IF I had a Rem 700 .308 Win 24" 5-R barrel
my go to would be

Fed GM210M Large rifle Match Primer
42g IMR 4064
168gr SMK HPBT
with an ogive of 2.825 (for that rifle I would have)
39g IMR 8208 XBR would give similar results.
39.4gr TAC also has close vel but would not appear to be as consistent.

   I would only full size rounds NOT fired out of that particular firearm, then neck size with all others fired out of the same rifle from that point on.
Case length tends to "stretch" around 3+/- reloads and would require trim.
If I find data, will send.
 

Thanks!  I don't have the fancy 5R barrel. . . 

My gun already shoots FGMM 168 gr pretty well, so starting there.  I really want to try these Nosler CC heads.  I have two of the powders you mentioned. 

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

I only started reloading 308 with H4895.  I also have H335 and Varget that I have not tried yet
I like to use the Hodgdon site for info.  with the H4895 and 168 grain Sierra HPBT, i had best result with 43 grains
i still have to test with Varget and H335.  I like that all these powders can be used with 223 and 308
have more testing to do.  i dont shoot much 308. i'm a rookie reloader for 308   

Awesome!  Another good data point.   I don't have H4895 or H335. 

That Varget works well with .223 Rem also is a huge plus for me.  Primers on the other hand. . . 

For reference only.. Sierra Data
(Orange asterisk indicates low speeds or pressure load)





For reference only.. Hornady data

Thanks!  I don't have the fancy 5R barrel. . . 

My gun already shoots FGMM 168 gr pretty well, so starting there.  I really want to try these Nosler CC heads.  I have two of the powders you mentioned.

For me, half the fun of reloading is the testing of different bullets/powders/primers/cases etc. Every rifle is different so your rifle might prefer the Nosler over Sierra bullets etc. Generally speaking I have had limited success with Hornady bullets in my rifles. I have have tested a lot of them and almost every one has been disappointing in my rifles. Generally speaking I have had the most success with Sierra bullets including their Match Kings. With Nosler coming in a close second. You may find just the opposite. Who knows? If you ever have a little extra $ you might try Berger Bullets. I have seen better performance with Bergers in certain weight ranges in my 223 over SMK’s.

I have also had good luck with Varget in my 223 with bullets heavier than 65 grains. With H335 giving me better results with bullets lighter than 65 grains. I also saw good results with IMR4895. In my 30-06 I have had good results with 4064, 3031, Varget and IMR4895. H4895 seems to be in almost every cartridge in every load data book I have and Hodgdon’s lists it in a tremendous number cartridges including being able to use it in reduced loads if you ever want to dabble in that. The thing about H4895 is that I have used it in 223 and all of my 30 caliber cartridges and it seems to be a sort of Jack of All Trades, Master of None. So if you have a chance to pick up some H4895 it might work well for you over a range of cartridges.

From what I understand, the Hornady ELDs have a thin jacket and like other thin jackets, the bullets may be sensitive to the distance to lands

For reference only.. Sierra Data
(Orange asterisk indicates low speeds or pressure load)

For reference only.. Hornady data

Awesome!  Thanks Rhed!  I'm putting together my loading binder ref book and these will help.

For me, half the fun of reloading is the testing of different bullets/powders/primers/cases etc. Every rifle is different so your rifle might prefer the Nosler over Sierra bullets etc. Generally speaking I have had limited success with Hornady bullets in my rifles. I have have tested a lot of them and almost every one has been disappointing in my rifles. Generally speaking I have had the most success with Sierra bullets including their Match Kings. With Nosler coming in a close second. You may find just the opposite. Who knows? If you ever have a little extra $ you might try Berger Bullets. I have seen better performance with Bergers in certain weight ranges in my 223 over SMK’s.

I have also had good luck with Varget in my 223 with bullets heavier than 65 grains. With H335 giving me better results with bullets lighter than 65 grains. I also saw good results with IMR4895. In my 30-06 I have had good results with 4064, 3031, Varget and IMR4895. H4895 seems to be in almost every cartridge in every load data book I have and Hodgdon’s lists it in a tremendous number cartridges including being able to use it in reduced loads if you ever want to dabble in that. The thing about H4895 is that I have used it in 223 and all of my 30 caliber cartridges and it seems to be a sort of Jack of All Trades, Master of None. So if you have a chance to pick up some H4895 it might work well for you over a range of cartridges.

The trying and testing is something I am interested in.  Hopefully the range situation settles down.  When they took down the "fun stuff" at KHSC, that really put a damper on things.  Then the trying and testing part I know I would likely do diving head first down the rabbit hole, which I have already just started, and consume a lot of time.  That's one of the reasons I stayed away.  That and not much space for a workshop/bench.

I read good things about Berger.  I went with whatever they had in stock at Midway a few weeks ago when I got a free shipping coupon.  I'll keep an eye out for them in future.  I also have a decent amount of options to try already, so taking it a little easy on buying components for a bit.  Need more $$$ for the gun refresh.   

I'll have to be on the lookout for H4895.  Seeing that more and more in the load data and threads about recipes.  When I went to SEC that first time, I just knew my buddy was testing 4064 and 3031.  Now that I am getting more info on what people have been trying, I can keep a sharper eye out for components. 

From what I understand, the Hornady ELDs have a thin jacket and like other thin jackets, the bullets may be sensitive to the distance to lands

I read good things about it online, so I figured give them a shot.  Then got to talking to some more experienced folks locally and been getting mixed feedback.  One that I have to watch out for is the OAL and fitting in magazines.  My primary will be SMK and I really want to get to the Nosler.

From what I understand, the Hornady ELDs have a thin jacket and like other thin jackets, the bullets may be sensitive to the distance to lands

And why I stress ogive for each bullet. 
I also chrono each load for comparison.

Dug up some of Rockette's old chrono and load data from shots at just over 100 yds on 8" down to 3" targets over several days.
Notice most days had prevailing winds from the right










(Maybe I should re-visit this load  )

 12" target is from 220 yds 10-12 degree down hill after figuring the right recipe (noted earlier) and finding ogive for same on a windless day.
2 rounds to zero.
Disregard my 5.56 rounds (2 in black @ 1:00 and 7:00, 7 stickers and 3 off black 
I'm too Pake to not use dots and same target.

Post from research

.308 Winchester Load Map
Powder   Grains   Primer   Bullet   Brass   Velocity   Comments
Hodgdon Varget   47.5   F210m   Sierra 110 Varmint   Win   3200 fps   Very Accurate Varmint Load, 2.650" COAL
Reloader 15   47.0   F210m   Hornady 110 V-Max   Win   3200 fps   Accurate, hard-hitting Varmint Load. Try .010" into lands.
Hodgdon H335   47.0   F210m   Sierra 125 SP   Fed   3100 fps   Sierra's Hunting Load, 26" bbl, 2.700" COAL
IMR 4064   45.2   F210m   Nosler 150 B-Tip   Win   2843 fps   Hunting Load, 26" bbl, 2.850" COAL
Alliant Reloader 15   46.2   CCI BR2   Lapua 155   Lapua   2920 fps   Very Accurate in 25" 5R bbl, .3 MOA at 300m, 2.800" COAL
Hodgdon Varget   45.2   F210m   Lapua 155   Lapua   2830 fps   Z. Smith Tactical Match Load in 24" Accuracy Int'l, 2.850" COAL
Hodgdon Benchmark   44.0   F210m   Lapua 155   Lapua   2895 fps   Jason Baney 100-400m Load
Hodgdon Varget   45.5+   CCI BR2   155 SMK   Lapua or Win   2950+ fps   Jerry Tierney Palma Load
(Charge varies with lot)
Hodgdon Varget   47.0   CCI BR2   Berger 155   Lapua   2900+ fps   John Whidden Palma Load
Alliant Reloader 15   44.0   CCI BR2   Hornady 168 A-Max   Lapua   2700 fps   Very Accurate, 1/4 moa to 400 yards. 2.875" COAL.
Alliant Reloader 15   42.0   F210m   168 SMK   Fed   2600 fps   Sierra's Accuracy Load Savage 12VSS
IMR 4064   43.5   F210m   168 SMK   Win   2600+ fps   Very Accurate in 24" bbl, 2.800" COAL.
Vihtavuori N150   43.5   F210m   168 SMK   Win   2640 fps   J. Gottfredson's Short-Range Match Load
Alliant Reloader 15   45.0   F210m   175 SMK   Win   2750 fps   Very Accurate from 24" 5R bbl.
IMR 4895   43.0   Win   175 SMK   IMI Match   2753 fps   Very Accurate, No Pressure Signs, 2.787" COAL, .018" jump
Hodgdon Varget   43.0   Russian   175 SMK   Lapua   2610 fps   Brad Sauve F-TR Match Load, .018" Jump
Hodgdon Varget   43.0   CCI BR2   175 SMK   IMI Match   2685 fps   Very Accurate, under 1/2-MOA, 2.787" COAL, .018" jump, 26" bbl
Hodgdon Varget   44.6   F210m   175 SMK   LC   na   AR10 load for magazine, 2.807" COAL
Ramshot TAC   42.0   CCI BR2   175 SMK   IMI Match   2705 fps   Very Consistant under 1/2-MOA, 2.800" COAL, .005" jump
Vihtavuori N540   41.0   F210m   175 SMK   Fed   2400 fps   Sierra's Accuracy Load Savage 12VSS
Alliant Reloader 15   46.0   F210m   Hornady 178 A-Max   Horn Match   na   Note: Hornady brass has more capacity than Lapua. 2.845" OAL
IMR 4064   40.5   F210m   190 SMK   Fed   2500 fps   Sierra's Accuracy Load Savage 12VSS
WARNING: With all loads, ALWAYS START 10% LOW and work up incrementally.

QuickLOAD Projected Velocities in FPS with Increasing Barrel Length
Powder   20"   21"   22"   23"   24"   25"   26"   27"   28"   29"   30"   31"   32"
44.5gr Varget (ADI 2208)   2592   2620   2646   2671   2694   2716   2736   2756   2775   2792   2809   2825   2841
44.5gr IMR 4064   2628   2656   2681   2705   2728   2749   2770   2789   2807   2824   2841   2857   2872


Alliant Powder Reload Recipes

Caliber   Bullet   Case   Minimum OAL
(inches)   Bbl Length   Primer   Powder   Charge Weight
(grains)   Velocity
(fps)   Notes
308 Win.   Speer 110 gr HP   IMI      2.55   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     51   3,144   -
308 Win.   Speer 125 gr HP   IMI      2.615   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     50   3,062   -
308 Win.   Speer 150 gr SP   IMI      2.7   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     49   2,919   -
308 Win.   Speer 165 gr SP   IMI      2.8   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     47   2,812   -
308 Win.   Speer 168 gr BTHP           2.8   24   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     45   2,710   -
308 Win.   Speer 180 gr SP   IMI      2.8   24   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     45   2,613   -
308 Win.   Speer 200 gr SP   IMI      2.8   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     42   2,416   -


Cartridge, Caliber 7.62mm Special Ball, Long Range, MK 316 MOD 0 (United States): A 175-grain (11.3 g) round specifically designed for long-range sniping consisting of Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point Boat Tail projectiles, Federal Cartridge Company match cartridge cases and Gold Medal Match primers. The Propellant has been verified as IMR 4064 (per NSN 1305-01-567-6944 and Federal Cartridge Company Contract/Order Number N0016408DJN28 and has a charge weight per the specs of 41.745-grain (2.7 g).[19]

Remington 700 Mil-Spec 5R: Bargain buy for a thousand-yard rifle
6/11/13 | by Patrick Stump


To many shooters, the allure of long-range rifle shooting is irresistible. An accurate rifle that can reach out and touch at a thousand yards is an attractive part of any collection. What isn’t so glamorous of long-range shooting is emptying the life savings to afford a rifle capable of it. In the search for a rifle that could shoot well but wouldn’t break the bank, I came across a member of the Remington 700 family, the Mil-Spec 5R stainless steel in .308 Winchester.
 
The Remington 700 Mil-Spec 5R
The main feature that sets this rifle apart from other Remington rifles is the 5R rifled barrel. This is the same type of rifling used in the standard-issue M24 sniper rifles, which uses five lands and grooves instead of six. The edges of the lands are tapered down to the grooves, which results in a more complete gas seal around the bullet and the five lands and grooves cause less deformation of the bullet, which leads to better accuracy over conventional rifling.
The heavy-profile barrel is 24 inches long and made of stainless steel. Coupled with the 5R rifling is a faster 1 in 11.25-inch twist, allowing heavier bullets to be stabilized reliably.
The stock is made by H-S Precision, and is oversized in the forearm and the grip areas, giving the user a better grip purchase on the rifle.  Inside the stock is a standard 5-round integral magazine with a swing-open floor plate. The action features full-length aluminum bedding, increasing shot-to-shot consistency.  Remington’s new adjustable X-Mark Pro trigger is featured on the rifle, coming preset at 3.5 pounds with a clean break with absolutely no creep or takeup, and virtually no overtravel.  A screw in the trigger allows the user to adjust the weight within a 2-pound range.
In the hands
 
The Remington 700 Mil-Spec 5R trigger. The adjustable screw is in the top center.
The rifle is both a looker and a feeler.  While I have never been one for stainless steel on what is supposed to be a tactical rifle (my intentions were to have the rifle Cerakoted), the combination of black with green-webbed stock and stainless steel action and barrel complements each other well.  It also sits well in the users arms from sitting or prone positions.  However, the 5R is a little on the heavy side at 8.25 pounds, making it fairly impractical for accurate shooting from anything but a supported position.  Even though it is a tad heavy, the rifle is rock solid in every way.
A controversial point of the 5R is the use of the X-Mark Pro trigger system.  I generally like the trigger on the rifle.  It is as advertised: a very crisp, adjustable trigger.  My only problem with it is the adjustment system on the trigger.  On the upper portion of the trigger, protruding diagonally out of the action, the adjustment screw is situated in the perfect position to dig into your trigger finger if it is anything but flush, especially if you have larger fingers like me.  After several weeks and multiple range trips trying to find a compromise between trigger weight and finger comfort, I hesitantly removed the screw entirely.  Surprisingly, the rifle still functions fine.  There have been no slam fire issues, the trigger is not too sensitive, and the safety still functions correctly.
What it does best
My first experiences with the Remington 700 5R were disappointing, however, this was no fault of the rifle.  After spending $1,100 on the rifle, my wallet was hurting and I tried to get away with an inexpensive scope, a Barska SWAT 10-40×50.  It doomed all of my tests with the Remington to absolutely certain failure.  The scope absolutely would NOT hold a zero.  Despite using sandbags, a bipod, and even a rifle rest (Caldwell Lead Sled), I couldn’t achieve groups at 100 yards any better than 1-2 inches, which was NOT typical of this rifle, based on all of the experiences I had read.
While part of me had hoped that I could get away with using a cost-saving scope, I knew that I was being unrealistic.  After a good customer service experience at a sporting good store, I spent a hundred more on a SWFA SuperSniper 20×42 scope, which I had read to be very good quality inexpensive scope.  The new investment remedied any accuracy problems that I encountered with the old scope.  Despite the fact that I shy away from fixed-power scopes because I am always afraid it will limit the rifle’s usefulness at different ranges, I am happy with the SWFA SS 20x.  Its optics are clear and bright, has a very nice mil-dot reticle, and good eye relief.
The 5R surely is a pleasure to shoot.  Because of its slightly more massive bulk from the heavy barrel and beefier stock, the already moderately tame .308 cartridge becomes even milder. The stock comes with a nice rubber butt pad also helping to reduce felt recoil.  Achieving a good cheek weld isn’t difficult or uncomfortable, but a rubber cheek riser would really allow the user to be completely at rest when looking through a scope.
 
Food for thought (and your rifle)
While it seems to shoot all cartridges fairly well, the 5R does have a tendency to prefer heavier bullets.  A steady diet of Sierra MatchKing 175 grain hollow-point boat-tail keeps my 5R healthy.  Most cartridges that I shoot are hand-loads, but I have tried a few factory loads.  So far, I have put the following through my Remington: Surplus M2 Ball, Nosler Custom Competition 168 grain HPBT, and dozens of batches of handloads.
The 5R likes handloads the best, and so far I have come up with the following recipe:
•   Nosler .308 Brass
•   Sierra MatchKing 175 grain HPBT
•   Federal Gold Medal Match Primers
•   42.5 grains Hodgdon Varget Powder
•   2.855 inch Cartridge Length
•   No crimp


I use the 175 grain long range match bullet over:
44.6 grains of N150
Winchester brass ( full length sized and trimmed to 2.008)
Wolf large Rifle primers
COAL 2.83

Barrel length: 12 twist 24 inch.

I use 2 different powders Varget and IMR 4064. 2 different rounds also 175gr. smk and 168gr. smk. CCI BR-2 primers.

for 175gr smk:
Varget 43 or 44gr.
IMR 4064 43.5 is my money load. Very accurate in my Rem700

for 168gr. smk:
Varget 44.5 or 45gr.
IMR 4064 45gr.
Lapua 155 Scenar
Lapua Case
CCI BR Primer
N150 Powder start at 43.0 grains and work up from there
Load to overal length of 2.82"

Another neat trick I've posted before to save time on setting COL and figuring out ogive.
Less bullet puller/hammer action. 
Mind you case manufacturer is different so if using multiple types of cases, you'll need one for each different case.

good thing that "your friend" bought you all those "heads" to try at the gun show a few years ago...
 

Post from research

.308 Winchester Load Map
Powder   Grains   Primer   Bullet   Brass   Velocity   Comments
Hodgdon Varget   47.5   F210m   Sierra 110 Varmint   Win   3200 fps   Very Accurate Varmint Load, 2.650" COAL
Reloader 15   47.0   F210m   Hornady 110 V-Max   Win   3200 fps   Accurate, hard-hitting Varmint Load. Try .010" into lands.
Hodgdon H335   47.0   F210m   Sierra 125 SP   Fed   3100 fps   Sierra's Hunting Load, 26" bbl, 2.700" COAL
IMR 4064   45.2   F210m   Nosler 150 B-Tip   Win   2843 fps   Hunting Load, 26" bbl, 2.850" COAL
Alliant Reloader 15   46.2   CCI BR2   Lapua 155   Lapua   2920 fps   Very Accurate in 25" 5R bbl, .3 MOA at 300m, 2.800" COAL
Hodgdon Varget   45.2   F210m   Lapua 155   Lapua   2830 fps   Z. Smith Tactical Match Load in 24" Accuracy Int'l, 2.850" COAL
Hodgdon Benchmark   44.0   F210m   Lapua 155   Lapua   2895 fps   Jason Baney 100-400m Load
Hodgdon Varget   45.5+   CCI BR2   155 SMK   Lapua or Win   2950+ fps   Jerry Tierney Palma Load
(Charge varies with lot)
Hodgdon Varget   47.0   CCI BR2   Berger 155   Lapua   2900+ fps   John Whidden Palma Load
Alliant Reloader 15   44.0   CCI BR2   Hornady 168 A-Max   Lapua   2700 fps   Very Accurate, 1/4 moa to 400 yards. 2.875" COAL.
Alliant Reloader 15   42.0   F210m   168 SMK   Fed   2600 fps   Sierra's Accuracy Load Savage 12VSS
IMR 4064   43.5   F210m   168 SMK   Win   2600+ fps   Very Accurate in 24" bbl, 2.800" COAL.
Vihtavuori N150   43.5   F210m   168 SMK   Win   2640 fps   J. Gottfredson's Short-Range Match Load
Alliant Reloader 15   45.0   F210m   175 SMK   Win   2750 fps   Very Accurate from 24" 5R bbl.
IMR 4895   43.0   Win   175 SMK   IMI Match   2753 fps   Very Accurate, No Pressure Signs, 2.787" COAL, .018" jump
Hodgdon Varget   43.0   Russian   175 SMK   Lapua   2610 fps   Brad Sauve F-TR Match Load, .018" Jump
Hodgdon Varget   43.0   CCI BR2   175 SMK   IMI Match   2685 fps   Very Accurate, under 1/2-MOA, 2.787" COAL, .018" jump, 26" bbl
Hodgdon Varget   44.6   F210m   175 SMK   LC   na   AR10 load for magazine, 2.807" COAL
Ramshot TAC   42.0   CCI BR2   175 SMK   IMI Match   2705 fps   Very Consistant under 1/2-MOA, 2.800" COAL, .005" jump
Vihtavuori N540   41.0   F210m   175 SMK   Fed   2400 fps   Sierra's Accuracy Load Savage 12VSS
Alliant Reloader 15   46.0   F210m   Hornady 178 A-Max   Horn Match   na   Note: Hornady brass has more capacity than Lapua. 2.845" OAL
IMR 4064   40.5   F210m   190 SMK   Fed   2500 fps   Sierra's Accuracy Load Savage 12VSS
WARNING: With all loads, ALWAYS START 10% LOW and work up incrementally.

QuickLOAD Projected Velocities in FPS with Increasing Barrel Length
Powder   20"   21"   22"   23"   24"   25"   26"   27"   28"   29"   30"   31"   32"
44.5gr Varget (ADI 2208)   2592   2620   2646   2671   2694   2716   2736   2756   2775   2792   2809   2825   2841
44.5gr IMR 4064   2628   2656   2681   2705   2728   2749   2770   2789   2807   2824   2841   2857   2872


Alliant Powder Reload Recipes

Caliber   Bullet   Case   Minimum OAL
(inches)   Bbl Length   Primer   Powder   Charge Weight
(grains)   Velocity
(fps)   Notes
308 Win.   Speer 110 gr HP   IMI      2.55   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     51   3,144   -
308 Win.   Speer 125 gr HP   IMI      2.615   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     50   3,062   -
308 Win.   Speer 150 gr SP   IMI      2.7   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     49   2,919   -
308 Win.   Speer 165 gr SP   IMI      2.8   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     47   2,812   -
308 Win.   Speer 168 gr BTHP           2.8   24   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     45   2,710   -
308 Win.   Speer 180 gr SP   IMI      2.8   24   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     45   2,613   -
308 Win.   Speer 200 gr SP   IMI      2.8   22   CCI 200   Reloder 15
     42   2,416   -


Cartridge, Caliber 7.62mm Special Ball, Long Range, MK 316 MOD 0 (United States): A 175-grain (11.3 g) round specifically designed for long-range sniping consisting of Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point Boat Tail projectiles, Federal Cartridge Company match cartridge cases and Gold Medal Match primers. The Propellant has been verified as IMR 4064 (per NSN 1305-01-567-6944 and Federal Cartridge Company Contract/Order Number N0016408DJN28 and has a charge weight per the specs of 41.745-grain (2.7 g).[19]

Remington 700 Mil-Spec 5R: Bargain buy for a thousand-yard rifle
6/11/13 | by Patrick Stump


To many shooters, the allure of long-range rifle shooting is irresistible. An accurate rifle that can reach out and touch at a thousand yards is an attractive part of any collection. What isn’t so glamorous of long-range shooting is emptying the life savings to afford a rifle capable of it. In the search for a rifle that could shoot well but wouldn’t break the bank, I came across a member of the Remington 700 family, the Mil-Spec 5R stainless steel in .308 Winchester.
 
The Remington 700 Mil-Spec 5R
The main feature that sets this rifle apart from other Remington rifles is the 5R rifled barrel. This is the same type of rifling used in the standard-issue M24 sniper rifles, which uses five lands and grooves instead of six. The edges of the lands are tapered down to the grooves, which results in a more complete gas seal around the bullet and the five lands and grooves cause less deformation of the bullet, which leads to better accuracy over conventional rifling.
The heavy-profile barrel is 24 inches long and made of stainless steel. Coupled with the 5R rifling is a faster 1 in 11.25-inch twist, allowing heavier bullets to be stabilized reliably.
The stock is made by H-S Precision, and is oversized in the forearm and the grip areas, giving the user a better grip purchase on the rifle.  Inside the stock is a standard 5-round integral magazine with a swing-open floor plate. The action features full-length aluminum bedding, increasing shot-to-shot consistency.  Remington’s new adjustable X-Mark Pro trigger is featured on the rifle, coming preset at 3.5 pounds with a clean break with absolutely no creep or takeup, and virtually no overtravel.  A screw in the trigger allows the user to adjust the weight within a 2-pound range.
In the hands
 
The Remington 700 Mil-Spec 5R trigger. The adjustable screw is in the top center.
The rifle is both a looker and a feeler.  While I have never been one for stainless steel on what is supposed to be a tactical rifle (my intentions were to have the rifle Cerakoted), the combination of black with green-webbed stock and stainless steel action and barrel complements each other well.  It also sits well in the users arms from sitting or prone positions.  However, the 5R is a little on the heavy side at 8.25 pounds, making it fairly impractical for accurate shooting from anything but a supported position.  Even though it is a tad heavy, the rifle is rock solid in every way.
A controversial point of the 5R is the use of the X-Mark Pro trigger system.  I generally like the trigger on the rifle.  It is as advertised: a very crisp, adjustable trigger.  My only problem with it is the adjustment system on the trigger.  On the upper portion of the trigger, protruding diagonally out of the action, the adjustment screw is situated in the perfect position to dig into your trigger finger if it is anything but flush, especially if you have larger fingers like me.  After several weeks and multiple range trips trying to find a compromise between trigger weight and finger comfort, I hesitantly removed the screw entirely.  Surprisingly, the rifle still functions fine.  There have been no slam fire issues, the trigger is not too sensitive, and the safety still functions correctly.
What it does best
My first experiences with the Remington 700 5R were disappointing, however, this was no fault of the rifle.  After spending $1,100 on the rifle, my wallet was hurting and I tried to get away with an inexpensive scope, a Barska SWAT 10-40×50.  It doomed all of my tests with the Remington to absolutely certain failure.  The scope absolutely would NOT hold a zero.  Despite using sandbags, a bipod, and even a rifle rest (Caldwell Lead Sled), I couldn’t achieve groups at 100 yards any better than 1-2 inches, which was NOT typical of this rifle, based on all of the experiences I had read.
While part of me had hoped that I could get away with using a cost-saving scope, I knew that I was being unrealistic.  After a good customer service experience at a sporting good store, I spent a hundred more on a SWFA SuperSniper 20×42 scope, which I had read to be very good quality inexpensive scope.  The new investment remedied any accuracy problems that I encountered with the old scope.  Despite the fact that I shy away from fixed-power scopes because I am always afraid it will limit the rifle’s usefulness at different ranges, I am happy with the SWFA SS 20x.  Its optics are clear and bright, has a very nice mil-dot reticle, and good eye relief.
The 5R surely is a pleasure to shoot.  Because of its slightly more massive bulk from the heavy barrel and beefier stock, the already moderately tame .308 cartridge becomes even milder. The stock comes with a nice rubber butt pad also helping to reduce felt recoil.  Achieving a good cheek weld isn’t difficult or uncomfortable, but a rubber cheek riser would really allow the user to be completely at rest when looking through a scope.
 
Food for thought (and your rifle)
While it seems to shoot all cartridges fairly well, the 5R does have a tendency to prefer heavier bullets.  A steady diet of Sierra MatchKing 175 grain hollow-point boat-tail keeps my 5R healthy.  Most cartridges that I shoot are hand-loads, but I have tried a few factory loads.  So far, I have put the following through my Remington: Surplus M2 Ball, Nosler Custom Competition 168 grain HPBT, and dozens of batches of handloads.
The 5R likes handloads the best, and so far I have come up with the following recipe:
•   Nosler .308 Brass
•   Sierra MatchKing 175 grain HPBT
•   Federal Gold Medal Match Primers
•   42.5 grains Hodgdon Varget Powder
•   2.855 inch Cartridge Length
•   No crimp


I use the 175 grain long range match bullet over:
44.6 grains of N150
Winchester brass ( full length sized and trimmed to 2.008)
Wolf large Rifle primers
COAL 2.83

Barrel length: 12 twist 24 inch.

I use 2 different powders Varget and IMR 4064. 2 different rounds also 175gr. smk and 168gr. smk. CCI BR-2 primers.

for 175gr smk:
Varget 43 or 44gr.
IMR 4064 43.5 is my money load. Very accurate in my Rem700

for 168gr. smk:
Varget 44.5 or 45gr.
IMR 4064 45gr.
Lapua 155 Scenar
Lapua Case
CCI BR Primer
N150 Powder start at 43.0 grains and work up from there
Load to overal length of 2.82"

And why I stress ogive for each bullet. 
I also chrono each load for comparison.

The ogive is a point on the bullet so I take it you are seating the bullet to either reduce or increase the bullet's jump from the case into the lands, right?
I use a Stoney Point.

good thing that "your friend" bought you all those "heads" to try at the gun show a few years ago...
 

I have friends ? 
No, I have cookie lovers

I have friends ? 
No, I have cookie lovers

don't forget "crack dip"
 

The ogive is a point on the bullet ?
“Ogive” is just a fancy word for the place where the curve of the bullet nose joins the main cylinder diameter of the bullet. (aka beginning of widest part of bullet  )
That is where the bullet will first engage the rifling when it is shot.

so I take it you are seating the bullet to either reduce or increase the bullet's jump from the case into the lands, right ?
Correct,  this jump is called "Freebore"

I use a Stoney Point.
I heard  if you send one of your fired cases to Hornady,  Hornady will thread it for their OAL gauge. Not sure if Stoney has same size thread.

I use the cut case as shown and take multiple measurement's after chambering.
For the 168 SMK
COAL =2.825
Total length with comparator =3.275
minus  comparator 1.15
= BOA (bottom of case to Ogive) 2.125
I stay about 0.010 off, give or take a couple grand. 

p.s.
I did forget about the CD and will try again ! 

Is that the comparator and precision micrometer thingy?  A buddy let me borrow his. 

I have the Hornady OAL gauge. And works well too.