Model 200 7mm 08 accuracy?

[airborne]

New guy here. I am thinking of purchasing a Stevens 200 in 7mm 08 that will be used for whitetail deer exclusively. What kind of accuracy can I reasonably expect with factory ammo in the 139/140 grain class? With all the talk about the 11.5 rifling not able to stabilize those weight bullets has me concerned? Am I fretting over nothing? Thanks for your help.

Bill

[DannoBoone]

Well, much as I hate to push something else, (have four Savages) you might
take a look at the Marlin XS7. That's what I ended up getting in 7mm-08.
Haven't shot it yet, but the boys over at the Marlin board certainly are
impressed with the XS7's and their accuracy. The 7mm08 has a 1:9 twist,
which Stevens/Savage should have stuck to.

[Blue Avenger]

they also have changeable barrels and a floating bolt head

[airborne]

danno,
Could you let me know how your Marlin shoots? I appreciate the replies. Has anyone actually shot the Stevens with the slow twist?

[34fun]

Airborne,
I have had my Stevens 200 in 7-08 for a couple of years. Staying with the low dollar theme I mounted a Konus scope on it with Walmart weaver rings and bases. First groups with Winchester factory 140 grain bullets were dreadful, like 6 inches or so, if my memory is correct. I pillar bedded it, worked on the trigger and worked up some hand loads. I have only loaded 140 grain bullets, but I have tried Sierra Gamekings, Barnes 140 gr TTSX, and Nosler Accubonds. All three will shoot more than well enough to feel confident with the rifle on any shot I might take on whitetails. I have come to expect groups in the one inch, to one and a half inch range at 125 yards (porch to the wood pile). The Gamekings shoot best with 4064 and I have shot some 1/2 inch groups at that range.

This was the second Savage in the rack, and I have added another since the 7mm-08. The availability of barrels, triggers, parts etc. and ease of barrel swapping swayed my decision to go with the Savages and I have no regrets. If you don't like to tinker or reload there may be other choices that you would be happier with. Good luck, I hope this helps.

Bill

[jgasch]

I have a 200 in 7mm-08 I bought last year thats in a Stockade hunting sporter stock with a Rifle Basix trigger. I'm shooting the Remington Premier 140 gr accutip factory loads and got 1.5" groups when breaking & sighting it in. Haven't tried to shoot groups since. I'm sure it would do better than that with a better shooter.

[barthmonster]

I found it very wierd that savage made the twist on that gun what they did (1 in 12 or 1 in 14) instead of 1 in 10... Can't shoot heavy bullets with it. Strange...

[airborne]

I looked at the Marlin XS7 today and thought it was a nice looking rifle although I'm having a hard time with the 2 position safety that does not lock the bolt. For a hundred dollars more, I'm thinking of maybe the Weatherby Vanguard which has the hinged floorplate, locking bolt, and a 1.5 MOA guaranteed. I would still like the Stevens 200 except the rifle twist. Thanks for replies.

[wsmitty01]

My Savage 200 will shoot less than an inch at 100 yards with Remington 120's. Filled the fore-end with epoxy for stiffness, karstel cheekpiece, lapped the barrel beween shots breaking it in for the 1st 20 rounds,,,my wife can hit the 6" gong at 550 yards on our range. I haven't had a chance to handload for it yet, but I will stay within the 120-130 grain bullet for this factory twist barrel!! You do your work and it will do for you. I have a Savage 200 in 300 mag that shoots just as well after doing the same work.

[usmc_mwroseberry]

I did just a little bit of work on my brothers 7mm-08 and we have to hold his bullet weight down to around 120 nosler ballistic tips. However when I shoot his rifle I can cover his 5 round groups with a dime at 100. The thing is a stinking tack driver. Now for a deer gun I'd want to run the 178 so I understand why you're looking for something with a better twist rate. Here is another question why don't you go with a 270, 308 or 243. All of which in the stevens plateform would make excellent deer guns. Mine 308 in bone stock form shot federal rounds designed for an M1A and the factory supplied bushnell out to 500 yards on a 12" plate all day. What ranges do you shoot to? With the mods I've done to my Stevens (still the stock barrel) I shoot at competitions out to 1K with my hand loads.

I have shot one of the Marlins you speak of in 270. Just using factory box ammo of different types the best accuracy I could pull out of it was 1.35" on a 5 rd group. We had a busnell 3200 tactical elite which I know is a reliable scope so that wasn't the issue. I just think there is much more accuracy potential with the Stevens than with the Marlin.. But to each his own.

Also I have cheap mods you can make to your stock that will improve accuracy greatly for about 14.00 in materials as long as you have a dremel already. PM me if you're interested.

Good Luck,
Merritt

[airborne]

USMC_,

I now shoot a 30.06 and thats why I haven't considered the .308 or the .270. They are so much alike. I've wanted the 7mm 08 because of the inherit accuracy, mild recoil, and reputation as a great deer round. My distance for shooting deer would not surpass 200 yds. You mentioned a 120 grain Nosler, is that factory ammo or handloads? I won't be reloading any time soon. I'm a big believer in making 2 holes in a deer as opposed to the bullet blowing up inside with no exit wound. Will the 120 grain bullets accomplish this? Are there factory rounds available? Thanks.

Bill

[usmc_mwroseberry]

USMC_,

I now shoot a 30.06 and thats why I haven't considered the .308 or the .270. They are so much alike. I've wanted the 7mm 08 because of the inherit accuracy, mild recoil, and reputation as a great deer round. My distance for shooting deer would not surpass 200 yds. You mentioned a 120 grain Nosler, is that factory ammo or handloads? I won't be reloading any time soon. I'm a big believer in making 2 holes in a deer as opposed to the bullet blowing up inside with no exit wound. Will the 120 grain bullets accomplish this? Are there factory rounds available? Thanks.

Bill


http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=415744
Yes and if she will take down a pronghorn as stated in the review at 300 yards I don't think you'll have an issue at 200 with a white tail.

Good luck,
Merritt

[DGD6MM]

I had a new 7-08 9.5 twist barrel. Sold it when I bought my new Stevens 7-08 with 11.5 twist knowing that it will not shoot heavy bullets. I figure if I think I need a 150+ weight bullet I'll take the .300 RUM. A 120 Nosler BT out of a 7-08 will wreck them.

[bootsmcguire]

I have used a Savage 243 and my buddy uses a NEF Single shot 243 on Whitetails here in the midwest, and we both have used 100 grain Sierra Spitzers on em out to 300+ yds and none of them that I have hit have run more than 40yds. My point is if 100grs will do the job I would think a 120ish load out of a 7-08 should do well also. I know a couple of others use 117gr loads in 25-06 and 257 Roberts with great results and I am planning on using my 250 Sav with either 100 or 120gr bullets. I say get the stevens and run 120's. It'll get the job done I am sure.