BTW Ruger and Remington i believe both made bolt guns but good luck finding one without paying an arm and leg.
The Remington was set up with the early chamber, and can't safetly use contemporary loads. There was an evolution to SPC II chambering, with a slower twist and I think a little more freebore, and it allows the cartridges to be loaded a little hotter and get more velocity out of a given load.
I know, twist isn't supposed to effect velocity, but it's been tested plenty in this case. The bottom line is, the M700 is a dog that doesn't deliver what the cartridge is capable of. Don't waste your time.
The SPC is a great cartridge, but it's best for optimizing the performance of the AR. Once you go to a standard short action, any .308-based cartridge makes more sense.
I also like the idea of the Howa Mini. If they ever get off their arses and make it in 7.62x39, I might have to pick me up one.
