Handloading for the Savage 99 in 250-3000

[Makoman]

I have been trying to come up with a good load for my Savage 250-3000. I first tried Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets and got a real surprise when I went to the range. I started at the 100 yd line with a 12" x 24" target background. I fired 3 rounds and had no holes in the target!!!! Turns out, after a lot of experimenting, that the bullets were tumbling. I called Nosler and their rep told me that Nosler did not make a bullet that would stabilize in the Savage 99 in 250-3000 caliber. I have since reloaded some Sierra 87 gr spitzers but have not had a chance to try them. Does anyone have a handload that I may try. Thanks.

[BarnesX.308]

I only have the Nosler manual here at work (bathroom perusing:D) so I'm know help there.

What is the twist in that barrel? That would dictate whether you need to go with a longer or shorter bullet. My Nosler manual shows bullet weights of 85 through 120 grains so I would think you would get stabilization somewhere in that range :confused:.

Try the Barnes X :D

[BarnesX.308]

Just checked in the Nosler manual and you might be screwed. :huh:

It says in bold print:

Many older Model 99s have 1-14" twist rates and will not stabilize any of our .25 caliber bullets.

I'm guessing you have an older Savage M99? That's a slow twist and you would need a shorter, denser bullet to stabilize. I'll ask around and see if I can find out what bullets will work.

[BarnesX.308]

Here's your answer:


Use Speer Hot-cores. They are the shortest 100gr or 87gr deer bullets that will stabilize in a 1-14" twist.Too bad Nosler partions didn't come in 87gr.I've killed many deer with my EG /99 and both of the above Speer bullets.I like IMR 3031 best with IMR 4895 a little faster but not quite as accurate.32.5gr of IMR 3031/87gr .30-31gr of IMR 3031/100gr.And lastly 34.5gr of IMR 4895/87gr all shoot MOA at 100 yards from my 99..........Good luck Great Caliber I picked up a 700 Classic in .250-3000.and it prefers Win 760 ............Harold PS:the mulie buck to the left died of the latter

[Makoman]

Thanks guys, I will give the Speers a try. The Savage I have definitely has the 1-14 twist. It shoots decent groups with the Remington 100 gr. factory load.

[BarnesX.308]

The Remington factory load is probably 100gr core-lokts. I believe you can get them in components for hand loading as well, right? There you have it. Screw Nosler!!! :D

[RUSS0079]

Remington Corelokts can be purchased as components. I use them in my Rem 700 chambered in the 300 Savage.. Talk about an obscure caliber in a bolt gun.. 150 grn Corelokts it loves them. It hates the 180's used for the leverguns.... It really loves the 165 Grn Barnes TSX's!!!!! Thats right I'm a Barnes TSX groupie.... YOU" all got to try them... I wonder if they make something for Makoman's gun???

[BarnesX.308]

Russ - believe it or not, I use Barnes X bullets as well :D.

We've been using Barnes X exclusively at our camp since 1997. First was the original X, then the coated XLCs and not the TSX. Haven't tried the MRX and probably never will. I found the perfect bullet in the TSX so I don't need to keep looking.

If I remember, I'll bring the Barnes manual home from camp. Then I can answer any online questions about loads.:thup: