Hi......I'm wanting to try some 150gr. TSX bullets in my old Savage model 99 lever action rifle and being this is an older caliber not much load data is available. I'm planning on using IMR 4064 powder which is pretty standard for this caliber but my concerns is C.O.L. the 300 Savage has a such a short neck 3 of the grooves on the TSX bullet is going to be exposed after seating to a shoot-able overall length (2.550"). Is that ok? unlike the 30-30 cartridge where the grooves are totally inside the long neck of that round it just looks odd on the short neck 300 savage case. Anyone have any experience with these bullets in short neck cases like 300 savage.
150gr Barnes TSX bullets for 300 Savage
- Thread starter dale1386
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gunhappydad
Member
I'm also planning to develop an Elk hunting load for my 300 Savage model 99. (Purely for a nostalgia hunt with my 90 year old dad's 67 year old gun.)
Anyone have any suggestions??
I'd really appreciate a starting point and some expert advice- on powder load and best bullet options. I'm new to this load development game but have a buddy with the equipment whose willing to help.
Anyone have any suggestions??
I'd really appreciate a starting point and some expert advice- on powder load and best bullet options. I'm new to this load development game but have a buddy with the equipment whose willing to help.
If you want to use Barnes I would suggest the 130 grain version. It is what I use in my 308 Win. I have taken deer, bear, Elk and moose with them. I have them loaded to 3100 FPS, which will be quite a bit faster than they will start out in the 300 Savage. To be honest, if I was loading for the Savage and wanted to shoot Elk, I would load Hornady 150 grain flat base spire point Interlocks. At 300 Savage velocities it is the almost perfect bullet and it works well in my 308 too. I have shot a pile of Black Bear and more than a few elk with that combination in my 308. I have shot deer with the 300 Savage and a few Black Bear, never shot an elk with it though given the 150 Hornadys go clear through most bear I can't see any reason it wouldn't work great on Elk. My preferred powder in the 308 and the 300 Savage is 4895. It provides good accuracy, and max velocities at lower pressures.
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hunter67wa
Well-Known Member
Are you using the bullet for a 30-30? Seating depth will be dictated by accuracy and feed ability.
6.5-300 BEE
Well-Known Member
The 130 TSX s THE bullet in the 300. You can nudge 3000 with 4198. Friend has killed 3 Elk in a 308. One a "Texas heart shot" that was recovered (rare with Barnes) in the neck.
That is really moving out of a 300 Savage. Normal pressure and speed would be closer to 2700 fps. In a bolt gun I would try to push to those speeds but never in a lever. If you lock up a Savage 99 from too much pressure you will have the Devil's own time fixing that, pretty much have to pull the barrel. Believe me, I have had to fix a few that guys locked up. At the distance Savage 99s get used at 2-300 FPS will make absolutely no difference.
6.5-300 BEE
Well-Known Member
I assume you have never tried the 130 TSX/4198 combo ?
This is a 22" and I have tried Varget.
4198 is faster and my bbl is 24"
I'm getting 2950 w/no issues and sub moa 3 shot groups.
This is a 22" and I have tried Varget.
| 130 | Hornady Jacketed SP | Hodgdon | Varget | 44.5 | 2943 |
4198 is faster and my bbl is 24"
I'm getting 2950 w/no issues and sub moa 3 shot groups.
BULLET WEIGHT
130 GR. HDY SP
Starting Loads Maximum Loads
Manufacturer Powder
C.O.L. Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Hodgdon BL-C(2) .308" 2.520" 38.0 2,503 41.0 2,634
Hodgdon H335 .308" 2.520" 38.0 2,494 41.0 2,631
Hodgdon H4895 .308" 2.520" 39.5 2,324 43.0 2,698
Hodgdon H4198 .308" 2.520" 33.0 2,624 36.0 2,837
Don't know where your info comes from but this is the Hodgdon published data that I have used for years in the Savage 99 300
130 GR. HDY SP
Starting Loads Maximum Loads
Manufacturer Powder
C.O.L. Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Hodgdon BL-C(2) .308" 2.520" 38.0 2,503 41.0 2,634
Hodgdon H335 .308" 2.520" 38.0 2,494 41.0 2,631
Hodgdon H4895 .308" 2.520" 39.5 2,324 43.0 2,698
Hodgdon H4198 .308" 2.520" 33.0 2,624 36.0 2,837
Don't know where your info comes from but this is the Hodgdon published data that I have used for years in the Savage 99 300
6.5-300 BEE
Well-Known Member
Loaddata.com
Guess you missed the 22" part ? I'm also at 7000' up
Current Hodgdon website data:
Case: Remington
Twist: 1:12"
Primer: Remington 9 1/2, Large Rifle
Barrel Length: 22"
Trim Length: 1.861
Guess you missed the 22" part ? I'm also at 7000' up
Current Hodgdon website data:
Case: Remington
Twist: 1:12"
Primer: Remington 9 1/2, Large Rifle
Barrel Length: 22"
Trim Length: 1.861
No I did not miss the 22" part. 2" does not make 200 fps difference at the muzzle. In addition, your altitude has zero to do with muzzle velocity. The thinner air means the bullet loses velocity slower, so you need less elevation at the same distances, but it doesn't start out any faster, given the same pressure and load. I however see no point in arguing with you. If you want to shoot those loads out of your model 99 fill your boots. The issue I have is you recommending someone try to approach those speeds in most 99s since the max Hodgdon loads are already at 50,000 PSI.
gunhappydad
Member
Thanks for the input guys. It's great to have info on Max capabilities and the limitations we should consider working within.
I'm a Michigan flatlander who's never shot at anything beyond 120 yards so I plan to be fairly conservative and realistic with my shooting distance capabilities and sure as heck don't want to destroy a beautiful old gun getting carried away trying to push our load limits.
So, in the hands of an experienced rifleman, what's the max range this gun should be used to shoot at an Elk?
I'm a Michigan flatlander who's never shot at anything beyond 120 yards so I plan to be fairly conservative and realistic with my shooting distance capabilities and sure as heck don't want to destroy a beautiful old gun getting carried away trying to push our load limits.
So, in the hands of an experienced rifleman, what's the max range this gun should be used to shoot at an Elk?
If you can get it to shoot an inch or better I would have no concerns using the 130 at 2500-2700 fps out to 400 or 500 yards, which should be plenty for Michigan's typical shooting distances. Farthest I shot an Elk with the 308 and the 130 TSX was about 650, and the bullet passed clean through at 3100 fps. Shot was perfect, right behind the shoulder and the Elk took 2 steps and dropped. The Elk I shot last year was with a 150 Grain Hornady Spire Point Interlock at about 2950 fps out of the 308. Three hundred yards exactly, again right behind the shoulder, never took a step, dropped where it stood and the bullet was a pass through as well..
The 300 Savage and the 308 are very comparable rounds, except for 2-300 fps there is not much difference. Best of luck on the hunt. I always enjoy shooting guns my dad or Granddad had. Makes the hunt just that much more special
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6.5-300 BEE
Well-Known Member
Dean 2 stop making it up.
What you published said a 130 in 22" @2837
I said 24" @2950. That's NOT 200 fps.
As well as bbl length, many other factors can explain it.
Next time you're in WY, stop by and you can read what my Magneto says.
I'' also show you handguns, ARs and even full auto NONE of which that Commie Pierre will let you have. (for your own good). And, of course your women are helpless.
What you published said a 130 in 22" @2837
I said 24" @2950. That's NOT 200 fps.
As well as bbl length, many other factors can explain it.
Next time you're in WY, stop by and you can read what my Magneto says.
I'' also show you handguns, ARs and even full auto NONE of which that Commie Pierre will let you have. (for your own good). And, of course your women are helpless.
