The Savage 99 Rifle in 303 Caliber

By Bob Shell

Savage 99 Rifle in 303 Caliber
Savage Model 99 Rifle in 303 Caliber

Apache Junction, AZ –-(Ammoland.com)- The 303 Savage 99: By the early 1890’s smokeless powder was becoming better known to the public as well as the gun makers.

The militaries of the world were all using the stuff for their small arms as well as their machine guns. Of course, the public wanted hunting arms chambered for the new powder as it gives higher velocities and longer ranges.

At first higher velocities brought out problems with bullet designs but that’s another story.

Anyway, in 1895 Winchester brought out the 94 in 30-30 and the race was on. The 30-30 is considered one of the first civilian small-bore smokeless cartridges and is still going strong today.

When Winchester brought out the model 94 in 30-30 in 1895 Savage among others saw a good thing and wanted to get in on it.

The Savage model 99 was introduced in 1895 in a variety of calibers including the 303. When first brought out it was developed as a potential military cartridge but that never came about. An earlier version was placed in the military trials against about 50 other designs but the Krag won out.

Savage Rifles Advertisement
Early Savage Rifles Advertisement: – “High Velocity and tremendous killing power are particularly Savage features.”

Also for a while it used .311 diameter bullets but at some point changed to 308. Some factory loads can be found in the 311 diameter and I have miked them as such. However, a vast majority of Savages use a 308 diameter bullet. Also, the factory offered a 190-grain bullet which was liked by some hunters for its potential penetration. Most manufacturing activity for Savage ammo ceased after WW ll though an occasional lot was produced from time to time.

While ballistically similar to the 30-30 they would not interchange. The Savage case is shorter and fatter then the more successful 30-30. Unlike the 30-30 the Savage round was never necked up or down commercially.

Close up of Savage Model 99 Rifle Action.
Close up of Savage Model 99 Rifle Action.

Some people have asked me if it’s ok to fire a 30-30 in a 303. In a word NO!

The 30-30 base is .020 smaller then the 303 so there would likely be a case rupture which could be disastrous. While the 99 is a fine action capable of handling some high intensity calibers such as the 308 Winchester you still need to make sure you are firing the correct cartridge. I have seen a few people get the 303 British and Savage rounds mixed up. They are not the same.

30-40 Krag brass case
The 30-40 Krag brass case can be used to make 303 Savage rounds.

Happily, the 99 is still around and should be for a long time. I have several model 99 Savage rifles and they function as they should. The magazine feeds in a flawless manner as long as the ammo isn’t too long and the safety locks the lever in place and prevents the gun from firing accidentally.

For a hunting gun, the trigger is pretty decent breaking around 5 lbs or so depending on which rifle I use. I have a friend who collects model 99 Savages and has an example that has 30 Savage stamped on the barrel. Initially we thought that it was a 303 Savage but it turned out to be a 30-30 Winchester.

Back in those days there was some hard feelings between Savage and Winchester and apparently even though Savage chambered for the 30-30 they wouldn’t acknowledge it in writing.

While the 30-30 still flourishes the 303 and the other competitor the 30 Remington fell by the wayside years back. Ammo for both is hard to find and cases for reloading, especially for the 303 have pretty well dried up. Sometimes factory ammo can be found at a gun show but don’t count on it.

Making brass for the 303 is very difficult unless you have special equipment. The 30-40 Krag and 303 British cases can be swaged down and used if you have the tooling to do it. The rim on both has to be cut down also in order to chamber in the 303. I buy my brass from Buffalo Arms www.buffaloarms.com and it works very well as do all their products. Norma recently introduced brass for the 303 and Huntington Die sells it. Graff and Jamison both list 303 Savage brass but as of this writing it’s not available on a general scale.

Loading data can be found in some of the older manuals and Cartridges of the World. Also, 30-30 loading data can be used if you are careful. Barnes makes a 150-grain copper bullet for those who are interested. For info on the Barnes bullets go to www.barnesbullets.com The 180 grain in the tables was made by the author which should give good penetration.  Loaded ammo can be bought in the 303 as well as other obsolete calibers.

303 Savage, 30 Remington and 30-30 R
The 303 Savage had to compete with the 30 Remington L. and 30-30 R.

The success of a cartridge is usually measured by its sales. No matter what its ballistic attributes are if it doesn’t sell then it’s considered a failure at least commercially. The 303 Savage was popular for a number of years but eventfully fell by the wayside. Mild recoil, decent accuracy, and quality rifles weren’t enough to keep it alive.

If you have a 99 in 303 Savage it will make a good woods gun for deer out to about 150 yards depending on how well you shoot. The only downside is ammo isn’t widely available.

The model 99 is a strong rifle as evidenced by some of its chamberings in calibers such as the 308 Winchester.

Having said that it doesn’t mean that you should try and make a 308 out of the 303 Savage round. There are many factors involved in reloading ammo and using common sense and safety techniques is always a must. Always wear hearing and eye protection when shooting.

Load Bullet Velocity Comment

Load                                   Bullet                                      Velocity                 Comment

  • 8 X Trail Boss                     110 grain round nose             1154                       high es
  • 8 X Unique                          110 grain round nose             1275                       high es
  • 35 X Data 4197                   110 grain round nose              2705                      varmint
  • 30 X 4197                            150 grain spitzer                    2209                       deer
  • 34 X 2520                           150 grain                                2253                      ok
  • 36 X AA 2460                     150 grain spitzer                   2297                       consistent
  • 8 X Trail Boss                      165 grain cast                       1165                      consistent
  • 10 X Unique                         165 grain cast                       1521                      consistent
  • 10 X Trail Boss                    165 grain cast                        1307                     consistent
  • 34 X AA 2460                     170 grain                               2209                      ok
  • 35 X 748                              170 grain                               2127                      consistent
  • 32 X 2520                            180 grain                               2113                     consistent
  • 34 X IMR 4895                    180 grain                               2151                     decent
  • 33 X 2460                             180 grain                              2150                     good load

 

The Savage rifle that I shot gave good groups at 50 and 100 yards with open sights. I was able to keep them in a 2” or less group which is good for me. Since the gun is older and original I won’t drill or tap it for a scope despite the fact that it would be more accurate. Feeding and function was flawless.

The Savage has the ability to take pointed bullets because it’s a rotary magazine as opposed to the model 94 Winchester or Marlin 336 tubular magazines. That would give it a slightly flatter trajectory as compared to the flat nose bullets. How much of an advantage that is open to conjecture.

As a note Hornady recently introduced pointed LEVERevolution bullets that are safe in tubular magazines for the 30-30 as well as other chamberings. Without a doubt they will work in the 303 as well though the 160 grain bullets would be a handloading proposition. I have loaded some of the 160 grain Hornady’s in the 303 Savage and they are a perfect fit. For more info go to www.hornadybullets.com. I use the same bullets as I use in the 30 Remington and the 30-30. I do make the 180-grain flat nose to try and duplicate the old factory load and it shoots well. It should be adequate for a black bear and wild boar at woods ranges.

There are a lot of 303 Savages still around as I get a lot of correspondence about them. Let’s hope that they are with us as long as there is hunting.


About Bob Shell
A Custom Reloader of Obsolete and Antique Ammo, Bob Shell, writes about the subject of Guns, Ammo, Shooting and Related Subjects. Visit: www.bobshellsblog.blogspot.com

Bob Shell

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TONY OWENSBY

LET ME SAY THIS, IF YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A 303 SHELLS OUT OF THE 30/40 KRAG GREASE THAT BABY UP GOOD, NOT AS EASY AS SOME PEOPLE THINK,, YOU’LL NEED A STRONG PRESS, I USED A RCBS PRESS, VERY GOOD PRESS, I BOUGHT TWO SETS OF SAVAGE 303 LEE’S DIES WHICH WORKED VERY WELL. AND LET ME TELL YOU, NO ONE HAS SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THE EJECTION GROVE IN THE BACK OF THE SHELL WHEN MAKING THEM , IT’S GOT TO BE CUT DOWN TO EJECT THE SHELL , IT’S NOT DEEP ENOUGH, BE SURE TO LUBE THE… Read more »

Kevin B

I’m not sure if I will get a answer to my question I been clearing land were my wife and me plan to build our home .. well I found a old rifle buried in about three feet of dirt . numbers on it are model 11099 with H stamped on leaver then on the hand grip has the same number but the letter R stamped top rifle has 303 savage can anyone explain what I found thanks

Don Suman

I have a .303 Savage, clearly marked 1899, with a 20″ barrel, brass magazine cartridge counter, peep sight, with a meta thumb slide to release the front stock from the barrel, a hard plastic like butt plate, serial no. 142284. The serial no is also stamped on the inside if the front stock and on the wood inside of the rear stock. I looked on the internet and the serial number indicated that it was manufactured in 1913, however, it has a very small “H” within a circle stamped on the front side of the lever mechanism and some internet… Read more »

christopher colbey

The 303 savage was only manufactured until 1929 and Your Savage 1899/99 was manufactured in 1913. The letter code designates the typical characteristics of the gun (see below).

99H Medium 20″ Straight grip Steel carbine Straight round tip Blade in dovetail or raised ramp

TONY OWENSBY

I HAVE SEVERAL HUNDRED 303 SAVAGE CARTRIDGE, SOME MODIFIED FROM 30/40 KRAG TO 303 SAVAGE
CRACKS.AND THEY REALLY DO SHOOT GOOD FOR MAYBE TWO OR THREE SHOOTS AND THE NECK.
REAL PAIN IN THE ASS, BUT YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU HAVE THE EQUIPMENT AND A SMALL LAYTHE..
I HAVE SEVERAL SHELLS, ”NOT FINISHED”’ CALL ME AND I’LL SEND YOU SEVERAL TO INSPECT AND YOU’LL KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT, ”RESHAPED BUT NOT FINISHED”.
MY EMAIL [email protected] ….. ILL SEND YOU A FEW 303 SAVAGE MODIFIED SHELL’S
FORM A 3040 KRAG……………………………………………………………………………………………..TONY O

Wayne

I have model 99 lever action 303 savage from grandfather 80 rounds 303 savage live probably 30 empty shells live look like reloads not sure shoots fine pretty good Nick with a heap of stories ..

Larry Small

I just bought a Savage 1899a .303 with a 22” barrel. Serial no. 90.173 made in 1908. All original in 95-96% condition. A box of 190 grain round nose silver tips came with it. Just bought a box of 150 grain round nose through Cabela’s. Plan to take a round apart and match with a few reloads as a place to start as I’ll be reloading for this gun. Really don’t want to shoot anything heavier than 150 as I like the ballistics at 150 yards which takes care of 90% of the whitetail hunting in Maine. Anyone have a… Read more »

Gabe Halsey

I have a Savage 1899 that was my grandfather’s then passed on to my father and now to me. The caliber stamp on the barrel reads very clearly 30-R. Can you tell me which caliber this is chambered in? My uncle says it’s a .30 Cal similar to the 30-30 but the case doesn’t flare out at the base around the primer. I’m wanting to try to acquire ammo or reloadable brass but don’t know where to start. Thanks.

Doug Delhay

I did a quick internet search regarding that caliber and it is pretty well documented from several websites. It was not around too long, probably for good reasons. The 30-30 overshadowed most everything else even close to it in range and power. Enjoy your search!

Gabe Halsey

I inherited a Savage 1899 from my grandmother who passed away and I’ve been trying to determine what rounds it uses. The Barrell is marked 30-R. My uncle said it is a .30 caliber almost identical tical to the 30-30 but not quite the same. Any help would be appreciated.

Doug Delhay

If you are looking for fresh ammo in 303 Savage, it is readily available from Cabela’s. I just bought four boxes on-line and it came to about $35/box with shipping. The ammo is marketed under Graf and Sons which I believe is actually manufactured by Hornady. Wow! both Hornady and Cabela’s were established in Nebraska. Where would the rest of the world be without us? I was blessed to get a Savage 1899 (as the barrel is stamped) in really good, usable condition. Hope to take a deer with it this winter. It probably hadn’t been fired in decades, but… Read more »

Bridget Chambers

I have a savage 303 marked king on the top. What does this mean?

Doug Delhay

If you haven’t been able to get an answer to you question yet, it means that your rifle is chambered for the 303 Savage cartridge. See my post following yours if you are looking for a source for the ammo.

larry

who has brass for 303 savage?

gary Van Buiten

303 ammo,190 grain silver tip, and brass? Loading dies?

Larry Sluiter

Midway USA has .303 Savage brass! Sellier & B brand.

Dennis Scott

I am looking for at least one 50 count box of Savage 303. Would be nice if i could find a box of western super silvertip @ 190 grain bullet. I have a “99” 303 Savage. It is in great shape but i am having trouble finding ammo. Can you help?
Thanks,
Respectfully,
Scotty

bill

I have a 99 savage made in about 1904 and marked: “cal .30”.
wondering what caliber this might be? From an auction.
Bill

Joe P

1932 according to the site below.

https://www.savage99.com/savage99_dates.htm

Emanuel

savage 303 lever action # 339735 what year would that make it ?

Bill Warren

I have a 1900 or 1901 Savage Model 99, Serial # 17998, in extremely good condition. I was told it was a “303”, But on the barrel, it is clearly stamped “Sav. 30” , and I don’ believe any numbers are worn off. It’s just too clean. I can find no other markings on this rifle at all anywhere. You mentioned above that you had a friend who was a collector of Savage Model 99’s and had an example with “30 Savage” stamped on the barrel. You thought it was a “303” but it turned out to be a “30-30”.… Read more »

Bill Warren

Bill Warren here again. I am now satisfied that my Savage “99” IS a 303. Now I need a source for ammo. HELP!!!!
Thanks, Bill

Clark

I have 9 boxes of Peters 303 sav. 180 grain. Call me 989 239 8085.

Arnold Turner

I would like to buy 303 savage ammo. Do you still have some? I am CO MDST 303-775-0052 please call me. Thanks Arnold

Ron Moulder

please let me know if you come across or still have the 9 boxes of 303 savage,
thank you

Warren Norton

The 303 Savage was designed earlier for military trails of a Savage lever rifle that later became the commercial 1895 Savage chambered among others in 303 Savage, the 30-30 was developed in 1896 for the 1894 rifle. So it would seem, Winchester saw a good thing and developed the 30-30.

Curtis Clark

Has anyone ever heard of a .303 Savage 99 saddle ring carbine? I think I have one. It was part of the family estate. I’d like to know more about it.

Chuck Cravens

I have a 99 saddle ring carbine in 303 . I believe by serial number, it was made in 1905.

Curtis Clark

Hello Chuck. I am Curtis. I think I have a saddle ring carbine. I don’t know how this “chat stuff’ works but if you would like to compare I would really like to know more’ [email protected] I haven’t checked this site for awhile so I hope you might still be active.

GARY

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INFO ON A 99 SAVAGE 303

Jack youngblood

Reeds ammo will make it for you and they have some instock as i write this.35.00 and 37.00 a box before shipping.He does special ammo for hard to find stuff.Great ammo check it out

Paul N

I have a 303 Savage 99 that I need a Barrel Band for. Does anyone know where I can buy one?

johnny

i have a savage mod. 99 303 for sale good .I wanted 1100 .00 $$$

verne berens

wondering if you still have the 303 bullets.what would you consider a fair offer?thank you for your time

pete gumina

I have 2 full boxes of savage 303 cal. ( not reloads) I would like to sell, make offer..
1 is western super silvertip @ 190 grain expanding bullet
2 is Remington kleanbore 303 savage express @ 180 grain

Bill

do u still have ammo for 303

Ricky Anderson

Hi, I read your post of needing 303 savage ammo. I have 4/20 round boxes of ventage 303 ammo. 2 boxes are Remington KleanBore and 1 box of Western Super X silvertip and Winchester super X let me know if you or any others are interested. shoot me an offer cell #717-885-3732

EVERETT EASON

Do you still have ammo or the 303 savage? I need some, and I’d be willing to pay you $35.00 per box. If interested, please let me know.

Ben Elias

I have 4 boxes but I am in Benson AZ

Pat

Graf and Sons list ammo. Only place I have seen.

harold goodwin

my wife just found her grand farthers gun 303 savage in the back corner of the colset with no ammo for it stil looking at grammas

Tom L

I make my own.

Justin W

I have been looking for 303 Savage ammo and have other people looking too. Have not found any. Where can I find ammo?

TONY OWENSBY

OUT DOOR WORLD IS YOUR BEST PLACE TO LOOK, NORMA SALE’S CARTRIDGES AND BRASS FOR THE 99 303 SAVAGE. YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN BULLETS BUT THE SHELLS DON’T LAST LONG, NECK IS TO THINN FROM THE STRETCHING AND CRACK AFTER SEVERAL SHOTS.. FACT IS M’I MAKING 303 SAVAGE BULLETS HOW I’M LOOKING FOR LOAD DATA NOW FOR A 150 GR BULLET. IF I CAN HELP YOU IN ANY WAY CALL ME. I LIVE IN SOUTH FL. PH 954-432-1985

noah

id love to get my hands on some ammo for a 303 surpluse that is

Owen W

im looking for parts for my 1899 303 savage

Spencer, CD

I own a 303 savage rifle. Would like to get hold of correcr amo. Hope you can help: Thanks

1

terry spencer

contact hornady spencer,cd. i buy mine through canada ammo in british columbia canada. terry spencer.