Accurate load for Savage 99 in .250-3000?

[Bill in Oregon]

I have a nice old 99 with the 1:14 twist barrel, and am having a hard time getting under 2 inches at 100 yards with handloads and bullets of 100 grains or less. Anyone else shooting this rifle with this twist getting better accuracy? Bore and crown are perfect.

[O.S.O.K.]

Well, you said "or less" after 100 grains. I'm sure that you are aware that rifle was made for the 87 grain loads. I'd stick with 90 grains or less. I think Nosler makes an 85 grain partition - that would be my pick for deer hunting with that rifle.

I'd try a maximum load of 36 Grains of W748 with the 85 grain partition or a maximum load of 35 grains of IMR 4895 with the same - start lower and work up of course.

You may also want to try the 87 grain Speer with a load of 36 grains of Alliant RL-15 or 42 grains of H-414.

Hope that helps.

[Old Savage]

Mine has a faster twist but shoots very well with 4064.

[Bill in Oregon]

Thanks guys. OSOK, I have tried Speer, Hornady and Sierra 87-grain bullets, but not necessarily with those powders. I will give those powders a try.

[O.S.O.K.]

If you haven't done this yet, I recommend giving it a try - give your bore a really good cleaning - use a good copper solvent and get all of the fouling out before trying the new loads. I mean a really good scrub.

Also, if your handguard screw is tightened down really hard, try taking some of the pressure off.

[scr83jp]

I have a nice old 99 with the 1:14 twist barrel, and am having a hard time getting under 2 inches at 100 yards with handloads and bullets of 100 grains or less. Anyone else shooting this rifle with this twist getting better accuracy? Bore and crown are perfect.

my old lyman reloading manual from the 60's lists bullet weights as follows; 60gr,75gr,87gr, 100gr,117gr,90gr cast w/ gc,69gr cast w/ gc & 100gr cast w/gc

[PaperPatch]

Bill,
The load that works in mine is 35 grains of IMR 4320...with Winchester primers. Both Hornady and Speer 87's shoot equally well with this recipe.

Good luck with yours.