.250 Savage anyone?

[lgm270]

I've developed an interest in the old .250 Savage.  I think it would be a fun round in a Remington Model 7 with a 22" barrel.  It's not as powerful as the .243 or .257 Roberts, but it appears to be adequately powerful for anything I would need it for.

Are there any .250 enthusiasts out there with some input?  Would love to hear from you.

[Don Fischer]

Never owned one but I still wouldn't do that if I were you. It'll probably end up being your go to gun because it's so nice to carry and shoot!
You will soon discover that you can't shoot anything any deader with any other cartridge.

[bobg]

I owned a Ruger in .250. Great shooting little gun. All i used it for was woodchucks. Sure did kill a lot of them. Traded it for a .257 Roberts. Wish i had the .250 back.
           bobg

[lgm270]

Reviewing loading data, I noted that the 250 Savage case has a capacity of from 30-35 grains....almost identical to the fabled 30-30 that got it name for being 30 caliber and having 30 grains of powder. 

This is less gun than the other comparable rounds (i.e. .243, 257, 6mm Rem, 25-06) but 87 grain bullet at 3,000 fps is good for any use I would have.  I read an article about the .250 AI, and the guy figured out a way to form cases without fireforming... he ran 243 Win cases through a .250 AI FL resizer and viola.....out came 250 AI cases. 

It was in Handloader or Rifle magazine. The author was Herb Traistor.

Even so, the regular .250 Savage with its 30 grain loads will provide more loads per pound of powder, less barrel heat and wear and would be a ton of fun. 

[davem270win]

I've just bought a 99 in 250. Picked it up at a gun show. Made in 1941 and it's in pretty good shape. Only problem is it's got the faster twist and doesn't handle 120 grainers as well. But is is a joy to carry and shoot. A newer gun with the slower twist should be able to handle anything from chucks to deer.

[Savage .250]

 The .250 as a cal is really sweet....IMO.  I`ve got a Sav 99F ( pre-mil) in .250 and that puppy is a joy to hunt
  with.
   I shoot Reminton factory loads (100 gr)  as i don`t hand load and they work well in it. 
   One of the best gun/ calibers of all time. IMHO.
    If and when you get one, you`ll be a "another" happy camper.
   

[Will_C]

Never had a .250 but I have been fascinated by that cartridge! I know that it is virtually the same as my .243, but I still want one.I'm deciding between a re-barrel of a light rifle or a barrel for my Encore.
Will

[coyotejoe]

The .250 Savage is a splendid cartridge, will do practically anything the .257 Roberts will do and do it with less powder. I've had a couple of Savage 99's but don't care much for that action, in a light bolt action or singleshot it makes a fine deer and varmint round and has taken plenty of elk and moose as well, you just have to pick your shots.

[The Sodbuster]

If I had a spare $600 laying about I'd pick up a lefty, short-action Savage rifle and have it re-barreled for .250 Savage.  Low recoil, cheap to load for (esp. w/ 87 grain bullets) and you can always use .22-250 brass if .250 Savage brass becomes scarce.  It's great for deer at any range I'm likely to take a shot at and will work for woodchucks too.   I've already got a .257 Weatherby and .25-06.  Maybe I should change my name to Quarterbore.

Ahh, so many rifles, so little money . . .  .   .    .     .

[northern hunter]

Hey guys,The great 250 Savage is a very under rated cartridge,it is capeable of putting the game down out to 250 yards.It is a great deer cartridge or with the light bullets a super varmit caliber.I have shot 2 deer with it and a ton of ground hogs.I have a MK1 Ruger light weight with 20 inch barrel,it is not a tack driver but it gets the job done.
My youngest daughter at age 12 shot a nice 3 point buck with one shot,my oldest daughter at age 13 shot a big 200 lbs 8 pointer,and in the last three years has taken 3 deer with 3 shots.I handload for the rifle with 100 gr.Nosler Partitions and 100 gr Barnes x.Great performance from such a small case,you cant ask for anything better,very little recoil and very deadly.
The 25 cal's are my favorite,have taken deer,bear and moose with them.

Shoot once and carry a sharp knife.

PS bring back the 250 in a light quick handeling carbine and they will sell. please

[the jigger]

i've had 250's for several years. currently i shoot a 250AI (that began its life as a 250/3000) and a 250/3000. the AI is a varmint rig and the 250 is my go to deer rifle. if you buy or build a 250 be sure to try RL15 when you start your load development. i have had great results with 90 and 100 grain bullets in both rifles.GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SingleShotShorty]

I have a Ruger Tang safety 250 savage and have started many a new shooter out on it. In fact my 7 year old grandson has about claimed it as his.

[Lone Star]

It should be remembered that the .250 is factory loaded to relatively low pressures, and most reloading data reflects that limit.  In a M99 I'd stick to factory levels, but in a bolt gun there is no reason to - just be careful.  Nosler data seems to be at modern pressure levels.  My .250/3000 XP-100 with 16" barrel gave over 2900 fps with 87-grain handloads developed for it - that is close to what factory loads give in a 24" barrel.

I've since cut the barrel back to 15" and haven't chrono'd it, but it kills deer well with 100-grain BTips at around 2700 fps. 

.

[lgm270]

Thanks for your reply Lone Star.  I"ve often wondered about the full potential of the .250 savage and your experiences with the 16" barrel are enlightening.

[Skeezix]

I've had an old model (tang safety) Ruger M77R Ultra Light with 20" barrel for over ten years and absolutely love it.  With a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8 scope on it, it feels like totin' a .22 rimfire.  SOOOO light and handy!!!  What Lone Star said about the load pressures is correct.  Factory loads and most all published load data is lower pressure to be safe in the Sav 99's.  In my Ruger, I've found that if you work up carefully in 1/2 grain increments and watch for pressure signs, you can usually up the loads somewhat. 

I've used as my guide the published charge differences between standard and +P .257 Roberts loads for given powders or closely related powders.  BUT, you can't just jump ahead and go right to your desired +P load!!  You've GOT to work up to it slowly and carefully!!

As far as killing power goes, I've been amazed at how much better the .250 Sav kills compared to the .243 on deer, when the shot is at some angle other than pure broadside, IF you are using bullets of at least 100gr.  The bullets seem to hold together and penetrate deeper and truer, while still creating a very effective wound channel, but without ruining a bunch of meat.  And you can get excellent performance out of standard grade bullets.  That said, a 120gr Speer Grand Slam out of my little .250 will take deer from any angle that anything else .30 cal and smaller will. 

Right now, I'm working up a flat-shooting 100gr load to take to Wyoming speed-goat hunting.  This particular rifle is a little finicky about the loads it likes, and it has quite a bit of upwards pressure against the barrel from the fore-end, so I'm gonna experiment with the bedding to see if that calms it down some. 

[lgm270]

As far as killing power goes, I've been amazed at how much better the .250 Sav kills compared to the .243 on deer, when the shot is at some angle other than pure broadside, IF you are using bullets of at least 100gr.  The bullets seem to hold together and penetrate deeper and truer, while still creating a very effective wound channel, but without ruining a bunch of meat.  And you can get excellent performance out of standard grade bullets.  That said, a 120gr Speer Grand Slam out of my little .250 will take deer from any angle that anything else .30 cal and smaller will. 

Thanks for a great response, Skeezix.  I really enjoyed your post.  I particularly noted your observations that the .250 kills deer noticably better than the .243.  I've witnessed many failures on deer with the .243 and would never use it for that purpose and I read a piece in the American Rifleman several years ago by a California game warden who made the same comments about the failures of the .243 in his long career.  The Game Warden, however, said that even the .250 Savage gave noticably better results on deer and he recommended it over the  more popular .243 for that reason.  Now you come along years later and independently confirm his own experiences. 

All of the replies to this thread were very enjoyable but your description of your Ruger Ultra Light in .250 , your results with it and your enjoyment of it makes me want to get something similar.  (Just what I need...another rifle! )  I'm sure you understand.   Best and thanks again. 

[coyote trapper1928]

You can still get the Remington Model Seven in .250 Savage from the Remington Custom Shop.

[lgm270]

You can still get the Remington Model Seven in .250 Savage from the Remington Custom Shop.

Thank you for the info, Coyote Trapper.  That's very good news.

[Lone Star]

I read a piece in the American Rifleman several years ago by a California game warden who made the same comments about the failures of the .243 in his long career.  The Game Warden, however, said that even the .250 Savage gave noticably better results on deer and he recommended it over the  more popular .243 for that reason.  Now you come along years later and independently confirm his own experiences.... 

Anecdotes from the 1950s and 60s are interesting, but they have little to do with the .243 today.  The killing power problems with the .243 are well documented (Pet Loads, etc.), and were solved about thirty years ago.  The original bullets offered in factory ammo for the .243 were too hard and did not expand well on deer - hence the poor performance.  Modern bullets do expand and penetrate well, and the continued popularity of the .243 points to its effectiveness on game. 

The only failures I've had with the 6mm Rem and .243 were when I chose the wrong bullet to load.  Appropriate bullets are required in the small bores for best performance just as in any cartridge; 95-grain Nosler Partitions never let me down on deer and black bear.  I prefer to use .257" cartridges, but at similar velocities with similar bullets I never could see a difference....just as a thinking person would conclude.  You can believe in magic calibers if you want - lord knows there is a cult which believes there is nothing better than a 6.5 rifle - but most experienced hunters know there is no magic in killing game.

.

[lgm270]

I read a piece in the American Rifleman several years ago by a California game warden who made the same comments about the failures of the .243 in his long career.  The Game Warden, however, said that even the .250 Savage gave noticably better results on deer and he recommended it over the  more popular .243 for that reason.  Now you come along years later and independently confirm his own experiences....

Anecdotes from the 1950s and 60s are interesting, but they have little to do with the .243 today.  The killing power problems with the .243 are well documented (Pet Loads, etc.), and were solved about thirty years ago.  The original bullets offered in factory ammo for the .243 were too hard and did not expand well on deer - hence the poor performance.  Modern bullets do expand and penetrate well, and the continued popularity of the .243 points to its effectiveness on game. 

The only failures I've had with the 6mm Rem and .243 were when I chose the wrong bullet to load.  Appropriate bullets are required in the small bores for best performance just as in any cartridge; 95-grain Nosler Partitions never let me down on deer and black bear.  I prefer to use .257" cartridges, but at similar velocities with similar bullets I never could see a difference....just as a thinking person would conclude.  You can believe in magic calibers if you want - lord knows there is a cult which believes there is nothing better than a 6.5 rifle - but most experienced hunters know there is no magic in killing game.

.

As recently as the 1980s, such writers as Finn Agaard and John Wooters wrote about he inadequacies of the .243 as a deer killer. The American Rifleman piece by the California Game Warden appeared in the 1990's. None of these are 30 years ago.   In the early 90's one of my hunting companions went through the .243 stage and we spent much of the season chasing his cripples.  I told him get a better rifle or find someone else to hunt with.  This guy was an accomplished experienced hunter, a handloader and a great game shot, not a newbie or an amateur using varmint ammo for deer.  I've had problems with other .242 users wounding deer too and spending valuable time chasing cripples.  It seems to be OK for small deer in the 100 lb range, but inadequate for the larger animals. 

(I use a .270 and have never had to chase a wounded animal).   

I've never hunted with a .243 so I can't say it's ever let me down.  It's just that I have read so many negative things about this round used for deer and have had bad experiences with other hunters using it.  I don't know why a  .250 Savage should kill any  better than a .243 when used with comparable bullet types weights and loads, but that is  what others have reported. 

I don't contemplate using the .250 Savage for deer but rather as a plinker and a "just because" gun. 

[AtlLaw]

Never been a big fan of the 243.  owned 2 in my life, still have 1.  the other is now a 358.  I wouldn't have the remaining one except I HAD to have an 1885 Lo Wall and this was before Browning chambered it in 260.  I hunt with it every once in a while, killed 2 small bucks with it this last season, both broadside 125 yd shots; dead deer but neither bullet exited.   The rifle is a solid MOA (-) with it's favorite load (100 gr. Sierra BTSP's @2950) but I think I'll relegate it to my coyote rifle with it's even more accurate 55 gr. Nosler BT's.

I've got a "Bob" I like a lot, but I have always had the hots for a 250.  the 99's are priced out of sight now, and I've never liked their accuracy (or lack there of) even though I have 2 in other calbers; one being the late 243.  I WANT to build one on a M-7 action like the original poster said.  These 2 are made for each other!  But alas, my lone M-7 is an old 18.5 in. barrel version in 7/08 that is such a joy I can't bear to mess with it.  But I've been looking for a M-7 that is in need of a heart transplant and a face lift, and if I find one... 

[flintlock]

Yea...the .243 is a pitiful cartridge...Makes one wonder why it made the 250 Savage and the .257 Roberts obsolete...

[pastorp]

good point flintlock, the 250 is still a delightful cartridge, obsolete or not. I had a pre 64 action with a varmit weight barrel in 250 savage that I let get away. Regreated it ever since. Not much a man can't kill with a 25cal. 100gr pill in the right place.  Byron

[303Guy]

.....you can always use .22-250 brass if .250 Savage brass becomes scarce....   .....  Quarterbore.
Ahh, so many rifles, so little money . . .  .   .    .     .

Likewise.  I too have long been fascinated by the 250 Savage.  My uncle was a gunsmith in the old Rhodesia.  When I asked him about the 250 Savage he replied with raised eye brows,

Ahh....  Now there's a cartridge!

I will probably end up with one.

303Guy

[saltydog]

Classic caliber. Great project rifle. Start with a rifle chambered for 22-250 so you won't have magazine feeding issues and rebarrel or rechamber/bore for 250-3000. Great old cartridge as is the 257 Roberts. 25 caliber bullets have for the most part very high bc's so you can use less powder to make 'em go fast.

[UMD]

Regarding the .250 Savage - I was wondering if all readers of this thread could create a line whilst you each give me a good, swift kick in the arse for selling one...I acquired a real handy little Ruger 77RL, in .250 Savage, with a Leupold VXII 2X7 on it.  About as sweet a shootin' rig that one can find.  Great carry rifle, great accuracy, low recoil, man, what a rifle/scope/cartridge combination.  I shot the factory 100g Winchester Silvertips with it and everything died here and now.

Then I sold it.  Can you say "mental fart"?

Now, about the lickin' I am due...one at a time, please. 

[Hogchaser]

I picked up a Ruger 77R in 250-3000 several years ago and have been steady killing groundhogs with it ever since, I mainly use the lighter 75gr pills with it, when I first started loading for it I used the Sierra HP and it served me well for a couple years, then I tried the V-Max with IMR 3031 and started shooting small clusters@100yds and have not changed a thing since, recoil is nill, easy rifle to carry compared to the HB rifles, more than enough power to anchor any game within reason, I will never part with mine...if anything my son will claim it one day.

[MGMorden]

Likewise.  I too have long been fascinated by the 250 Savage.  My uncle was a gunsmith in the old Rhodesia.  When I asked him about the 250 Savage he replied with raised eye brows,

Ahh....  Now there's a cartridge!

You know, I had the same response from my gunsmith when I took in my .257 Roberts for him to do some work on.  When he asked the chambering and I responded ".257 Roberts" he just lit up.  Apparently it's his favorite hunting round, and though mine has only gotten range time so far, I have to say I really like the accuracy and (lack of) recoil that the gun offers.

As to using a .243 on deer, I have no experience there (99% of my deer hunting has traditionally been with a .30-06), but I have an uncle who hunts exclusively with an old Remington 788 in the very similar (though admittedly slightly faster) 6mm Remington and he's never had a problem.  Drops them where they stand most of the time.  On the other hand he has an old 6.5 Carcano that he refuses to use - when asked why he responded "every deer I shot with that thing ran for a mile before falling".  He claimed good hits on the deer he took with the Carcano - they just seemed to run a long ways before going down.  Dunno.  Seems like the reverse would be true, but he swears by his 6mm. 

[flintlock]

MG...Nothing wrong with a .243 for deer, I've killed about a 150 with mine...Mostly with 100 gr CoreLokts...Secret is to use a "proper" bullet and put it in the "proper" place...I've done a little experimenting with my hunting buddies and I can attest that about 60-70% flinch...That's where a round like the .243 and yes, the .257 and 250-3000 and the 25-06 shine...I have converted 5 different deer hunters from a 30-06 to a .243, none have ever had any complaints and all are better shots for it...

[MGMorden]

MG...Nothing wrong with a .243 for deer, I've killed about a 150 with mine...Mostly with 100 gr CoreLokts...Secret is to use a "proper" bullet and put it in the "proper" place...I've done a little experimenting with my hunting buddies and I can attest that about 60-70% flinch...That's where a round like the .243 and yes, the .257 and 250-3000 and the 25-06 shine...I have converted 5 different deer hunters from a 30-06 to a .243, none have ever had any complaints and all are better shots for it...

Yeah.  I wouldn't be opposed to trying one.  I'll give a try to anything over .223" (.223" caliber is legal here for deer, and I know a few people who hunt with .22-250, but I still think it's a bit light).  I came REALLY close to buying a .243 about 2 years ago from a local pawn shop.  Was a Mossberg 800.  A little rough (bluing was dull but evenly worn, and the stock finish was worn, but I kinda enjoy refinishing stocks anyways), but not really bad.  The shop wanted $145 (well, it was marked $199 but they said they'd do $145 on it), but I decided to go home and read about it before purchasing since I'd never heard of the model.  Went back the next day and it was gone.  Oh well.  I'll get one someday .