AZ_Native Report post Posted January 8, 2016 I ran across a Stevens Model 200 in 7mm-08 that a friend was selling and picked it up for $125 a while ago. The thing was shooting 139 gr and 140 gr bullets HORRIBLY... Then I did a little research and found out they put barrels on those things with 11.5 twist! Dumb dumb dumb of Savage.... I was just going to load some 120 gr Sierra Game Kings, but then I realized I could easily re-barrel the gun myself. Not sure why I didn't think of that before. Then it also dawned on me that I didn't have to necessarily re-barrel it in 7mm. Why not re-barrel in 6.5x284 since it's the same bolt face diameter? It's a long action gun so there would not be any issue with the longer COALs that the 6.5 runs. Can anyone thing of any reason why I couldn't re-barrel that gun to a 6.5x284? Not sure which barrel I would go with, but would obviously have to get a go no-go gauges, barrel wrench. The plan would be to get a Boyd's stock, glass bed it and make sure the barrel is 100% floated. Would either replace the trigger or work on it a little. I think I would rather have that 6.5 versus shooting 140 grainers out of the 7mm-08. Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.270 Report post Posted January 9, 2016 Onky thing might be mag size restrictions. Lark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STOMP442 Report post Posted January 9, 2016 Should work perfectly as it is a long action. Barrel changes are very easy to do but I recommend getting all the proper tools necessary like a barrel vise and action wrench as it makes the job much easier and I can promise this will not be your last build. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ_Native Report post Posted January 9, 2016 I think the magazine will be ok length wise, but I'd have to check. I'm thinking a long-loaded 6.5x284 is not really much longer than a 7mm-08? I've got a Berger reloading book so I will have to go see what the COALs happen to say. I'm really split on this now since I have a Remington Sendero II in 7mm Mag and I kind of want to keep redundancy in bullets (if that makes sense). The Sierra 120 grainer should actually be a really nice bullet on Coues or even Mule Deer out to 400-500 yards. I'm betting very light recoil and should be pretty accurate. I think it would make a great gun to have in the closet to reload really cheap, fun to shoot, and more important... Be a great deer or Javelina gun if I can get my nephews in to it. They are getting to be about the age where I could take them. Then I keep thinking I would be much better off building a "proper" 6.5 off a 700 action, Krieger barrel, good gunsmith, blue printed, etc... I could still bed the stock myself, but that round is such a nice long range plinking round I'm leaning toward having a professional build the action and barrel. Regardless, I could always re-barrel the Stevens to a 1-9 twist to be about to shoot the higher BC 140 grainers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
L Cazador Report post Posted January 9, 2016 I've built many rifles over the years for both hunting and competition shooting and the 6.5/284 is one of my favorites. My advice would be to spend the money on a Rem 700 action and install a Krieger barrel and have it done by a competent gunsmith. No need to blue print the action, just have the action and bolt face trued. If you're going to shoot 140's out the 6.5 go with the long action and an 8 twist barrel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
