Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors suggested Handloads for 300 Savage

I would like any of the forum members loading data/preferences/advice on working up handloads for my 1954 EG. I think I will stay in the 150-165 grain bullet weight range for Whitetail/hogs. Already have the new dies, new unprimed R-P brass.
Your expertise would be appreciated. I haven't shot the rifle yet because I haven't mounted the scope I got from Drew. I will try it out with R-P 150 gr. factory loads.
Thanks!
Tony

What powders do you have on hand?

H 4831, IMR 4350, RL15, IMR 4064, IMR 4320

You'll probably find something your rifle likes with the last three you mentioned.

Be careful if you look at Hornady's 4064 data. Their top loads with that powder are pretty hot.

4320 is an old and often overlooked powder that deserves more attention. It's fine grains meter very well and settle nicely into the case. When I first started loading the little 300 for my 700 Classic I tried some 4320 from an old lot and got nice accuracy right away with 150 grain Speer Mag Tips. It's been a while and I'm away from my notes so I can't quote the charges I tried.

RL15 is very good with 165 grain bullets. Start at 40 grains and work up a half grain at a time topping out at 42. You should find a good load pretty quick.

I also favor RL15 with the 150, but I don't think my charge is '99 approved.

Thanks! I noted that in Alliant's site they listed a load of 44 gr. of RL15, at 2,614 fps in a 20" barrel. I question this and I emailed them about it in a M99(safe, etc.)and if they had any other loads for 150-165. haven't heard back but the 44 grains might be a bit much for a M99?

Any other Savage collectors please chime in and send me your favorite recipes.
thanks..Tony

mathman hit the nail on the head. When using 4064 with 150's my max is 41 grains and I find the best accuracy around 40. I've used 4320 but, never had much success as it seems to like higher pressure than I want to load in my 99's. Never used any RL15 but, RL12 is a very fine powder if you run across any. My all-time favorite in the .300, and also the .250-3000, is H-4895.

I'm thinking 44 gr. of RL15 would be pretty stiff under a 165. It's a crisp (and very accurate) charge under a 150 in my 700 Classic.

I like it a lot too, but the OP didn't list it.

I use 41gr of IMR4064 , CCI primmers and 150gr Rem. Corelok bullets with WW brass. Velocity out of my Rem 760 with 22" barrel is 2560fps. I settled on this load because both my 99 and 760 rifles like it (the 99 is less fussy than the Rem.)

Lee

A very accurate load in my 1899F is 37gr of 4064 with a 165gr Hornady InterBond using WLR primers.

nash

I'm partial to the load described in the first post. 150 gr, core-lokt's.

Knocks em dead everytime.

My favorite load is a 165 grain Partition over 42 grains of RL 15, WLR primer and a Remington case at 2,600 fps. I use this same loading with 165 grain Speer HotCors as well. If you are interested in this load work up to it. I feel that it's on the verge of pushing the Savage 99 envelope a little. I use the Partitions simply because I've accumulated a couple boxes of them over the years and might as well burn 'em up. HotCors or Sierras work just as well especially for deer.

Another 165 grain Speer HotCor load I've used is 41 grains of IMR 4064, a Remington 9 1/2 primer in a Remington case for a velocity of 2,560.

With 150 grain Sierra bullets I load 43 grains of RL15, with the Remington case and primer. That load pushes the bullet to about 2,700 fps.

H4895 works well for me for accuracy with 165gr Partitions, though I use a milder load. Just start low and work your way up looking for a sweet spot.

Has the added benefit of being pretty insensitive to temperatures. So whether it's 0 or 60, it'll shoot pretty much the same. And either is possible in Nebraska for mid-November.


One thing I've noticed is that most reloading manuals just repeat Hodgdon's min/max loads of H4895 to be 35/38 grains and a max of about 2340fps. Except, Hornady shows a max of 41.3 and 2600fps. Considering those are 308 velocities, anybody tried it? I've never seen pressure signs at 38gr, but I've always stopped there.

H4895 should be good with a 165. I just got out the records for a development session from Feb. 2008. Please note that I load for a Rem. 700 Classic, so the OAL and probably the bullet are not going to work in a '99. The rifle has a 24" barrel, and it's mounted with a 6x42 Leupold.

Once fired RP brass, FL sized for just a little drag when closing the bolt on a round

Federal 210M primers

41 gr. H4895

168 Berger VLD seated to 2.735" overall, 3.055" in a Sinclair nut

I was quickly shooting a string of them over the chrono and I noticed they were grouping pretty well on the 100 yard target. So for the last three shots of the nine shot string I aimed at a different 1" dot and with a pretty warm barrel I shot them into a 0.72" group. I switched to the 300 yard board and put three into 1.95".

To close out I let the rifle cool and fired the last three shots on a clean 100 yard target at 30 second intervals. The group is one oblong hole just over 1/2" edge to edge.

The load averaged 2545 fps. The cases extracted easily, the faces of the primers just started to flatten and their edges were still quite round.


Edit: If you think about it H4895 with a 165/168 loaded to the mid 2500s in a case about this size ought to be a sure thing. It's pretty much a ballistic duplicate of a classic high power match load for the M1A in 308, and that load is much milder than commercial hunting ammo or full strength handloads for a 308.

I appreciate all the advice and information. Since I will be hunting deer/hogs with this rifle I am leaning to using 150 grain bullets. Any comments?
Thanks...Tony

Put the bullet where it counts, and it will kill the critter.

I like to load from a powder measure so I'd start with the RL15 and 4320 you said you have. My Model 700 (factory original other than a trigger adjustment) in 300 Savage equipped with a 6x hunting scope shoots 2" groups at 300 yards with thrown charges so once I decide on a load I only use a scale to verify the measure setting.

A 308 I have will hold about MOA to 300 with charges of 4064 thrown crunch crunch straight from the measure into the cases. This was with a rather arbitrary load. So don't dismiss the 4064 you have either.

Get some 150 grain Interlocks and go to town. Both the flat base and boat tail versions have been quite effective on deer for me and my hunting buddy.

On TX white tail... no problem... the pigs I don't have experience with but would think you would be okay up to 300 lbs or so...the 150s are great on MO whitetail and they are bit larger than the average TX deer.

FYI
The below is the question I sent to Alliant and below it the answer given. They didn't address my question regarding if they had other loads. In a big hurry I guess but am still skeptical of the 44 grains but I found it interesting they used a 20" barrel for the MV figure.

I have a 1954 M99 300 Savage. Is the load data listed in your website
of 44 Gr. RL15 w/165Gr. Speer within the CUP max. and safe for this
rifle. The rifle is in excellent mechanical condition. Also if you
have any other load data in 150-165 gr.I would appreciate it for this
rifle.

The loads on our website are safe in your rifle. The listed load is
maximum and should be reduced by 10% for a starting load. We do not
suggest that you start with the maximum load. Thanks for your note and
have a nice day.

Ben Amonette
Consumer Service Manager
Alliant Powder Company

USMCvet69:
That load of 44 gr RL-15 with 165 grain bullet for 2614 fps is straight out of the Speer Manual #13. According to the manual it is within the 46 Kcup ceiling for the .300 Savage and was fired from a 99E with 20" Barrel.

In my opinion, that is too hot for the RL-15 in my cabinet. I would not exceed 42 grains. And in working up to it, I would start at 40 grains and use a chronograph. 2600fps for a 165 grain bullet is a lot to ask of the little .300 Sav., especially in a Savage 99.

42 grains is accurate in my 99 R. Velocity is right at 2500 fps from a 24" barrel. My bullet is the 165 gr Rem PSPCL. This is plenty for deer at 200yds.
Use caution and watch for pressure signs.

From 2002 through 2006, I tested & chronographed 150 grain loads (Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets) in my EG's 24" barrel using 5 different powders in combination with 5 different primers. My current hunting load is 40.8 grains (.1 of a grain short of the listed maximum load) of H4895 which gives me very consistent muzzle velocities and good accuracy (1-inch or less at 100 yards).

I tested the following powders:
IMR3031, IMR4895, IMR4064, H4895 & Varget.

IMR3031 (40.0 grains-a "max" load) yielded an average MV of 2665 fps and gave good accuracy (.75" @ 100 yds.), but sometimes had a "flyer" or two in a 5 shot group increasing the group size to 1.25-1.5 inches.

IMR4895 (41.5 gr. a "max" load) averaged a MV of 2685 fps, very good accuracy and excellent 3-shot groups (well under 1" at 100 yards). This was my hunting load for several years until the powder changed and velocity went down 85 fps. Then I switched to H4895.

IMR4064 showed high pressure signs at near maximum or maximum loads (2660 fps) and accuracy & MV was only "so-so". The max load of IMR4064 showed some high-pressure signs.

The 40.8 grain load of H4895 behind a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet sparked by a standard Winchester primer in "accurized", once-fired Winchester cases yielded an average muzzle velocity of 2635 fps with a deviation of just 3 fps (+1 fps/-2 fps) and very good accuracy. This is now my "hunting load".

Hodgdon Varget was a complete disappointment yielding only a chronographed 2607 fps and only fair accuracy at maximum book loads (no pressure signs showed at max loads).

Standard Winchester large rifle primers were consistently the most accurate or the 2nd. most accurate primer with all loads and yielded the 2nd. highest MV.

A great deal will depend on YOUR RIFLE... and what it "likes". Matching factory muzzle velocities (150 gr. bullet @ 2630 fps) was easily accomplished or exceeded by all powders except the Varget rifle powder which was listed in the reloading manual as yielding 2700+ fps, but was barely able to get a chronographed 2607 fps out of my rifle.

I hope this helps...


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

Ron,

What were you using as a MAX load of 4064? Sources vary from 44 to 40 grains with a 150 bullet. I've had good results with it but don't want to pass on the load as these days some sources state that its over max. I'd appreciate your insight.

George

Thanks to all! I will heed your advice and ley you know what I come up with when the weather gets a little warme:-).
thanks again, you all are a great bunch of guys.
Tony

Originally Posted by Skidrow

Ron,

What were you using as a MAX load of 4064? Sources vary from 44 to 40 grains with a 150 bullet. I've had good results with it but don't want to pass on the load as these days some sources state that its over max. I'd appreciate your insight.

George

George... here's my entire notes concerning the tests of various powders and primers. MAX load I used for IMR4064 was 43.0 grains.

.300 SAVAGE TEST RESULTS (6/17/02)
(temps 73� to 75�)
PRIMER TESTS (6/17/02):
40.0 gr. IMR3031 (max. load), 150 gr. Nosler Bal.Tip, 2X-fired Winchester cases

CCI-Bench rest: 2681, 2657, 2657 fps. (Avg. 2667 fps) (2 velocities unknown)

FEDERAL: 2659, 2648, 2652, 2648 & 2661 fps. (Avg. 2654 fps.)
Std. Deviation: 13 fps., (+7 fps., -6 fps.)

REMINGTON: 2618, 2610, 2623, 2603 & 2640 (Avg. 2618 fps.)

WINCHESTER STD: 2646, 2636, 2638, 2648 & 2653 (Avg. 2644 fps.)
Std. Deviation: 17 fps. (+9 fps., -8 fps.)


VELOCITY RESULTS using IMR4064, Rem.9� primer & Win. Cases
41.8 grains gave a 5-shot average of 2598 fps,
42.0 gr. = 2608 fps,
42.2 gr = 2635 fps,
42.4 gr. = 2628 fps,
42.6 gr. = 2623 fps,
42.8 gr. = 2609 fps
43.0 gr. = 2634 fps. (maximum load)

Accuracy was good with most loads printing (at 50 yards) 3-shot groups of 3/8th inch and 4-shot groups of 3/4th inch. However, there was always one �flier�� and occasionally 2 �fliers�.

Note the unusual variation in these loads wherein more powder yields less velocity with all other components remaining the same. Since this is normally unlikely, it is possible the relatively heavy crushing of powder granules during bullet seating may account for this unusual velocity differential.


CONCLUSION-IMR4064 RIFLE POWDER

The last 5 velocities attained in this test, from 42.2 grains to 43.0 grains are questionable. The 43.0 grain load IS definitely a �maximum load� and yields only 2634 fps. It is a heavily compressed load & this may be the reason for the unusual velocity readings. I doubt that IMR4064 is the best powder for my particular M-99 in .300 Savage caliber. Of course, it�s also possible a different primer (Rem. 9� was used) may yield different results.


PRESSURE INDICATIONS: 6/17/02 (74�)

IMR3031- Using 40.0 grains (max. load), loaded 5 rounds using each of the four different primers after short �work up� to that level. All primers showed some flattening with CCI-Bench Rest & Remington primers showing 95%-100% flattening. Winchester std. Large rifle primer showing about 80% flattening and Federal showing some machine marks and about 60% flattening.

IMR4895(loaded in 1999 using powder purchased in 1995)- At 41.5 grains (max. load) using Remington 9� primer and Winchester cases gave the following velocities in the order of 1 through 5 shots- 2728, 2718, 2696, 2702 & 2692 for an average velocity of 2707 fps. Primers were 80% flattened. These rounds were loaded in 1999 for use in the old M-99 w/22� barrel.

IMR4064- Loaded 5 rounds at each load-level starting at 41.8 grains increasing in .2 grain increments to 43.0 grains. The first 2 of 5 rounds @ 43.0 grains using Remington 9� primers had 100% flatten primers. This is definitely a �maximum load� at 2634 fps average velocity. The last 3 rounds flatten 90% , but still had some �rounding� to them. Next lighter loaded rounds (42.8 grains) showed no flatten of primers.

CONCLUSIONS OF 6/17/02 TESTS:
1. Use 3-shot groups ONLY in future testing.
2. New loads should be �worked up� with IMR3031, IMR4895 and IMR4064 powders using only Federal and Winchester primers.
3. Special notice should be paid to the velocity/accuracy of all IMR4895 loads because it is yielding higher than expected velocities while IMR3031 loads are not yielding �published� velocities.
4. The higher velocities yielded by the IMR 4895 may be due to the 24-inch barrel on the new M-99 vs. the 22-inch barrel on the old M-99 and the 22-inch test rifle barrel used by Lyman to get data for their Reloading Handbook.
5. Velocities attained from the use of IMR4064 are inconclusive due to wide variation in velocities while powder amounts differed little.





TESTS CONDUCTED JUNE 24, 2002

Firing tests were done using equal charges of just purchased IMR4895 powder comparing Winchester primers to Federal primers. I expected Federal primers to come out not only being more consistent, but also giving more velocity and better accuracy. This did not happen. The Winchester primers showed very good consistency and the best accuracy, especially at or close to maximum charges.

As fouling shots, I again used 5 of the rounds loaded as hunting loads in 1999 using Remington 9� primers & 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet. Again, the 5 rounds consisting of 41.5 grains of IMR4895 (bgt. in 1995) had an average velocity over 2700 fps (2704 fps). I can only conclude the increased velocity must be due to the old powder.

Velocity & accuracy were excellent using Winchester Standard Large Rifle Primers with just purchased IMR4895 with the largest 3 powder charges. These results using 3-shot groups fired at 50 YARDS were:
41.1 grains yielded a group measuring .112-inches @ 2647 fps. Deviation was 13 fps, +6 fps. / -7 fps.

41.3 grains yielded a group measuring .221-inches @ 2660 fps. Deviation (2-shots only) was 4 fps, +3 fps / -1 fps.

41.5 grains yielded a group measuring .191-inches @ 2664 fps. Deviation was 19 fps, +9/ -10 fps. This will be my �hunting load�.

Accuracy was good using the Federal primers for two of the three shots. In most cases, two rounds were either in the same, elongated hole or close to it, but in almost all cases, there was one �flier� that was close to one inch away from the other two shots thus making the group not acceptable. 41.3 grains of IMR4895 and the Federal primers produced a 7/16th inch group (.4375-inches) @ 2665 fps.

The following loads were tested using just purchased IMR4895 powder, Winchester 3X fired cases and Nosler 150 grain Ballistic Tip bullets. All cases trimmed to 1.865 inches. Average range temperature during test = 80� to 85�.
Powder load:
40.3 grs.= 2591 fps (Win.)/2592 fps (Federal)
40.5 grs.= 2587 fps (Win.)/2604 fps (Fed.)
40.7 grs.= 2639 fps (Win.)/2626 fps (Fed.)
40.9 grs.= 2645 fps (Win.)/2628 fps (Fed.)
41.1 grs.= 2647 fps (Win.)/2638 fps (Fed.)
41.3 grs.= 2660 fps (Win.)/2665 fps (Fed.)
41.5 grs.= 2664 fps (Win.)/2673 fps (Fed.)


CONCLUSION: A load of 41.5 grains of IMR4895 (purchased 6/02), a Winchester Standard Large Rifle Primer, Winchester brass and a Nosler 150 grain Ballistic Tip boat-tailed bullet seated to maximum overall length gives the best accuracy & close to the highest velocity in my Savage Model 99 rifle with its 24-inch barrel. This is a high-pressure load that is shown as a �maximum load� in my XXXXX Reloading Manual, but this load is not dangerously high. However, this is a �max load� using the IMR4895 purchased in June of 2002, in my opinion.

From my tests, it seems likely that my particular Model 99 Savage rifle is unusually accurate with almost any �load�. At no time was accuracy less than �very good� with any of the loads that were fired in it.

On a later date (than June 24th) during the Summer or early Autumn of 2002, I loaded 50 rounds using IMR3031 powder, a 150 grain Sierra soft point bullet, Winchester primers & cases just for �fun shooting�. I used a powder load of 38.0 grains of IMR3031� half way between the �starting� load (36.0 grains) and �maximum� load (40.0 grains) of IMR3031. This load was quite accurate, but I didn�t chronograph it. I would guess the muzzle velocity was in the 2550-2575 fps range.


MAY 28, 2003 � TEST OF HODGDON�S VARGET RIFLE POWDER

I loaded Varget powder in amounts ranging from 40.4 to 42.2 grains (.2 grain over �maximum suggested load�) of Varget using 5X fired, accurized Winchester cases, Winchester standard large rifle primers and a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, boat-tailed bullets.

According to the latest (2002) XXXXX Reloading Handbook I read at Olde English Gun Shop, a maximum load of 42.0 grains of Varget with a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Bullet was chronographed by XXXXX ballisticians at 2740 fps. In my tests, I could come no where near that velocity chronographing the rounds with my chronograph.

As a �control�, after I finished chronographing all the Varget loads, I fired and chronographed a 3-shot �control� group using my �back-up� hunting loads of 41.5 grains of IMR4895 w/ a 150 grain Nosler B.T. and Winchester standard large rifle primers which yielded an average muzzle velocity of 2686 fps. This MV is slightly higher than my previous average MV of 2675 fps.


The following are the average muzzle velocities attained by the amount of Varget Rifle Powder shown. This test was done on 5/28/03, temperature 70� at the rifle range at Troy Fish & Game Club.

40.4 grs. = 2514 fps average MV.
40.6 grs. = 2525 fps avg.
40.8 grs. = 2546 fps avg.
41.0 grs. = 2539 fps avg.
41.2 grs. = 2523 fps avg.
41.4 grs. = 2576 fps avg.
41.6 grs. = 2590 fps avg.
41.8 grs. = 2606 fps avg.
42.0 grs. = 2615 fps avg. (MAXIMUM Published load)
42.2 grs. = 2621 fps avg.

Control load: 41.5 gr. IMR4895 =
2671, 2698, 2684 fps = 2686 avg. fps.




CONCLUSION: Varget Rifle Powder

Varget is not particularly more accurate than any other powder I�ve tried in my Savage Model 99EG Rifle and it was a complete disappointment in that it was unable to attain the muzzle velocity (2740 fps-24� barrel) published in the 2002 XXXXX Reloading Handbook with the published maximum load (42.0 grains), reaching only an average muzzle velocity of 2615 fps� well below the 2740 fps indicated in the 2002 XXXXX Reloading Handbook.

After thorough tests of primers and different amounts of different rifle powders, I have concluded that a load of 41.5 grains (max. book load) of IMR4895 behind a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, boat-tailed bullet, using a Winchester standard large rifle primer and �accurized� Winchester cartridge cases is the best all-around hunting load for my Savage Model 99EG Rifle. It�s accuracy combined with it�s muzzle velocity assures more than enough knock-down power within reasonable ranges.

I set up the rifle�s scope (3x-9x Bushnell with built-in Bullet Drop Compensator) to be �dead on� at 100 yards when the scope�s Bullet Drop Compensator is set for 100 yards. This setting is also valid for a maximum hunting/shooting range of 250 yards with the scope set on a 200 yard �zero�. At this setting, the height of the bullet never deviates above or below 3� inches from the line-of-sight.

END OF NOTES

I noted that as the years passed, the average muzzle velocity of the IMR4895 powder kept dropping. The average muzzle velocity of the IMR4895 purchased in 1995 was 2704 fps.

The average MV of IMR4895 powder purchased in 2002 was down to 2685 fps. Eventually, the average MV of IMR4895 powder purchased in (I believe) 2006 was down to 2547 fps (at 35�F) while the "control" ammo which was some of my hunting loads made with powder purchased in 2002 (MV= 2686 fps @ 85�) which I fired at the same time was 2630 fps.

This continuing drop in MV while using each can of newer IMR4895 caused me to search for a new powder for my hunting loads. Thus, I went to H4895 and the MV maintained a steady 2635 fps. The Hodgdon H4895 is supposedly NOT "temperature sensitive".

I hope this helps...


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

Interesting. My best accuracy has been with the 42-grain Varget load with a Sierra 150-gr spitzer and WLR primer. The rifle is a 1956 99R. Five-shot groups are 3/4" at 100 yards. Velocity chronographs at 2710 at 15 feet. Rifles are individualistic.

Dan

I have used 4064 in three rifles chambered in .300. A 99, M40, and M20, and while that is not a sufficient sampling to generate an across-the-board conclusion, I found 40 grains under a variety of 150 grain bullets to be my personal max. Lots of case stretch, flattened primers, and sticky bolt lift with higher charges led me to that conclusion. Now I stick to loads of 38 grains and life is good- excellent case life and excellent accuracy. I realize that velocities aren't up there, but so what- as they say, a deer won't tell the difference of a couple hundred feet per second.

Wow 2710, that's cranking with 42 grains of Varget. I had rifles run that load at only 2550 with a CCI BR primer and 150 Hornady bullet! You must have a tight one! Maybe I need to go up a grain or two...........

Another over-looked powder in the .300 Savage is H-335. There is not a lot of data for it but it sure gave good velocity for me in a Remington Model 722 with a 24-inch barrel.

TAG.

I'm late to this topic, but I will chime in anyway. I use the loads from Ken Waters in his Pet Loads. For 150 grainers, I like either 40 grains of IMR 4064 or 42 grains of WW-748. Both give velocities over 2,500 fps, good accuracy, and good brass life. I have never shot 165s, so can't comment. I like 180 grain round nose bullets in the 300 Savage. I load 40 grains of WW-748 for a load that duplicates factory ammo. I can go higher to 41 grains in my rifles. In my 1937 99EG that load gives me 2,450 fps and isn't too hot. In my 99E with 20" carbine barrel velocities are a bit slower.

I have messed around with Leverevolution powder some trying to get 2,700 fps with a 150 grain bullet. I haven't gotten there yet, and accuracy isn't very good.

Its not listed in your powder list but i use Varget in most of my 99’s. In the 300’s i use 43gr with the Sierra 150gr spitzers. Works great in my T’s, F’s, EG’s. Joe

Varget is a great powder. I've been using it in several rifles of late.

+1 on Mr. Waters.

Ha Ha. Yeah, like EIGHT YEARS late.

I could care less how old a post might be. I still found this an interesting read!

My go to load has been 40 grains of 4064 with 150 grain Noslers.

I am experimenting with 160 HDY FTX's and 43.7 grains of HDY Lever Evolution powder. So far so good. I'll see how the bullet performs on deer this season and make up my mind on it then.

Its been a while since I've had the reloading press out but you can't go wrong with 4064, or for that matter 4895. Reloader 15 isn't too bad too. Seems to me I once read that Reloader 15 was designed to mimic 4064 or 4895 in something that metered better than the IMR stick powders.

Yup! Reloder 15 is great for both the .300 and .250 Sav.

My favorite is a 150 grain Sierra Pro Hunter on top of 41 grains of Reloder 15. Win case and primer. Very Accurate and deadly on Michigan Whitetail deer. Shoot MOA groups.

44 grains of Reloder 15 under 165 grain bullets sounds too hot for a lever gun. Ok in a strong bolt action. My notes from load development suggested that 43 grains of Reloder 15 was all my 1955 99F could handle. Hard extraction, flattened primers and
stiff recoil. 41 grains gave excellent accuracy and did not over stress the action. Killed deer out to 180 yards with complete pass through on broadside shots and frontal chest shots the bullet ends up under the hide on the hind quarter. Who could ask for more..

I agree that 44 grains of Re15 with the 165 sounds a little tto hot for my liking.

I do put 42 grains under the 150 corelokts. Very accurate and runs about 2560 fps.

I'm starting to load up for my 1922 99G that I've had for 20 years and never used. I got the lightfood scope adaptor for it and a couple 3-9 40 scopes to try on it. I've tried the Rem 180 round nose factory loads and loaded up some 110gr old Speer spitzer bullets I had. Got 2700fps with 42gr IMR4895. I just got some 125gr Speer TNT I'm going to try with the same 42gr. They have a nice ogive to them. Be mostly for the few coyotes that come around here and maybe for head shots on white tails if I see them in the pasture or woods behind the house. I've used IMR4895 for years in my M1A1 in competition with 41.5gr and a 168 Sierra Matchking. I don't see why it wouldn't work, but I've got several other powders too. I also got some 125 Sierra ProHunter bullets and they look a lot like the old Speer 110gr spitzers, real short ogive and not much of a BC. Not sure I'll be using them.

Try canning with some 150-grainers and let the 300 shine. Also get yourself a copy of Water’s book, “Pet Loads.” There’s a lot of good information and reading between the covers of that book.

It looks like the fps on the 125 vs the 150 is not that great so maybe it would be better to go with a better BC and heavier bullet. I was actually looking for something like the TNT though, if it shoots good enough.

Have fun and play the field but I think the 300 was basically built around the 150. So it’s kind of like looking for a 125-grain load that works great in the 30-06. There are loads out there but the round was made for heavier pills. Have fun.

Yeah, I've tried lighter bullets than 165 in 308 and 30-06 and they usually don't perform very good, accuracy wise. there's always hope. We'll see how this 99G does. At any rate, I'm enjoying it. I've got my Olight X7 flashlight I can put on the deck and watch out over about 400 yds of pasture and 200ft lower down to a stream. As soon as it warms up a bit I'll get the coyote caller out. I usually see 6-8 white tail about 9pm or so. Their beady little eyes really shine back. The coyotes I hear often if the windows are open, not often in the pasture. No season on them here, actually the local fox hunting club has a bounty. I shot at them with my 22 one night because that was all I had at the time. That's one reason I put this 99 into service. It was the only thing I had to put a scope on.