Ultra or 200

[KLT]

I was wondering if I could get some input.  I've been looking at the H&R Ultra with a heavy barrel, and a Stevens 200.  I had my mind made up on 243.  I would probly have a bipod on it.  Does the synthetic stock on the Savage stand up for this.  Would the Ultra handle it better.  I would appreciate some input.  I've got four rimfires, this would be my first center fire. 

[victorcharlie]

I would think the Savage, with it's reputation of great accuracy, would be my choice.  The trigger is easy to improve.  No problem with a bi-pod.

[Ricoh]

I just bought a Stevens 200 in 223. It is deadly accurate right out of the box. Trigger is a little heavier than I like but you can fix that. Hell of a gun for the price.

Rick

[.308 Win.]

I've had a couple of Handi rifles and for what they are, they're okay but I'd still rather have a 200.  I am in the process of selling my latest Ultra rifle (parting it out) and I'm taking the money and buying a 200.  If you go to the H&R/NEF forum here at GB, look for Fred and he'll tell you all you want to know that's wrong with the Handi.  On the other hand, look for Quickdtoo (Tim) and he'll tell you all that's right with them.  He has 41 Handi rifles so he would be the authority on those.  Fred has done some custom work to his but says he wouldn't buy another one.  I know this is confusing but there are both good and bad points to the Handi rifle.  I am just going to go with the Savage and be done with it because other than the stock that a lot of folks don't like, the rifle is apparently a good one.   

[R.W.Dale]

 If how the rifle shoots is of the utmost importance to you then you will not be happy with a break action rifle. I've owned Encores Handis and a Stevens. The little Stevens 200 outshoots then all on it's worst days. My 243 handi was a total crapshoot, 2" groups one day and 7" groups the next with the same ammo.

[rifleman]

I've owned both, and I much prefer the Stevens. Accuracy, and quick follow up shot capability on multiple coyotes were the deciding factor for me.

My Handi was not what I would call a terrible shooter, but it wasn't real good either. I reloaded, trying many different combinations of bullets, powder, brass, primers. I tried various accurizing tactics, all with minimal improvement. I've done nothing to my Stevens, outside of camo painting. Finding a good load combo took very little time. I can nearly cover my groups with a dime on a regular basis.

IMHO go with the Stevens.

Dave

[smokey262]

The Stevens stock is not so hot with a bipod.  Other than that its no contest at all, the Stevens hands down.

[351 power]

i have both too. way easier to shoot well with the 200. i like the handi at close range but the 200 is more predictable at longer shots. maybe the lock time is the reason

[cajun]

I own an Ultra with the bull barrel in .243 and a Savage in .243.  The Ultra is super accurate with handloads.  I have not worked up a specific handload for the Savage yet but it is quite accurate with any 95 or 100 grain factory cartridge that I have tried in it.  If you handload and have the time to work up a load, go with the Ultra.  If not, go with the Savage (Stevens).