Since I bought the Rem 725 in 280 Rem I have been thinking of rebarreling the Stevens 200 in 270 Win to either a 338-06 or 35 Whelen.
Both are calibers I have been fascinated with.
The 338 bore and 35 can shoot heavy bullets to about the same velocity. The 35 might be easier to shoot cast bullets through.
If you had to make this decision which would you pick.
Leo

IF you REALLY want to shoot cast the 35 would be easier to do so in (More cast offerings).

But, since you didn't mention the 9,3mm I will say get the .338. Personally, I think there are better bullets in .338 and the .338-06 is a fine cartridge.

Got pics of your 725?

I have some but I don't know how to post them.
Leo

If you're not a reloader, I suggest 338-06. But, if you're a reloader, I suggest 338 Gibbs. Both, are very efficient, but the Gibbs with nip at the heals of the 338 Win Mag. I also suggest a 26" barrel. I rebarreled to a 338-06 Ackley Improved - great cartridge; but, IMO, the Gibbs would be bit better yet.

Rebarreling a Stevens 200 will cost you significantly more than the entire original gun. Are you sure you want to spend that kind of money on a cheap rifle? Once you do it, it will be worth even less in terms of resale than the unmodified factory Stevens. But if that is not a concern and you want it purely as a shooter, then more power to you.

If you are intending to use a premium barrel Stonecreek is close to spot on. I have 7 Stevens Mod. 200s. that I bought for less than $300.00 each including delivery , tax and California add ons.These were purchased with the sole intent to be able to change barrels easily and use cartridges that were my wild cats or difficult to obtain. Super accuracy was desired but hunting accuracy was acceptable. I say this because I went with Shaw barrels at reasonably low prices and got some of each.
For me it was a fun way to get what I wanted.
You will have to get the needed tooling to change barrels . When I did this they too were relatively inexpensive. I know not what it will cost you today. roger

I was thinking of getting the barrels from midway. They have the tools also.
They sell three different barrels. Adams & Bennett, E.r. Shaw And Shilen. The Adams & Bennett have both the 338-06 A-Square and the 35 Whelen.
This would be my first time doing something like this. I picked up the 200 at a Dick's clearance sale with a cheapy Simmons scope for $279.
I was looking for a short action to rebarrel to a 250 Savage. But this 200 was a pretty good deal. Shoots well, the plastic stock is a bit warped but I replaced that with a wood stock.
So I was thinking of doing it over to something with a bit more.
I always like the 338 mag but I don't really like belted cases.
The 338-06 comes close enough. But then the 35 Whelen is one heck of a cartridge.
As far as reloading, been doing that since the mid 70's.
Leo

For me it is the 35 Whelen.

Bullet selection in .338 is far better than .358. The game in the 50 states won't know the difference. roger

In my experience, I prefer the 35 Whelen. My 338-06 is much more finicky in it's bullet load preference. I shoot IMR4064, with a 225 grain Accubond, or Ballistic tip in The Whelen,@ 2750fps, and all I shoot with this rifle are elk, and it is just fantastic. Personally, I am not interested in how many different bullets are available for a given caliber, I think that's is a paper argument. I find a bullet, or 2, that work in my particular application, and stick to them. Oh, my Whelen shoots 3 shot groups under.75".

Jerry

Stonecreek, The Stevens 200 may be a inexpensive rifle but it uses the same action as the Savage 110 rifles. The things that make it inexpensive is the low cost finish and stock.
I couldn't get a better action even if I went with something more expensive.
Leo

Like bartsche I also shoot Stevens & Savage rifles.
They are real easy to rebarrel and only takes about 20 minutes to do.
I have an A&B barrel in 338-06 that will shoot 1/2" at 200 yrds. With 180 ABs, and 3/4" with 225 partitions. If I can do my part. Don't need anything bigger.

Yep, building a Stevens 200 isn't a cheap proposition but it can be rewarding.

Stevens 200 .250 Savge


Stevens 200 1:7 twist .243 Win.



Stevens 200 6X47 Rem.



The only problem I have with all the prefit barrels on the market is for some reason they are mostly heavy barrels.

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:
Yep, building a Stevens 200 isn't a cheap proposition but it can be rewarding.


The only problem I have with all the prefit barrels on the market is for some reason they are mostly heavy barrels.

Shaw will supply a light barrel. In fact I have one in 250-3000, one in 6.5 X 55 and one in 7.62 X 41 roger

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:
Yep, building a Stevens 200 isn't a cheap proposition but it can be rewarding.


The only problem I have with all the prefit barrels on the market is for some reason they are mostly heavy barrels.

Shaw will supply a light barrel. In fact I have one in 250-3000, one in 6.5 X 55 and one in 7.62 X 41 roger

I should have clarified that mainly the "in stock" barrels at most distributors are of heavier than normal contours. Like here is the description from an instock barrel from Northland Shooters Supply "•26″ – Chrome Moly Match – Small Shank – Varmint – 338-06 – 10 Twist – $279.00". I mean who in their right mind wants a varmint contour .338-06?