Help me do something with these two Stevens 200s (a bit long)

[johnu]

Never started a topic here, but I figured this was a good time. Just picked up 2 Stevens 200s in 7-08 on closeout at Academy. Been watching them for a while with the idea that they would serve as platforms for . . . something. ???

After a 25 year break I am getting back into competitive shooting. Participated in a couple of Garand matches, so I will keep doing that and some rimfire sporter. Leaning toward HP silhouette, which I shot some in the '80s, and maybe some high power. Trying to keep equipment costs reasonable - this will be mostly for fun and to challenge myself.

I won't require super accurate stuff, as the disciplines I'm leaning toward award technique (and punish the lack thereof!) The stocks will likely be critical (shooting offhand) with optics/sights second. Trying to avoid needing a $1200 scope. : A good trigger too, but for me "crisp" is more important than "light."

What I really need are suggestions re chamberings. While I'll be handloading, I don't want to get too exotic. When I was shooting silhouette, 7-08 was the favorite - not sure if it still is. A lot of folks here like 260 Rem, but don't know if it has the punch. Was planning on converting one to .308 with a detachable mag, figuring I could use it for HP and sniper matches. I'm not especially sensitive to recoil, but don't want to beat myself up, either.

I am open to and welcome any advice/ideas that ya'll have, especially how you would approach this on a budget.

John

 

[headhunter1111]

To tell you the truth I am seriously impressed with the 6.5-284's I've seen. Seems like a good allaround cartridge if you ask me. In a short action you'll want to be able to seat bullets down in the case if you go with the 140's especially VLDs. Not sure what reamer to suggest for this purpose but I'm sure someone on here could point you in the right direction.

 

[jonbearman]

The 7-08 is still popular,6.5x284 has a real short barrel life.As long as you have lots of money then it doesnt matter.If you want accuracy then there are other rounds like the .308 that still get the job done and provide long barrel life and great accuracy.The 6.5x55 is a great cartridge but you have short actions so I would go with the .260 or .260 AI for this game.Lapua is making the .260 brass right now and in a month or two it will be available supposedly. Settle on a common cartridge and I think you will be happy.

 

[johnu]

Yeah, reading here about the relatively short barrel life on the 6.5-284 took it out of the running. Might be worth it for the accuracy in BR or 1000 yd competition, but not what I'm looking for. Would like to get 3-4k (or more) out of a barrel.

What are the opinions of the Savage pre-fits that are offered by some of the barrel makers? Anyone tried ones by Lothar Walther?

John

 

[brew]

My buddy and I built him a .243 about a year ago using one of the Shillen drop in barrels. It has performed very well in my opinion. He has only had a chance to shoot out to 200 yards and is still in the load development stage but it will put 5 rounds in under an inch if he can do his part. I think we will get it even better as we learn more about handloading and get the proper equipment. I personally would not hesitate to use one for the cost.