I worked up a deer-hunting load for my Model 99 in .300 Savage caliber that consistently put 3 shots into ¾ of an inch (or less) at 100 yards from a solid bench rest.
My test loads consisted of 4 different powders - IMR-3031, IMR-4064, IMR-4895 and Varget
4 different standard (not magnum) large rifle primers - Winchesters, CCI, Remington and Federal
and 3 different brands of 150 grain, .308 caliber bullets - Hornadys, Sierras and Nosler Ballistic Tips
all loaded in once-fired Winchester brass.
I didn't try IMR4320 because I felt that powder was too "slow" to work well (accuracy and velocity) in the .300 Savage cartridge.
All bullets were seated to give the maximum overall length (with bullet) of 2.60 inches.
Working up SLOWLY once I was within 2.0 grains of the maximum load listed in my reloading manuals, I used an incremental increase 2/10ths of a grain of powder at a time.
My best (most accurate with the highest velocity) hunting load yielded a 3-shot group that had an average muzzle velocity of 2680 fps and measured .191 inches @ 50 yards (and averaged ¾ of an inch @ 100 yards) using a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, boat-tailed bullet in front of 41.5 grains (a MAXIMUM load) of IMR4895 sparked by a standard large rifle Winchester primer in Winchester cases. This load had a maximum velocity deviation of 19 fps (+9 fps / -10 fps).
My absolute BEST group @ 50 yards measured .112 inches and consisted of a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet with a muzzle velocity that averaged 2647 fps in front of 41.1 grains of IMR4895 sparked by a standard large rifle Winchester primer in Winchester cases. This load had a maximum velocity deviation of just 13 fps (+6 fps / -7 fps). I didnt try shooting this group at 100 yards, but Im sure it would yield an excellent group at that range.
All groups were fired using my 3x-9x by 40mm variable scope set on 9x at both 50 and 100 yards.
Incidentally, these groups were fired & these muzzle velocities attained from my 1953 late EG Savage Model 99 lever-action rifle with a 24-inch barrel using a rifle rest and sandbags off a very solid bench-rest on a 78ºF to an 85ºF day (11 AM til 3:30 PM) with very little wind on June 24, 2002.
The final chronographed IMR4895 loads (averaging 2680 fps) consisting of 41.5 grains of IMR4895 were fired when the temperature was estimated to be 84ºF to 85ºF.
Earlier tests in May @ cooler temperatures (73ºF) yielded an average muzzle velocity of 2664 fps using 41.5 grains of IMR4895 with all other components the same as the above hunting load.
I hope this gives you some insight into what you might try in your rifle. Approach maximum loads with caution. The above load (41.5 grains) of IMR4895 is a very slightly compressed load.
Strength & Honor
Ron T.
