The sample came with a three-shot sub-MOA test target fired using Sierra 168-grain MatchKing bullets. One of the test handloads included the bullet, and it showed the accuracy potential of the Stevens.

Budget-conscious shooters shoot inexpensive ammunition, and entry-level shooters should start with low-recoils loads. For those two reasons, I included Golden Bear ammunition as an economy load and Remington's Managed Recoil as a low-recoil load.

I wasn't disappointed with either in the accuracy department. Golden Bear does have quite a muzzle flash, though, which probably indicates some of its economy may come from simply leaving out flash suppressant from the powder formula. Remington's Managed Recoil is nothing short of a powder puff on the recoil end, even in the 6.5-pound Stevens Model 200. I have used .300 Winchester Magnum Managed-Recoil loads for whitetail and found them to also be great within their range limitations on the receiving end.

Winchester's Super-X 150-grain Power-Point loading showed that the Stevens can deliver power and accuracy from full-power, name-brand factory ammunition, and I used Hornady's 150-grain InterLock in a moderate handload because the InterLock has always been a benchmark for me in hunting bullet performance. I can find hunting bullets that shoot better or worse for every rifle, but the InterLock has been really consistent for me in terms of accuracy, and its performance on game has never let me down.

My benchmark for accuracy in a .30-caliber rifle is naturally Sierra's 168-grain MatchKing, so I included a handload with it even though I doubt many Stevens Model 200 rifles will ever seriously be used with target ammunition. My best group with the MatchKing was 0.68 inch, which is something to write home about with any mass-produced hunting rifle.

Savage says the Stevens Model 200 "is the best value in a bolt-action rifle." Honestly, I don't know the retail prices of all bolt-action rifles, and I sure haven't shot all of them, so I can't say with absolute certainty if that's the case with the Stevens. Even so, I think it's accurate for me to say that if the Stevens isn't the best value in a bolt-action rifle, it's darn close.

NOTE: All load data should be used with caution. Always start with reduced loads first and make sure they are safe in each of your guns before proceeding to the high test loads listed. Since Shooting Times has no control over your choice of components, guns, or actual loadings, neither Shooting Times nor the various firearms and components manufacturers assume any responsibility for the use of this data.