303 Savage.

freire

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Hello fellas
Is there anyone reloading for this forgotten cartridge?
I was offered a Savage 99 in this caliber but before i buy it i would like to know a bit more about it.
Is brass and dies available or pretty scarce?
Also a reliable reloading data source, got a bunch of reloading manuals and none of them have any data for it.
Thanks for any info.
 
Hello fellas
Is there anyone reloading for this forgotten cartridge?
I was offered a Savage 99 in this caliber but before i buy it i would like to know a bit more about it.
Is brass and dies available or pretty scarce?
Also a reliable reloading data source, got a bunch of reloading manuals and none of them have any data for it.
Thanks for any info.

As many have said, lots of data around. I have lots myself. My target load is a Lyman Cast bullet # 311291 @ .310".
I use mostly older Dominion cases. With 10 gr. of Unique. WLR primmers & cases @ 51.1 mm long. Works great.
 
Lyman 45th edition
303 Savage
#311291 (#2 alloy) 173gr
26" barrel
1-12" twist
Unique, Start - 8.0gr. - 1326 fps, / Max 11.0gr. - 1930 fps
 
I was under the impression all .303 Savages were 1-10 twist especially considering the factory load was for a 190gr RN?
 
You buying as a curio to shoot?

Or as a serious hunting rifle?

If the latter, 300 Savage or 308 would be a much better choice.

As a nice plinker, it is a good rifle. I would shoot heavy cast bullets in it.
 
I was under the impression all .303 Savages were 1-10 twist especially considering the factory load was for a 190gr RN?
I had a chance to fire a few rounds through a Savage 99 years ago, it was the first rifle I fired that was larger than a 22lr and it made a great impression on me. I have no idea what it was loaded with I'm assuming it was a standard load for dear because that's what the owner used it for. Anyways other than being a rifle that I have found memories of I don't know a whole lot about them. I see that the Lyman 45th edition doesn't list a 190gr RN but it does list a 193gr cast projectile and a factory duplication load for the 193gr. cast. The Savage 303 rifle they used for testing is listed as a 1-12 twist so I'm guessing that both a 1-10 and a 1-12 were produced. Anyways I thought I would post an image of the data Lyman published in their 45th edition even though it's information is limited in case it proves useful and of interest.

I'm happy to share but because this is old load data I feel that I have to include a disclaimer for those who aren't aware that older load data can be potentially dangerous and this is older load data published in 1969/70. Some people may not be aware that older load data can sometimes list loads that are considered to be to hot so please don't use this data as your primary source of information. Always use proper load development procedures starting with a minimum load working your way up watching for indications of excess pressure signs, thanks.

Here is an article that references the Lyman 45th edition and it gives an example of a published load that is potentially unsafe: https://www.handloadermagazine.com/in-range-2
The below image is from the Lyman Reloading Handbook, 45th edition:



303_Savage.jpg
 
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I had a chance to fire a few rounds through a Savage 99 years ago, it was the first rifle I fired that was larger than a 22lr and it made a great impression on me. I have no idea what it was loaded with I'm assuming it was a standard load for dear because that's what the owner used it for. Anyways other than being a rifle that I have found memories of I don't know a whole lot about them. I see that the Lyman 45th edition doesn't list a 190gr RN but it does list a 193gr cast projectile and a factory duplication load for the 193gr. cast. The Savage 303 rifle they used for testing is listed as a 1-12 twist so I'm guessing that both a 1-10 and a 1-12 were produced. Anyways I thought I would post an image of the data Lyman published in their 45th edition even though it's information is limited in case it's proves useful and of interest.

I'm happy to share but because this is old load data I feel that I have to include a disclaimer for those who aren't aware that older load data can be potentially dangerous and this is older load data published in 1970. Some people may not be aware that older load data can sometimes list loads that are considered to be to hot so please don't use this data as your primary source of information. Always use proper load development procedures starting with a minimum load working your way up watching for indications of excess pressure signs, thanks.

Here is an article that references the Lyman 45th edition and it gives an example of a published load that is potentially unsafe: https://www.handloadermagazine.com/in-range-2
The below image is from the Lyman Reloading Handbook, 45th edition:



303_Savage.jpg

That particular data is not "hot" so don't need to be shy of it. Just start at the starting load and work up as normal.
 
I use Prvi brass. Trade Ex usually has stock.

Ya Trade Ex does have some Privi brass and I looked they also actually have a couple sets of Hornady's FL Dies for the Savage 303, I know I shouldn't be surprised because Trade Ex does carry lots of the more obscure components but I am kinda surprised all the same. If the OP is interested it looks like he can get what he needs to run the Savage 99 rifle he's considering.
 
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Another of those cartridges that we do not hear about often.
Same class as the 30-30, the 32WS, and the 30 & 32 Remington.
One advantage in the M99 Savage. One can use pointed bullets. Dave.
 
Not to be contrary but Ken Waters/Pet Loads had some doubt to the older manuals claiming a 1-12 twist so he measured his 99 and got 1-10.Ken had reservations about a 1-12 stabilizing the factory 190gr bullet as well.
 
Not to be contrary but Ken Waters/Pet Loads had some doubt to the older manuals claiming a 1-12 twist so he measured his 99 and got 1-10.Ken had reservations about a 1-12 stabilizing the factory 190gr bullet as well.

That's interesting it shows how cross referencing different reloading manuals and sources of information is important because not all published information is 100% correct all the time.
 
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