Benbo- Does your old 99 have a crescent shaped, metal butt plate (I am not familiar w/ late 50's or early 60's Savages)? If so, you might want to try the Barnes 180 gr. TTSX for some recoil reduction while still maintaining an elk capable projectile. I have been working up loads for the 180 TTSX in my Ruger Hawkeye SS with Ramshot TAC & X-Terminator. 2809 fps average w/ TAC and, so far, 2715 fps w/ X-terminator (capable of more). These velocities may be too much for a 99 even though I observed no high pressure indications. -Mark
I load the 180 TTSX a grain under max for my 99. No pressure signs. Action opens easy, very very accurate in that rifle.
