Anyone shooting a Stevens 200 in .308??

often 308 have a 1 in 12 twist and do quite well with 150 or 165. both my 308 do quite well with 165 grn and reloader 15.
 
Still working up a load in my. The Stevens are 1 in 10, so they SHOULD like 180's, however I've not tried them. I've not yet been able to find a load with Sierra MK 168's that this rifle likes at all :(

It REALLY likes the winchester white box 147gr FMJ's - I can always shoot 3-shot groups where all holes are touching with these.

I've also been playing with 100gr Speer TNT's. These are too short to seat to the lands, but perform very well crimped.

From my experiences thus far, I'd say this is a picky rifle. I have noted that it shoots best when the barrel is warm.

The forend of my stock is warped, or the rifle bedding is an issue - the side of the stock is in contact with the barrel. I shimmed the action (haven't bothered to bed it yet, my bad) - shoots a bit better since.

I think I'm done playing with it in .308 form - I actually bought it with the intention of re-barrelling it to 7.62x39 (.308). I have the barrel, and the tools just came in from Brownells, so it's done as a .308. I'll probably keep the 308 barrel as a 'switcher'

Pics in my sig below
 
.................i'll have to find a bullet it likes. Match kings are out as i want a load with a dependable hunting bullet. Maybe 150's or 165's. I was using H414 and Varget which is a sure thing in any .308 on the planet so i am hoping its the Hornady 180's i was trying.
 
Seated to the lands, or no? Seating depth was the next thing I was planning on playing with. And crimping was showing promise.
 
I'd try some 150 gr. Accubonds or Interbonds over Varget or RL15. Use cases fired in the chamber, sized enough so they will chamber fine, use a good primer, a CCI BR-2 or a F210M. Hand weigh the charges and seat as close to the rifling as the magazine allows.

If that dont work try the same bullets in 165 grain version. If that wont shoot...Im not sure what will...


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WHAT?:eek: ....a Savage/Stevens that won't shoot......check the stamping on the reciever again son....you must have one of those Rugeringtonchesters...or whatever thay are called:p ...I was under the impression that the Savage/Stevens would shoot cast and wooden bullets loaded with barbecue charcoal into the .2's...out of the box:confused:
Call the shop where you bought it...I'm sure they have an extra Stevens in inventory that they can't explain.....must be yours:D ;)
 
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....................I hear ya TB. First i will stick with the Varget but try 165's and see where that takes me. Then i will play with seating depths.


...................crazy, i brought along a Win 94 in .32 special i got from Madtrappper143 and with my first handload right off the bat a nice 1.5" group at 100 yards. I try this Stevens that are supposed to be a no frills great shooter and i am begining to think they actually are nothing more than a Bic lighter of firearms. :D
 
Mark,

This combo has worked in a few different .308's I and others have owned:

43.0 gr of IMR4064
165gr Sierra BTHP (Game King)
Winchester brass
Fed 210 primer

If that doesn't work, send it to Rick to get it re-barreled to a .358win.;)

Cheers,

James
:)
 
150 or 165gr SST. Lee collet neck sized fire formed brass. CCIBR2 or Fed 210M primers (Win LR will work in a pinch). Varget but H4895 and Benchmark will also work. There is little issue it not shooting well.

Check that the action screws are tight. preferably, have the action bedded. Check the foreend that the barrel is not hitting the stock. Lighten up the trigger. Check that the scope bases and rings are still tight (the preservative oil Savage uses is excellent and gets into the screw holes allowing things to shake loose).

I am about to start working on a Savage 11FCNS in 308. Just finished bedding the action and will take a few test shots with Win factory ammo to make some brass.

Except for the trigger and mag, essentially the same rifle.

Jerry
 
Sighted in with some Cdn Tire Win 150gr SP ammo.

Then took a three shot group at 100yds in gusty winds with a 6X scope. Still dropped them into a very nice 3/4" triangle. Would have shot better with more mag and calm winds.

I expect to be around 1/2" or better with handloads. Your Stevens should do the same.

Jerry
 
Mark,Every .308 I handload for gets a healthy dose of Varget and 165 Game Kings for hunting, and 150 Alberta Wildcats or Seirra Palmas for targets!:D
Get 'em out to the lands or as fars as your magazine will let you and have fun!
Cat
 
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