Slugged the .303 Savage barrel.

Big Al1 · October 2014

Well, the toughest part was trying to find a lead sinker, bait stores didn't have any in the size I needed. I dug through my tackle box and did find several bullet weights that measured .315. The slugging part was easy, a little grease and a brass rod. Barrel measured .308, as advertised. So, I think I'll just stick with jacketed bullets and save the .311's for my Enfield, Arisaka, and '09, as soon as I slug them. :tooth:
I posted the same ? on a lever gun forum and several members load for the .303 and had no luck with cast bullets at all.
Jerry and Mike, thanks for your offers, I appreciate it!!

Teach · October 2014

I've got a bunch of gas checked hard cast .308's. Want to try a few of them? I was loading plinker rounds for a 7.62X39, a CETME Mauser, and a .30-30 for the grandkids sometime back, but they've all moved on to different guns. I think these bullets weigh out around 130 grains or a little more, depending on the alloy.
Jerry

tennmike · October 2014

My offer for the gas checked 165 grain .309 round nose bullets stands. I can send you some if you're interested. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! :tooth:

Elk creek · November 2014

The 303sav's long neck would be great for cast bullets. I have yet so see a serviceable 99 that won't shoot well.

stepmac · November 2014

My 303 Savage is an 1895 model in fine condition. Perfect bore. The rifle drives the X our of the target at 100 yards. I cannot believe how straight it shoots. It is a perfect pig rifle, but frankly I have yet to hunt with it. I also own a 99 in 308, a better and less valuable rifle. I refuse to scope a Savage. Scopeless they are fast and handy rifles and unless at long ranges they don't need a scope.

Big Al1 · November 2014

This old Savage is amazing. 100 years old and it works perfectly and so far, shoots great. Jacketed .30 cal bullets have been hard to find. So, I checked my Pet Loads manual and it said to use .311 cast, but they shot like poo poo in my rifle. Mike sent me some 165 gas checked .309's so I'll load some of them and see how they shoot. I've also got some 150 and 165 jacketed bullets coming and I found some 180 Hornady's.