I have one in 223. with it's favorite handload, the first three rounds overlap, and the next two walk the group out to about 1/2 inch. That's barrel heat at work and is to be expected for a sporter barrel like that. I changed the barrel to a Midway 250 savage last year, just for grins. It shoots as good as the original 223 did. I should also mention that I dropped a Rifle Basix hunter type trigger into it. I'm trying to find the right deal on another Stevens 200 so I can make a 308. I haven't had a 308 in my safe for 2 years now and the world hasn't been right since!