Caliber Description
The .303 Savage is a classic American rifle cartridge with a unique history that appeals to collectors and ammunition reloaders alike. Introduced in 1894 by the Savage Arms Company, the .303 Savage was specifically designed for the Savage Model 1895 and later, the legendary Model 1899 lever-action rifles. Unlike the British .303 British, the .303 Savage is a rimmed cartridge based off American design principles, comparable in appearance to the .30-30 Winchester but differing in dimensions and ballistics. Its development was intended to meet the demands of hunters seeking a reliable, medium-powered cartridge for use in repeating rifles. Although overshadowed by the .30-30 over time, the .303 Savage maintained a loyal following for many years, especially in North America.
Applications of the .303 Savage revolve primarily around medium game hunting and recreational shooting. Its effective range and energy make it well-suited for deer, black bear, and similar-sized game, especially in dense forests or brushy environments where shots are typically under 150 yards. The cartridge’s availability in lever-action rifles also made it a favorite among those who valued rapid, follow-up shots in the field. While not as popular today due to the proliferation of newer cartridges, the .303 Savage is still appreciated by traditionalists and gun enthusiasts who hunt with vintage rifles. For reloaders, the .303 Savage offers a rewarding experience, as factory ammunition is rare and often expensive, making handloading both a necessity and a point of pride for those who wish to keep these classic rifles operational.
Target species for the .303 Savage have historically included white-tailed deer, mule deer, and black bear, thanks to the cartridge's moderate power and effective penetration. In the early 20th century, advertising and hunter testimonials touted the cartridge’s ability to bring down even larger game, but modern consensus recommends it as best suited for medium-sized North American game. Reloaders who craft .303 Savage ammunition for hunting often select bullet designs optimized for expansion at modest velocities, ensuring humane, one-shot kills within the effective range of the cartridge. Its manageable recoil and proven stopping power continue to make the .303 Savage a practical and nostalgic choice for hunters interested in traditional lever-action hunting.
Typical bullet weights for the .303 Savage range from 150 to 190 grains, with 170-grain bullets representing the most common and versatile offering. The standard muzzle velocity with these projectiles typically falls between 2,000 and 2,200 feet per second, providing a balanced mix of trajectory and terminal energy. The cartridge features a case length of 2.015 inches and a nominal bullet diameter of .308 inch, though reloaders should pay close attention to the specifics of case sizing and bullet choice, as some .303 Savage rifles have tight chamber tolerances. Reloaders should also watch for proper case headspacing and avoid using .303 British components, as they are not interchangeable. With careful load development, modern powders, and appropriate bullet selection, the .303 Savage can deliver accuracy and reliability that belies its age, making it a rewarding project for ammunition reloaders committed to keeping classic rifles in the field.
Popular Load Recipes
- 150 gr Sierra SP, 32.0 gr IMR 3031, CCI 200 primer, OAL 2.56", ~2390 fps
- 170 gr Speer FN, 31.0 gr IMR 3031, Rem 9½ primer, OAL 2.56", ~2200 fps
- 180 gr Hornady RN, 30.0 gr IMR 4064, Rem 9½ primer, OAL 2.54", ~2100 fps
- 150 gr Sierra SP, 33.5 gr H4895, CCI 200 primer, OAL 2.56", ~2420 fps
- 170 gr Speer FN, 29.0 gr IMR 4320, CCI 200 primer, OAL 2.56", ~2150 fps
- 180 gr Hornady RN, 32.0 gr Varget, CCI 200 primer, OAL 2.54", ~2200 fps
- 150 gr Hornady SP, 30.0 gr IMR 4320, CCI 200 primer, OAL 2.56", ~2280 fps
- 170 gr Sierra Flat Nose, 28.0 gr IMR 4895, CCI 200 primer, OAL 2.56", ~2100 fps
All loads should be cross-checked with an up-to-date reputable reloading manual. Use at your own risk and start at least 2 grains below maximum listed.
Cost per Reloaded Round
Let’s estimate the cost savings of reloading .303 Savage vs. buying factory ammo.
Factory ammo for .303 Savage is rare, but when available, it generally costs about $70-$90 for a 20-round box, or $3.50-$4.50 per round. Let’s use $4.00 per round as an average.
Cost to reload per round (approximate current US prices mid-2024):
- Bullet (150gr soft point, pack of 100): $0.40 each
- Primer (large rifle, per 100): $0.08 each
- Powder (34 grains, 7000 grains/pound; 1 pound costs $40): $0.20 each
- Brass: $1.00 each new, but reusable; average cost per reload assuming 5 uses: $0.20
Reloading total per round: $0.40 (bullet) + $0.08 (primer) + $0.20 (powder) + $0.20 (brass average) = $0.88
Savings per round: $4.00 (factory) - $0.88 (reload) = $3.12
For a 20-round “box”: $62.40 saved per box
So, you save about $3.12 per round or about $62 per box by reloading .303 Savage instead of buying factory ammo.
Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
C.I.P. / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
112 - 208 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
45 Grains of Water / 27 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
2224 fps / 1595 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
2.014'' / 2.52''