Author Topic: Savage .300 recoil (Read 1786 times)

wolfsong · « **on:** January 31, 2006, 05:16:43 PM »

I have the opportunity to by a Savage model 99 .300 lever action for a very good price. I'm not familiar with this caliber, nor with Savages in general. What is the recoil comparable to? 30.06? 7mm Mag? .270? 8 mm? I own and shoot all of these and am just wondering what to expect. Can you also point me in the right direction here to find some info on ballistics, preferable loads, what game it is best suited for? I'm gonna buy the damn thing anyway, can't pass up a good deal no matter how much I don't "need" it. :lol: Thanks for any help here, guys. Peace and God bless, Wolfsong.

Lone Star · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2006, 03:43:59 AM »

I'm sure that you will be happy with the M99, they were outstanding rifles, particularly during the years the .300 was offered. The .300 has less recoil energy than the .30-06, even a bit less than the .308, but rifle fit will make the real difference...some of the older M99s had pretty narrow stock combs.

Power-wise it is between the .30-30 and the .308, but with the use of pointed bullets it is really much closer to the .308. I've used this cartridge in my T/C Contender for years and I and my hunting partner (similarly armed) have harvested dozens of Kodiak Island blacktails, out to ca. 250 yards. In a rifle you'd get about 200 more fps which would enhance performance. The cartridge is suitable for all deer up to caribou (I shot one bull with mine). It can be used on larger game but is really a premier deer cartridge. I have used the 150-grain bullets exclusively but some like the 165s. Bullets over 180 are really not suited to the short neck of the .300 case.

Go here for ballistics information:

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/ballistics/results/default.aspx?type=centerfire&cal=31

tscott · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2006, 08:44:09 AM »

Of my my favorite deer rifles... nothing out performs my 99, 1955 f in .300... I prefer 180 gr. cartridges. Get the rifle!!!!
Incidentally, may be unpopular but nothing softens felt recoil like lean muscle mass... doesn't take much training to strengthen the shoulder.
With this in mind the .300 is a pussycat on recoil.. Even with metal butt plate!!!!

Siskiyou · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2006, 01:47:58 PM »

Factory .300 Savage rounds are rather mild. My brother had a M99 in .300 SAV. and Dad had a Rem.722 in .300 SAV. My brother's rifle was more pleasent to shot from the bench then the 722. The difference? the M99 had a recoil pad on it. Lone Star hit the nail on the head. From a mathematical stand point a 150 grain bullet from a same wieght rifle in .300 SAV. produces less recoil then a higher velocity 150 grain .270 bullet.

Idaho_Hick · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2006, 04:22:26 AM »

I have a .300 savage with a 4 power scope, and for whatever reason it seems much more comfortable to shoot than my iron sighted marlin 30-30, and feels much more comfortable than my .308. Here and elsewhere I have read that 40-41 grains of IMR4895 with 150 grain bullets is a very accurate load for these rifles, but I have yet to try it. I have, however, had initially good results with 42 grains of W748, which is a max load in some reloading manuals. A note of caution, though sierra's max loads are typically light compared to other manuals, their loads for the .300 savage are VERY HOT. Definitely back Sierra loads for this cartridge WAY down to start with.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2006, 01:50:54 AM »

If you own/shoot a 7mm Mag (plus others) you`ll have no problem with
the Sav .300 as far as recoil goes.

Ron T. · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2006, 10:58:54 AM »

I have used a Model 99 Savage in .300 Savage caliber for several years for deer and it is a "sweet" cartridge.

It has about 14 ft/lbs of recoil compared to a .270/130 grain which is about 18 ft/lbs and a .30/06-150 grain which has about 19 ft/lbs and the .308 which has about 18 ft/lbs.

Incidentally, when the U.S. Army was testing rounds in the early 1950's with the purpose of replacing the larger .30/06, they tested and had all but decided to use the .300 Savage as a replacement. Then they began to "mess around" with the .300 Savage... first adding some length to the cartridge via a longer neck, then increasing the powder capacity somewhat.

They liked what they got and decided to keep it as a result of their experimentation... and thus was born the 7.62 NATO cartridge for which Winchester quickly began loading finished rounds... and thus, the .308 Winchester round was born.

In truth, the .300 Savage is the "father" of the .398 Winchester. :wink:

Strength & Honor....

Ron T.

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2006, 11:05:49 AM »

The 300 savage is a ideal Military round and should have been the round of WWII and Korea,the 308[I have both the 308 and the old 300 in 99's] is just a hair better ,the recoil is about that of a 270 all 300 Savages are excellent up to elk,the 150,170 and the 180 grs are easy to load up and the action unlike Winnies will take it.

Ron T. · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2006, 09:52:22 AM »

Opppppppsss... a "typo"....

I wrote, "In truth, the .300 Savage is the "father" of the .398 Winchester." and I meant to write "In truth, the .300 Savage is the "father" of the .308 Winchester."

Sorry 'bout that... :roll:

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

msorenso · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2006, 03:20:16 AM »

300 savage, is a vey light recoil.. If you have a narroew stock it might seem a little more than you think it should but I thin kyou will realyy injoy it!