Savage 99 reloading

I just got a rcbs kit, set of calipers, trimmer, and whatever dies I needed.
The kit will have most of what you want.
I’m loading 7 mm rem mag, 30 30, .223, 6.5 PRC, 45 acp,.45 LC and 9mm.

The pistol rounds can get a bit monotonous but I only shoot a hundred or so per visit.

Upgrades can and will come later.
 
jethunter said:
Start reloading. If you enjoy working in a shop you'll enjoy reloading.

The cost of getting started in one cartridge seems excessive but you will eventually load other cartridges and the initial investment becomes trivial. Factory ammo will only get more expensive and oddball cartridges like 300 Savage will be more so. If you like old guns, then "This Is The Way".

Approx cost: Components $200-$300. A basic new reloading kit is $300-$400 incl dies, maybe less if you buy used. I load 300 Savage. If I knew where you were I might be able to help you load some 300 Savage rounds on my gear so you see what reloading consists of.
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So many great replies here, thanks everyone. Had no idea I would get so much great info.
I’m in Ontario, so a bit far to meet up with you in Alberta, but thanks for the offer!
 
I’m going to start looking for the equipment (used). I’m not in a big rush, but if I get everything I need by this fall I’ll be happy. Might as well learn a new skill this winter, that’s always a good thing.
Just bought another another box yesterday, so I’ve got plenty to shoot this summer while I source everything.
Just have to finish one of my motorcycle projects asap to make some space on the workbench.
 
If you plan on loading 9mm or other calibers. Spend a little more and get a Lee turret press. Allows you to change calibers without setting up the dies and each stage. Plus can be used for a single.

As pistol can get annoying just using a single stage, esp when you start dealing with 4 dies, rather than 3.



If you decide to get a single stage, get the RCBS lock rings for you dies, dont need to worry about the ring loosening and it should keep your die setting. I've yet to have one loosen.

What you can do is mark on your press and die lock ring after its setup and know where to index it to each time.

Im not a fan of the breech lock presses as the Lee breech lock can get expensive if you have to buy one for each die.
 
Gforce250 said:
I’m going to start looking for the equipment (used). I’m not in a big rush, but if I get everything I need by this fall I’ll be happy. Might as well learn a new skill this winter, that’s always a good thing.
Just bought another another box yesterday, so I’ve got plenty to shoot this summer while I source everything.
Just have to finish one of my motorcycle projects asap to make some space on the workbench.
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Here’s a short video, I really found his approach helpful when I was getting started. He explains things without making it overly difficult for a newbie and it’s a good look at how little you really need for extra tools/gear to reload rifle/pistol ammo. He has a bunch of different loading/casting videos. You don’t need a ton of gear and it only needs to be as complex as you want to make it.

 
Case prep is the cheapest part. You can get lee case prep tools for like 15$. Has the primers pocket cleaner, the inner/outer chamfer. Lee makes a drill case trimmer with guide that cuts to a set length. Buy Mastercraft digital calibers when they go on sale. Cleaning brass you can do with warm water, and some lemi shine in a jar. It will clean the brass good enough to be used again.

Some Lee single stage or turret presses can prime brass.

Check the EE you might find a C press for 25$-30$.
 
If you decide to get a single stage, get the RCBS lock rings for you dies, dont need to worry about the ring loosening and it should keep your die setting. I've yet to have one loosen.

What you can do is mark on your press and die lock ring after its setup and know where to index it to each time.

Im not a fan of the breech lock presses as the Lee breech lock can get expensive if you have to buy one for each die.
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Hornady also makes lock rings, which at least IMO are more secure and they don't risk damaging the threads on your dies. They are split on one side and have a little machine screw that clamps the lock ring in place, rather than the RCBS ones that use a set screw against the threads of the die.

Hornady:
hornady-sure-loc-lock-ring-6pk.jpg


RCBS:
163904.jpg
 
Suther said:
Hornady also makes lock rings, which at least IMO are more secure and they don't risk damaging the threads on your dies. They are split on one side and have a little machine screw that clamps the lock ring in place, rather than the RCBS ones that use a set screw against the threads of the die.

Hornady:
hornady-sure-loc-lock-ring-6pk.jpg


RCBS:
163904.jpg
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Well considering RCBS dies always came with the setscrew. Just the newer ones you are able to put a wrench on them, vs just the knurling. It's not a huge deal.

Plus the nut acts like a thread chaser and puts the thread back to where it was. Those split ones don't always hold the die tight. As I found with the Lee alum collets lock rings.

I got RCBS, Lee, Lyman, Herters, Pacific dies. Seen all types of lock rings, from good to bad.
 
Lee made (they might still), a reloading kit for various calibres that did not require a press. Just a hammer. I'll bet .300 Savage was/is available.

They were reasonably priced.

Regards,
powderman
 
powderman said:
Lee made (they might still), a reloading kit for various calibres that did not require a press. Just a hammer. I'll bet .300 Savage was/is available.

They were reasonably priced.

Regards,
powderman
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The "Lee Loader". That's how i started reloading, it's a gateway drug, lol. The regular Lee Loader neck sizes only, and you still almost certainly need a scale. May as well buy a single stage press instead and be done with it.
 
Blown away by the replies here, so much hood info, thanks so much. Just picked up a couple boxes of .300 savage from my LGS, that happened to be on sale, a fair bit cheaper than normal. Was a pleasant surprise.
I’m definitely on the hunt for gear, and kinda getting excited about learning a new skill in reloading.
 
All .300 Savage 99 's I've owned shot under MOA with these handloads. 42gr-Win 748 /150gr/Win brass/mag primer 41gr same components/165gr 40gr same components /180gr When the Govt controls the ammo you can make your own. ***********Use these loads at own risk start 10% below
 
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