Stevens 200 in 243 problem

[Al in SC]

group looks like a shotgun pattern: 2" horizontal x 3" verticle @ 100 yds.
should I put a new barrel and stock on it or use it for a vegetable stake
in the garden?

My real question is how accurate have others of you found these
guns to be out of the box.
should I start changing parts and up grading it. If I do I will probably
change to a 260 caliber.

any and all input appreciated.

[Michadian]

Al,
You did not mention what ammunition you have tried.
My stock 200 in 243 would hold an inch or less with 95 gr Hornady SSTs and less than an inch with 75 gr sierra varminters over IMR 4350. I have since replaced trigger and stock with minor improvement. Check all of the usual stuff on your rifle, it should do better than that with the "right" ammunition.
A barrel change is a lot of fun to do and should make a fine custom firearm, but I doubt that the barrel is the immediate problem.
Dick

[big honkin jeep]

Nah,
Check the usual stuff to make sure none of the screws are bottoming out and everything is tight.
Then just find a load it likes. Just my opinion but that oughta do it.

[Robinhood]

Things to check:
Stock/Action screws tight.
Scope bases tight to the receiver.
Rings torqued to the proper in/lbs
Scope is proven with known accurate rifle of similar recoil.
Correct weight(EDIT: yes, length is a more accurate term but they are in some ways synonymous) bullet for twist rate.
The shooter is proven to be able to hold tighter groups.
Bolt moves freely.

[Al in SC]

Thanks for the input. Will let you know what developes.

[GaCop]

How fouled is the bore. If you picked it up used, it may just need a good cleaning and then find out what brand ammunition and bullet weight it likes. My Stevens 200 in 223 loved any load with the Sierra 63 gain Gamepoint bullet shooting those into 3/4" at 100 yards.