Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General savage 99 in a 338 federal

I know this question has probably already been posted, but I was hoping to find out if anyone had heard of a savage 99 in a 308 being rebarreled or bored out to a 338 federal. Also I have read that the pressure may become a problem in the 99,but I have also read that it is a non issue. looking for some input on this. I have a 308 that I love to shoot, not a collector just a shooter, but really like the 338 ballistics. I'm an elk hunter and know the 308 is adequate, but also know the 338 leaves no room for doubt. thanks.

There's been a few done. Might want to post this in the hunting rifles or the Savage collectors forums. No problems with pressure as far as I remember.

Here's some previous threads about this..


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=40&Number=2032946&Searchpage=1&Main=165647&Words=%26quot%3B338+federal%26quot%3B&topic=0&Search=true#Post2032946

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=40&Number=1942830&Searchpage=1&Main=159336&Words=%26quot%3B338+federal%26quot%3B&topic=0&Search=true#Post1942830

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=40&Number=1747276&Searchpage=2&Main=145871&Words=%26quot%3B338+federal%26quot%3B&topic=0&Search=true#Post1747276

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=40&Number=1229424&Searchpage=3&Main=111161&Words=%26quot%3B338+federal%26quot%3B&topic=0&Search=true#Post1229424

I also have a shooter grade model 99 (clip feed model) that I am going to modify for elk hunting. I am going 358 win as the ballistics and permanent wound channel are even better than the 338 federal which I view as a sub caliber .358WIN with the neck size having gone the wrong way. Plus... much better choice of bullets with those bullets designed to open up reliably at the more sedate velocities of this class of cartridges.

Personal opinion and rant over... As to the original question, there should be no problems whatsoever with the conversion to either cartridge. I will agree that either is a marked improvement over the .308 for Elk sized stuff, and way cooler to boot! Good luck and good hunting.