I have an opportunity to pick up a Savage 99 in 303 Savage. The problem being access to reasonable cost ammo. Is there a fairly straight forward way to convert to a more common caliber without breaking the bank. What caliber would be best?
Savage 99 Change
- Thread starter robbcart
- Start date
the answer to your question was answered to me very recently as i asked the same question! You are looking at probably close to 300 dollars to rechamber and change the action to accept a new cartridge. Not to mention that most modern ammunition is too much for the old actions as depending on the age of your 99 the action is not hardened.Yes the cost of the ammo is expensive at first but reloading is the option i chose once i hook up with some ammo like you. I suggest you leave the old girl alone and spend your time wisely looking online and at gun shows as ammo is available like you said for a price!!!!!
- Location
- Campbell River B C
.303 Savage Ammo
Hi You can can make your own with some work
Make from 220 Swift Anneal the whole case ,Taper expand the neck to .310 in dia , Anneal again & F/L size in a 303 Savage Die with the expander removed,Trim to O/L OF 2.015 in,Then Fire Form ,
I Know this is a good bit of work but at least you will Have Some Fun With the OLD GIRL
Hi You can can make your own with some work
Make from 220 Swift Anneal the whole case ,Taper expand the neck to .310 in dia , Anneal again & F/L size in a 303 Savage Die with the expander removed,Trim to O/L OF 2.015 in,Then Fire Form ,
I Know this is a good bit of work but at least you will Have Some Fun With the OLD GIRL
the answer to your question was answered to me very recently as i asked the same question! You are looking at probably close to 300 dollars to rechamber and change the action to accept a new cartridge. Not to mention that most modern ammunition is too much for the old actions as depending on the age of your 99 the action is not hardened.Yes the cost of the ammo is expensive at first but reloading is the option i chose once i hook up with some ammo like you. I suggest you leave the old girl alone and spend your time wisely looking online and at gun shows as ammo is available like you said for a price!!!!!
This is great advise and the savage 99 is a classic. Find a friend with reloading equipment and buy components if you have to and shoot it.
My friend had one and shot alot of deer and I think a bear with it.
220 swift brass works but___ Do Not Anneal the whole case , All you will have is scrap if you do.
If you want a shooter, I would look for either a 300 Savage or a 30-30. You should be able to pick one of these 1899/99 for less that $450 and as low as $300.
If this 303 Savage is a collectible and the price is reasonable, just buy it and trade it for a more common caliber. For a collectible, don't forget to look at the condition of the bore, the very frequent stock cracks at the tang and if the butt plate has been change and if the receiver has been tapped for scope/base. Also check carefully if the stock has been refinished and the metal re-blued.
I use to collect these and had up to ten of them but I keep on selling or trading them.
Duke1
If this 303 Savage is a collectible and the price is reasonable, just buy it and trade it for a more common caliber. For a collectible, don't forget to look at the condition of the bore, the very frequent stock cracks at the tang and if the butt plate has been change and if the receiver has been tapped for scope/base. Also check carefully if the stock has been refinished and the metal re-blued.
I use to collect these and had up to ten of them but I keep on selling or trading them.
Duke1
