistics and Effectiveness
The .270 Winchester is known for its impressive ballistic performance. With a flat trajectory, it allows hunters to aim with greater confidence at extended ranges. This means that the bullet drops less over distance, simplifying holdover calculations. This is critical for taking longer shots. The variety of available bullet weights – typically from 130 grains to 150 grains – provides flexibility in choosing ammunition that matches the game being hunted. A lighter, faster bullet might excel at longer ranges with thinner skinned animals, while a heavier bullet would be selected for heavier game, maintaining energy on impact. The .270 delivers a level of performance that has made it a favorite choice in the hunting community for decades.
Hunting with the Remington 700 BDL .270: Practical Applications
Field Applications
The Remington 700 BDL .270 excels in various hunting environments. Its flat trajectory and potent energy on impact make it an excellent choice for hunting deer, antelope, and elk. The versatility of the .270 Winchester, combined with the inherent accuracy of the 700 action, provides hunters with confidence in the field.
For optimal performance, selecting the right optics is essential. The scope should offer the appropriate magnification for the hunting distances expected. A higher magnification is useful for targeting animals at longer ranges, but it can also limit the field of view. Scope quality also plays a critical role; clarity and light gathering are essential for low-light conditions.
Choosing the right ammunition is also crucial. Bullet selection should be based on the game being hunted and the range at which the shot will be taken. Consult a ballistics chart and understand the bullet’s trajectory, energy transfer, and expansion characteristics to make an informed decision.
Maintenance is straightforward but crucial. Regularly clean the bore to maintain accuracy and prevent corrosion. Clean and lubricate the action to ensure smooth operation. Inspect the stock, paying attention to the fit and finish, especially around the bedding areas. Proper storage in a case, away from extreme temperatures and humidity, is also crucial for preserving the rifle’s condition.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Advantages
The Remington 700 BDL .270 offers several key advantages. Its reputation for accuracy and reliability is well-deserved. It’s a proven design, meaning there’s a vast pool of knowledge and support available. It’s a great choice for hunters of all experience levels. The .270 Winchester provides a blend of velocity and energy that’s effective on a wide range of game. While availability is excellent, the value proposition remains strong.
Disadvantages
There are potential drawbacks. The BDL models often feature wood stocks, which require more care than their synthetic counterparts. While wood stocks offer beautiful aesthetics, they may be more susceptible to weather changes. Older triggers may need attention, and some shooters may find the weight to be slightly higher than modern, lightweight rifles.
Conclusion
The Remington 700 BDL .270 remains a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed, reliable hunting rifle. Its combination of accuracy, the potent performance of the .270 Winchester, and the classic BDL features makes it an excellent choice for hunters seeking a rifle that can handle a variety of game. From its robust bolt-action to the elegance of its stock, the Remington 700 BDL .270 is more than just a tool; it’s an experience. Its enduring popularity and consistent performance have cemented its place as a true icon in the hunting world, ready to serve generations of hunters. It is a symbol of quality, reliability, and the time-honored traditions of the sport.
