Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Another SRC

Picked up this 303 SRC a few weeks ago, along with the 25-35 SRC. Shot the 303 yesterday, and seem to be "paper plate" accurate at 50 yds.
Was shooting a variety of older and newer ammo. Does anyone have any pet loads for the 303? and what is the correct bullet diameter?. I pulled a few bullets from some Savage headstamped cases, and they were .311. Wasnt sure if they ever went to a .308 diameter later. Have alot of 3031, so any loads appreciated.

I pulled some 170 grain Silver Tips from factory Winchester 30/30 and used 28 gr of 3031 . They were absolutely deadly accurate in my 1907 1899 C. Nice SRC by the way, hope to find one eventually myself.

Thanks!

All the data I see shows jacketed bullets at .308. Lyman does say to use .311 for cast bullets, and I've read on this forum of folks using .311 inch bullets in worn bores.

That's a cool looking rifle, or carbine Ken. Learn something new every day. I thought the crescent buttplates were installed on the rifles only.

Its not the correct butt stock. Looks like a rifle stock was added at some time, no cracks though! Price was, lets say,Great!
Not much in season here right now, but was fun trekking through the woods with it yesterday!

Thanks for the clarification Ken.

I like it, cool shooter. Guys at the range would be drooling over it.

According to all documentation, including Charles Newton and Townsend Whelen, the bores of the 303 Savage rifles were always identical to the Savage rifles in 30-30 at .308". Some very early ammo was .311 to get extra pressure and velocity using the new smokeless powder, but I don't believe that continued for long. Regardless, it's a .308 bore and the case capacity is extremely close to the 30-30 case capacity and working up from 30-30 loads is by far the best way to go.

31.0 grains of imr3031 and your favorite 150 grainer. 28 to 29 grains with a 170 will also group up. I have found the 303 to be very accurate. All bullets I load are .308 dia. Start a couple grains low and work up.

I use Lever evolution powder. Lower end of the 30. 30 load base.

31 gr. 3031, SIerra 150 gr. flat nose 30-30 type bullet. Shoots about a 1 1/4" group in my 1911 vintage 1899 SRC 303. Shot an elk in the neck with that load at 120 yds. It died instantly. Shot placement is everything. David

Thanks to everyone. Have some 150 gr Sierra rn's and also some .311 diameter lead 172 gr. with gas checks to load up.