Pressure point test, Rem700 synthetic.

[Biggerhammer]

I have always sanded out the factory pressure point/ points, depending on the year and model on all new Rem700 synthetics. This time I purchased a .223 Rem700 BDL Stainless synthetic SPS and didnt touch the two pressure points in the front forend of the stock that apply slight stock to barrel tension. These can only be viewed if you remove the barreled action from the stock.

On the newer models there are two and they are square in shape. Sitting side by side, each located just off center in the stocks forend. I had a chance to load up my favorite all around go to .223 load.

27.5 grains of BLC2
CCI BR4
Under either a 50gr BT or V-Max.
2.260

With the pressure points still in place, I shot five 3 shot groups at 100yards all averaged 3/4" to a 1". I cleaned the rifle and repeated the prior mentioned with the same results. I then removed the barreled action from the stock. Wrapped some sand paper around a proper sized piece of small PVC pipe and completely sanded the pressure points out and any synthetic material in the stock that would touch the barrel ahead of the recoil lug. I then threw it all back together and fired another 3 shots at 100 yards.

The rifle is zeroed for 200 yards with BlackHills 52gr Match, I never changed my zero while testing the V-Max's and during the pressure point removal. Hence the impact point high and slightly left of my point of aim. When I get a bunch of my hand loads loaded up, I will rezero for them. For the time being I have a bunch of BlackHills to shoot up.

Here is the first three shots at 100 after removing the pressure points. A rather large improvement, the same load today produced several 3 shot 1 1/2" groups at 300 yards. I was fighting vertical stringing at 300 due to the winds constantly switching out. I was try to get my 3 down range at 300 during the same wind conditions but it was near impossible today. I'll try it earlier in the morning one of these days and catch a calm range. I have a feeling it should do well.

[hub]

My 700 BDL shot about the same you describe with yours with press. points. It shoots bug holes without them. Some guys believe pressure points have a purpose so leave them alone. Keeping the barrel centered in the barrel channel is why they are there as far I can see. With wood which swells,warps etc. with wet damp weather I guess keeping the barrel centered helps a little. My answer to that is hog that wood out so 3 or 4 dollar bills slide up and down between the barrel and the wood. Free floating with plenty of room is what I do. With synthetic stocks I cannot see how pressure points serve any pupose at all since they do not move or swell. I was told the remmy custom shop does not use them on any of there custom guns. Probably because pressure points are really just a cheap way to stock a bunch of factory rifles without paying for the right way to do it.      

[high country]

Pressure points are not always a bad thing, but your pressure needs to come from something more consistent than a $40 piece of plastic. Floated typically wins because it is what it is all the time every time. No chance of outside influence.....unless your a complete *censored*.

[Mongo Hunter]

I removed mine on my Rem 700. I can now stack the rounds on top of one another. no point to the pressere blocks.