If you can stomach the crappy metal finish of the 700 SPS stainless, I'd go that direction. Matter of fact I did, but I personally despise it's porous, gravel beaded like finish. It was bought sight unseen. (lesson learned)
If you're truly looking for/wanting a "sporter" weight rifle, be aware that every Ruger M77 (in 25-06) that I've ever seen has had a mag countour barrel on it. Can't say I've personally seen or laid hands on the newer H'eye model in 25-06, but I'd be surprised if Ruger changed gears and put sporter barrels on them. Just FWIW/FYI...
If you're stuck on Rem & SS be aware they also made 25-06s in the BDL SS model w/ the nicer satin stainless finish & synthetic stock, though they're rare and hard to find used.
IMHO, the 700 XCR is simply not worth the extra $300-350 for their proprietary metal finish.
