First 300 Savage Handloads - Model 99

[stew71]

I was testing the first batches of handloads for my Model 99 over the weekend in between rainstorms. While it shoots the Remington factory loads well enough for any hunting situation, my attempts to use some Varget powder and Sierra spitzers were beyond expectations.

This picture was taken before I installed the Lyman tang sight, the barrel band swivel mount, and a Montana sling.




The 4 shots low in the white are the starting load of 38 grains of Varget at 100 yards. Two others went off the paper. At that point, I didn't bother with the rest of that group.

However, the shots in the black are 2 5-shot groups, with a couple of those being 1-holers, using 40gr of Varget.

Yes....I'm very happy.

Remington brass trimmed to 1.865", with a Federal 210 primer.
Sierra 150gr spitzer over 40gr of Varget w/an OAL of 2.567"
YMMV, of course.

Except for the sheer fun of it, I don't see a reason to bother with any other loads. Well...except for the fact that I'll have to work up a non-lead round to be legal here in Commiefornia starting in 2018.

The next trick will be to duplicate the results.

[GunnyMack]

That'll work! That non lead ban is PITA!
I haven't had much luck with Varget. Tried it in my AR, 55,62&77's and was not happy with any of the loads I tried. Then I tried it with 308 and it gave dismal accuracy. My choice for 223 became IMR4895 and cfe223 in 308.

[Wildgoose]

Nice 99! I have 300 Savage rifles but alas no levers. I have long wanted one to go along with my Remington Model 81 and 722 in what I think is one of the best deer cartridges ever developed. It has taken many a pound of venison over the years in our family deer hunts.
Maybe its time I got serious about getting that 99. At least I will have a good starting load to try when I do.

[Old Savage]

I will be interested to see what you come up with on the lead free. Our experience has been that if you drop down a weight you will have a bullet about the same length with superior velocity and performance.

[saw whet owl]

Great looking rifles, guys! I love the 300 Savage.

Nice groups, Stew71. What velocity (approx) do you think that 40.0 Varget load was?

[44shooter]

Nice rifles. I love that peep on the auto.

[missionary5155]

I am so blessed our up north there home is in a "Lead OK" part of our country...

[stew71]

Great looking rifles, guys! I love the 300 Savage.

Nice groups, Stew71. What velocity (approx) do you think that 40.0 Varget load was?

Thanks. I'll put the chrono on it during the next round of testing, but it should be chugging around 2500fps, according to the Sierra manual. It's definitely no where near max pressure. And I'll post up some newer photos with the Lyman peep and assorted accoutrements.

Goose - love that Remington 81. Always wanted one since I was a kid. Perhaps some day...

As for the lead-free stuff, it looks like the Hornady GMX or the Nosler e-Tip should fill the bill.

[earlmck]

Congrats Stew -- that is nice!

Thank goodness I'm not (yet) in a lead-free zone. My two 300 Savages get shot almost exclusively with the 120 grain Lee "soup can" or the 117 grain Ranch Dog at 32/20 velocities (about 1700 fps) using 10.5 grains of Green Dot: these get year-round duty on tin cans. I might load something a little more potent if I ever got a deer tag...