Savage 99 .250-3000 twist?

ErikT

ErikT

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Gents, I have recently acquired a Savage 99 takedown in .250 Savage, and am wondering about the twist rate. By the serial number, I am told that it was manufactured around 1919, so I assume that it was before they changed to the faster twist. It keyholes heavier (117 grain) bullets, so I am wondering what others use in their rifles. I don't want to go buy a whole bunch of different bullets, only to find out they're all useless in this rifle. Would 100 grain boattailed softpoints work, or should I be looking for even shorter bullets?

In a few years, I plan to have my gunsmith fit a new barrel for shooting so I can save the original barrel, but I'd like to see what the old girl can do for now, once I clean out the 70 years worth of copper, lead, and powder fouling. It looks like it's NEVER been cleaned.

Erik.
 
I own the same rifle, it has a slow twist so shoot 85gr bullets and under and it will shoot fine. Mine key holes with 100 gr bullets also.
 
It likely has a 1:14 twist, intended for 87gr. bullets. One way to find out if it will shoot 100s.
 
Why not just do the smart thing and check it when you are cleaning it?

Stuff rod with tight patch through it, pull rod back to where it touches the muzzle....Mark cleaning rod on top. Pull rod back letting it swivel as per normal....When mark you made on the cleaning rod gets to the top again, make another mark....measure distance between marks....
 
It will be 1:14. Savage switched to 1:10 after 1960. I have 99R in 250-3000 (24" barrel) that shoots the 100 gr fine, although it is tighter with the 87 grain.

If you don't stay with the same caliber you will likely have loading problems. The carrier and cartridge stop are both caliber specific, so if you change the caliber you will have to change those pieces.
 
]It will be 1:14. Savage switched to 1:10 after 1960. I have 99R in 250-3000 (24" barrel) that shoots the 100 gr fine, although it is tighter with the 87 grain.

Mine is exactly as above Quote!!
Good luck
 
Thanks a lot for the quick replies, guys. I had no doubt that it was 1:14 twist, I just wasn't certain whether it would shoot anything heavier than the 87 grainers. I know that Speer makes 87-grain deer bullets, so I might just go with those, if I can't get any 100 grain bullets to work. Unfortunately, most 87-grain bullets are rated only for varmints; does anyone know of any other makes that I could use for deer?

Erik.
 
I have one as well and they are a 1-14 twist.They will shoot short ogive bullets like the exinct Domonion 100gr KKSP RN.Also the Speer 100gr [the shortest available] if you handload.I shot lots of deer with Hornady 87gr/32.5gr IMR 3031 Just stay away from raking shots and shoulder blades.Lung hit DOA! Cheapest route is FL sizing 22-250 brass in a .250 die and you're off to the races...................Harold****34.5gr IMR 4895/87gr makes one dime sized hole 3 shots or 30gr IMR 3031/100gr Speer 1MOA
 
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I have had a early model 1899 250-3000,it only would shoot 87gr bullets well.though if you can find imperial 100gr psp they will shoot well, it sure worked well in mine.bubba69
 
My .250 of about the same age shot 100 Rem PSPCL or Sierra 100 Pro-Hunter (flat base) or Speer 100 flat base sub-MOA. The Sierra 100 was the most accurate of the bunch. I used Reloder 15 powder and either loaded volumetrically with the dipper supplied with my Lee dies, or weighed charges at 35.5 grains.
Mine shot 117 Hornady roundnoses well enough for hundred-yard use; groups were about 3 inches for 5 shots at 100 yards. That was with 41 grains of H-4831SC powder, and is difficult to load because it's heavily compressed.
I'm still mad at myself for selling that rifle.
 
Speer is the shortest ogive available at this time and the Hot-Cor holds together just fine on deer.................................Harold
 
I have an 1899 takedown in 250 which, according to its serial#, was built in 1915. After much reading and inquiry on a couple other sites, I put together a load with Sierra 90 gr HP BT's, and a medium charge of IMR 4350, which will shoot an honest 2" @ 100 yds. I imagine an accomplished shooter (NOT me!) could keep it much closer to 1". The rifle is scoped, as it would be of no use to me otherwise. Hope to try it on deer this fall.
 
Rick Teal said:
I have a 250 Savage with a 1:14 twist. The only bullets as heavy as 100 grains I can shoot without it keyholing are Speers.
Click to expand...

This not an expert comment here but one of the factors that affects the stability is the length(not the weight) of the bullet so I would concentrate on shorter bullets.

Of course the longer a bullet is, usually the heavier it is. But I would guess that bullets of the same weight do not all have the same length

My 2 cents,

Duke1
 
FWIW my 1932 DOM 250 Super Sporter has the slow twist and shoots the 87gr Norma reloads that came with the gun very well with 31.4gr 3031.

also the 85gr Nosler BT, 117gr Hornady RNs, 100gr RP PSP work.

It will not shoot 110gr Accubond if it's life depended on it for reasons already posted. This is only for reference if someone happens to have these bullets on their shelf.

I wish I could find a boat load of old KKSPs, there would be no worries. I might work with the 100gr more at extended range to confirm they are still stable out to 250yds or so.
Can't wait to put this gun to work.
 
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