ckcarr
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Your problem here is not max focal length, it's what range works best for you.
The 200-500mm might be somewhat limiting on a D7000 on the short end since you're starting with an effective focal length of 300mm
With the Nikon 80-400mm AF-S VR you are looking at 120mm on the short end with that camera.
And of course, the 300mm pf is starting with the full frame equivalent of 450mm
So, my question is where do you shoot most wildlife?
Do animals pop out of the woods right in front of you, like 10 yards away? Or do you get most shots across a field, at a distance? Or are you trying to fill a frame with a bird?
At the long end, the Nikon 80-400mm works best within reasonable distances, perhaps up to 30-50 yards. The strength of the 200-500mm is at 500mm and longer distances.
What would I do? I would somehow try both together, then see which works best for you and your typical shooting conditions. You probably don't want a bunch of head shots at 500mm or even 200mm if the critter is close...
Financially, I would be aware that the 80-400mm is a very expensive lens when buying new. Not just the overall new price, but the cliff it drops off of IMMEDIATELY due to the out-the-door depreciation. If that doesn't bother you - great, otherwise I'd look for a used copy. The 200-500mm only falls off the curb with it's depreciation. It's resale value is only a few hundred less than new.
I personally love my 80-400mm lens. It's very compact, has Nanocoating, and very sharp...
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What I would do is look through the pictures that you have taken with your 55-300 and see what focal lengths your shots are usually take at. You may realize you have a Bell curve (or not) and then that would drive which lens to get.