303 savage 1899 lever

plinker 777

plinker 777

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Hey guys; Could someone help with how 303 british can be re-sized to savage dimensions? I have some unfired savage ammo as a reference to go by and lots of british to re-size. I've never re-loaded before and have no idea as to what tooling is required. Or how it's done for that matter. I am most interested in bringing grandad's savage back to life on the range.:runaway:
 
I don't think 303 brit can be made into 303savage. 30-30 is closer. First step is to buy a reloading manual and read it cover to cover. when finished read it again and then ask any questions you have. You may be able to find some 303 savage at a gun show, or place a wtb in the EE.
 
I have seen .30-40 brass reworked into .303 Savage. .303 British would be similar. The solid porton of the base, just in front of the rim must be reduced in diameter. Rim diameter must be adjusted as necessary. One method is to size as far as possible using a fl die in a conventional press, with really good lubricant, and then turn the unsized portion to diameter. Swaging, using a heavy duty press and a custom die would be another option.
There is a recent thread discussing converting .30-30 brass. This is reported to work, although the smaller base diameter is something to be considered.
Best solution is to get the correct brass or ammunition.
 
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iceman2 said:
I don't think 303 brit can be made into 303savage. 30-30 is closer. First step is to buy a reloading manual and read it cover to cover. when finished read it again and then ask any questions you have. You may be able to find some 303 savage at a gun show, or place a wtb in the EE.
Click to expand...

Understanding the basics of reloading is important BEFORE you start.
Checking dimensions between the two make it obvious unless your a very advanced reloader probably with a lathe in your room they cannot be interchanged!
 
Speaking from experience of trying to swage 303 Brit and turn them on the lathe..... next time I will opt for buying some brass. Chances are 20 or 40 pieces will last you a very long time. Some have fireformed 220 swift but the rim is too thin so you will need to headspace on the shoulder, not the rim itself. Not sure that will work reliably.
 
Keep your eye open at gun shows. I scored a bag of 50 new .303 Savage at a show!! I have a 1913 1899 that I plan to use for whitetail, maybe this Fall.
 
Dennis at the Shooter's Den in Sudbury sometimes carries the Norma casings. They cost about $2 per case ($40 for a box of 20) I'm waiting for him to get some in as I just inherited a Savage 1899 in .303 Savage. Mine also comes with a .410 shotgun barrel.
 
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