Shot the .303 savage today

[Guncase]

I had some .30 cal. 200 grain cast bullets from lyman mould 311334 and found a load in an old Lyman manual under the obsolete cartridges section. The rifle didn't have proper sights on it, so I drifted in a front sight that looked about right and set up at 25 yards. With 21 grains of IMR 4227, it looked like the bullets weren't stable. I tried 22 grains and the group was better. 22.5 grains too hot! Back to 22 grains and move target out to 50 yards. Ended up with a 2" three shot group from one knee with rifle rested over garbage can. Probably just luck, but I'll try it again when it's warmer and can set up a bench. Might have to go to a lighter bullet. I'm going to pick up a mold for 30-30 this weekend, that bullet might work better. These 200 grainers have to be seated below the shoulder to get the length right for the Savage 99.

[kimwcook]

Is it just the picture or does that bullet have a different diameter below the cannelure?

[Guncase]

You are correct. The driving bands are sized .308, the nose is .296-.297. I guess the idea is that the nose will ride on the lands.

[kimwcook]

That's a really long bullet. I wonder if you've got a fast enough twist to stabilize it. Someone a whole lot more knowledgeable than me will chime in. Good luck.

[airedaleman]

What cases did you use?

[iceman]

I really would like one of those. My Dad had one and traded it for a mod 870 20 ga. He didn't deer hunt anymore but wanted to chase partridge around. I still have the 870 and hope to give it to my son some day. If I remember right it was a takedown. Maybe someday.

[JohndeFresno]

Cool old round. Remember when you could buy one of those rifles for around $35.00 in the fifties?

[Lefty Dude]

A better bullet choice would be the 30 cal. 170 gr. 30-30 bullet gas checked.

[Guncase]

Airedaleman,
The cases are Rem UMC I picked up on Craigslist. I've got 17 of the Remington cases, and a couple each of WW, western, and herters. I'm hoping to pick up some from Grafs if they ever run some more. These are stretching about .010 each time I fire them. I'm just waiting for head seperations.
Lefty Dude,
The mold I'm supposed to be getting tomorrow is a 170 grain like you mention. I expect it will do better. The mold I have is designed for the 30-40 Krag according to the Lyman manual.

[Kansas Ed]

These 200 grainers have to be seated below the shoulder to get the length right for the Savage 99.

I've seen pics of what can happen when you load a gas checked bullet below the shoulder...not pretty when the gas check blows off in the case. Just in case you weren't aware.

Ed

[Guncase]

I wondered about that, but the load in the Lyman book lists the bullet by mould number, specifies a Savage 99 as the test rifle, and gives an overall length of 2.52". I am seating these to 2.56" and they still fit in the rotary mag. I'll go to the lighter bullet when I get that mould.

[Buffboy]

I'm surprised you are getting pretty good accuracy for .308 sized cast bullets. I thought the 303 Savage had a .311 bore.

[Hobie]

I just read an article where they converted .30-40 (or .303 Brit) brass to .303 Savage. Does require some work. Huntington Die Specialties might have some brass. They will certainly take your money!

[Kansas Ed]

Buffalo Arms also has brass in .303 Savage....even Norma Cases...

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm?v ... =35&step=2

Ed

[marlinman93]

I'm surprised you are getting pretty good accuracy for .308 sized cast bullets. I thought the 303 Savage had a .311 bore.

Ditto! I have owned a few Savage 1899's in .303, and never had good luck with .308" bullets. I always used .310-.311" bullets in mine.

[Hobie]

It seems that there are some with .311" and most with .308" bores based on what I've read of those who actually slugged their bores. Some .308" guns will likely do very well with .311" cast bullets.