Stevens 200 and 6.5X55 Swede Help and Questions

[Paden Full]

Greetings,

First off, please accept all my questions as someone who knows next to nothing about long range and precision shooting. Almost all my shooting experience has been in the Cowboy Action Shooting ring but I have left that sport and am now interested in getting into the more tactical side of shooting. I plan on getting tactical versions of shotguns, handguns, CQB rifle and long range/precision/sniper rifle. And of course, all with the magical and mysterious phrase "On a budget" LOL!

Through my reading in this forum, it appears that the Stevens 200 is the best (and by that I mean most upgradeable and cheapest) base gun to start with as a project rifle. One of the few non-Cowboy guns I have owned was a Swedish Mauser in 6.5X55 Swede. I truly loved that rifle and at 200yds with iron sights I couldn't miss a 24" circular gong (this may not seem all that amazing to you, but to me it was LOOOOONG RANGE indeed considering the ranges I shot at during Cowboy matches was no more than 30 yards).

Now it may have been the fact I was shooting a full military all wood version that was heavier that I was used to but the recoil was almost nonexistant (I have loaded BP 12ga that kicked a lot harder than it did) and that fact that it is a little bit of an oddball calibre (I have always been attractedd to oddball calibres) makes me want to put together a tactical rifle in this calibre.

Now I know that with the right boltface and barrel you can make a Stevens 200 just about any calibre you want (at least that is what you fine knowledgeable folks have said) but I would like to know if it would be easier to start with a specific calibre that the 200 is available in to make the transition easier.

To answer a few questions that I know may come up, yes, I will be handloading. Yes, I know that sticking with a more standard cartridge will be easier. Yes, I know .223 can do all the things that every long range shooter could want (Thank you Mystic, the article on taking the .223 to a mile was truly amazing!). Yes, I know .308 seems to be the standard among the big boys of the game. And yes, I am aware that building a tacital/long range/precision rifle is a long and somewhat expensive labour of love. No, this will not be a hunting rifle (Unless I can't afford to get another rifle after I am done LOL). Yes, I know that without the proper optics, an accurate rifle means diddly squat.

Any questions that you may have about my intentions for this rifle will be handled courteously and with respect, please treat mine in the same way.

I appreciate all the help you could provide and thank you in advance for reading this long winded post.

With Greatest espect,

Matt

 

[Mystic Precision]

If you want a Swede in a Savage with the intent of some tacky shooting, go Savage SA with the new Det center feed mag. This is one of only two factory det mags that will allow you to load the Swede and VLD bullets out to 2.9/3" (Tikka is the other).

The Swede is non standard and long by 'short action' standards so the reg 2.8" mags are going to crimp its style.

The accutrigger is a superb and very safe trigger which is ideal for this type of shooting.

Modify or replace the factory stock. I think the HS or McM 10 Savages are some of the best deals on the market for what you want to do.

Just spin on a match barrel to fit your needs and you have both a great stock and action/mag to do what you want.

If you can find them, the Sharp Shooters Supply extended box might work with the Swede and will add a few more rds to your fun. The box will definitely work with anything in the 308 family.

Personally, I would suggest you look at the 260Rem. The ballistic twin and no issues getting it to work.

Here you can go with some of the really nice bottom metal and AI type mags. Now you have a true 10rds box mag BUT it will require bullets be seated shorter.

A Tikka Varminter in 6.5Swede may already be everything you want in this type of rifle and they usually shoot superbly - plus you don't need to spend the money to put on a new barrel.

Unfortunately, the extended mags are only 5rds

Jerry

 

[Paden Full]

Greetings,

OK, so it might not be as easy as I thought. Then I may just stick with .223. I didn't see any 260Rem on the Savage web page. Can I ask what your thoughts on the Law Enforcement series from Savage is?

Or if I did go with the 260Rem will the Stevens 200 be a good base? The detachable mag would be my preference but it is not a deal breaker for me.

And as my bolt rifle terminology is not up to par, what did you mean by Savage SA?

Thanks again,

Matt

 

[MagnumPeanut]

SA=short action
260 Remmy is not a common factory caliber, you would be reloading for it and buying a custom barrel.

Savage is a good factory rifle. Just as good as others for a decent price point.

 

[Mystic Precision]

LE rifles are the best way to get a desired stock. They all need bedding and they all use the same parts as any other 308 Savage rifle. Great value and typically shoot very well.

I much prefer the 223 for general LR plinking and the Savage barrels have a very nice 9 twist for pushing 75gr Amax or Bergers way out there.

Jerry