so i have been contemplating getting a 308 bolt action rifle.. it came down to a 700 5R vs 700p ltr, anyone have any suggestions or pro and cons of either gun? I don't really want a 26" barrel so the 700P is kind of out of the question...

can the 700p ltr be threaded for a muzzle brake?

Cant help you with your decision much but I will say my 300WM 26" 5R should come next week from buds gun shop.    I did alot of research and originally wanted the 700P until I heard of the 5R the 700P stock barrel could be threaded by a gunsmith but it is not a standard option. If you search gun broker you'll see a variety of 5R with different barrel lengths some threaded some not. Personally If it was down to the two rifles you are deciding on I would choose the 5R in your desired barrel length over the 700P LTR just because of the ease of cleaning with the 5R rifling. I also like the stainless, which if you do not, would be a reason to choose the 700P LTR...

my .02

Actually looking at remingtons website it lists the LTR as a fluted barrel. Not sure if those can be threaded or not..

Actually looking at remingtons website it lists the LTR as a fluted barrel. Not sure if those can be threaded or not..

There's more than enough room on the end of the barrel to machine down and cut threads.

I can't help you much, I'll just let you know my opinion. I have a 5R in .223 and with the right ammo will punch single ragged holes at 100yds. I have not tried paper targets farther than 100yds. But I can hit the golf balls out at the 220-250yds area at Kokohead with no problems. It takes shooting match ammo to get the best results. I reload and use Sierra MatchKings and Berger Bullets and I couldn't be happier.

I thought the 700p had the 5r rifling as well?  Well any way the 700p in .308 is a great rifle in my experience.  Very accurate out of the box with the aluminum bedded synthetic stock and hand loads. Easy 1/2moa rifle with the right ammo.

How's the recoil compared to a 7mm-08 20" barrel no muzzle brake?

Is the recoil the same in a 308 20" vs 26"?

recoil in a 26" would be a little less than with the 20" due to the extra mass and weight.  Probably 7-08 slightly less than .308.  Not much to make difference IMO.   

Thanks for all the opinions it has been helpful.... I know the long time shooters have their favorite caliber so I'm still shopping around and  absorbing all the info I can get on bolt action rifles....

Not wanting to stand in line at HPD for another month or so.... Luckily all the guns purchased last week have to be registered soon....

Thanks for all the opinions it has been helpful.... I know the long time shooters have their favorite caliber so I'm still shopping around and  absorbing all the info I can get on bolt action rifles....

Not wanting to stand in line at HPD for another month or so.... Luckily all the guns purchased last week have to be registered soon....

There are other inherent advantages to the different types of rifling. I would suggest you look up the differences and reviews on other forums. It might convince you one way or another.

How's the recoil compared to a 7mm-08 20" barrel no muzzle brake?

Is the recoil the same in a 308 20" vs 26"?

Wayne (Pacific Custom Rifles) or Dex (XRing) could thread the barrel for a muzzle brake.

Yes recoil is going to be diminished with a muzzle brake.  How much depends on the rifle, the brake, and the load.

I'm headed out to Xring tomorrow, not sure what is in stock.... Hopefully they have some 308's inventory since everyone is going after the AR's and AK's.....

I heard Dex is into 308's, maybe he can give me some advice....

Always wanted to check out there store but damn its a far drive....

I have the Remington 700 5r with a 20" barrel. I had a PWS muzzle brake installed to cut down on the recoil, but I tend to get a bit more attention since the report is fricken LOUD!  I can hit all of the metal plates in the back of Kokohead's range if I do my part.

That's pretty much what I want to do is blast the metal plates all the way out without having to take a hit to the chest/shoulder area.... make sure I don't have a bench next to you cause the muffs won't do shit... LOL

Did u have the 24" cut down or did you get the rifle with the 20" barrel?

Did u have the 24" cut down or did you get the rifle with the 20" barrel?

I got it with the 20" threaded barrel at OGC....

IMHO, no need for a brake on a .308 unless you are doing some kind of varmint hunting and want to watch the blood and guts in the nightforce.  Recoil on a .308 is very manageable, especially from a 700 with a heavy barrel and normal loads.

 With a brake you exclude yourself from competitions such as F-class, where no breaks are allowed, if you go hunting you need to be wearing your ears at all times otherwise you, or your partner, go deaf., and It is also irritating to your neighbors next to you at the range.

I haven't shot many rounds since I got a brake installed on my .308 LTR, but I didn't see much of an improvement in recoil control/management.

...and It is also irritating to your neighbors next to you at the range.

I guess I'm that guy. 

I got stuck between 2 guys shooting 308's, one with that huge JP tank brake and the other side 2 guys shooting 308's, one standing and the other on the bench.... fricken muffs and ear plugs didn't work...

That silver JP tank brake was punishing, good thing he only shot 3 rounds at a time and rested for 15 min between each set....

Someone just told me that the 30-06 has less of a sharp recoil than the 308.... I thought the recoil was pretty much the same.....

isn't the 5R barrels offered by Boots Obermeyer to Remington?