Savage 99 questions/hog and whitetails

[CCole]

First off, I have 2 savage model 99s chambered in .300 Savage, one the deluxe model with checkered stock and a Williams peep, the other is the standard model with a 3x9 scope. Both of these guns are around 70 years old (they were my grandfather's and a close friend of his). The standard model was factory refurbished (sent back to Savage) 10 or 15 years ago, the deluxe is in original, moderately used condition.

I haven't hunted in several years and am getting back into it this year (primarily hogs and whitetails in NW FL swamp and upland). My question is should I use these family "heirlooms" or stick with slugs in my 870. I tend to think if my grandfather, being the practical man he was, was still around he'd tell me to use 'em. But I expect they will take some relatively hard use due to conditions and terrain, particulary canoeing/stalking in the swamp. And if I do use one of the Savages, which shall I choose? I'm leaning toward the peep sight since most of my shots will be well under 100 yards but removing the scope/going open sight on the standard refurbished model is also an option. And finally, should I use the 150 or 180 grain factory loads?

 

[sumpnz]

I tend to think if my grandfather, being the practical man he was, was still around he'd tell me to use 'em.

I think that's your answer.

But I expect they will take some relatively hard use due to conditions and terrain, particulary canoeing/stalking in the swamp. And if I do use one of the Savages, which shall I choose?

I'd take the standard one since you won't feel quite as bad if it gets goobered on the hunt. If you don't want a 3-9x scope, either take it off and use the stock irons, or get a 1.5-4.5x scope, or somesuch.

And finally, should I use the 150 or 180 grain factory loads?

I'd handload and tune for the accuracy/power mix you need. .300Savage is going to be spendy in factory loads. By the time you've shot enough to not only have the rifle sighted in, but also be comfortable with your ability to hit a pie plate every time from field positions you'll probably have recouped the expense of a Lee Anniversary kit and the set of dies.

Regardless, the 150gr bullets will work just fine for deer. I have no experience with hogs, but I think most folks here would recommend the 180gr bullets for them. If it's a mixed bag hunt, and the 180's are in fact better for the hogs just use those. If it's one hunt for deer, and another for hogs you can adjust accordingly if you wish.

 

[phantomak47]

I have a savage 99 in 300 savage that was made around 1950-1955 and its my primary hunting rifle. It came with a lyman peep site that I took off and had it drilled and tapped(to all of you purists out there, I would rather use my rifle than have it sit around in a safe). I put a leupold 2x7 on it and its a very accurate rifle , but importantly I feel like the rifle has a character and soul to it. Nice new factory rifles might be more accuarate , but like an old military rifle, my savage has a feel to it I just cant get from a new rifle.


I recently took an 8 point with it , I dropped him in his tracks with remington cor lokt 150 grain bullets.


One problem that I did have was with federal ammo , it never fed right and it would get jammed and fall out. No problems with remington.Good shooting

 

[Art Eatman]

sumpnz +1. I've messed around in the swamps of the Appalachicola below Blountstown. A 99 with irons would do just fine, unless you want the very, very early shot, or just before full dark.

If the scope is decent, a dunking won't hurt it. If you're canoeing into a hunt area, just make sure the rifle is bungeed in.

And remember: Don't shoot a snake if he's in the boat with you! (Or, don't forget the duct tape.)

, Art

 

[Harve Curry]

The Savage 99 is probably the best lever action ever built. If it read Winchester on it, they'd be as popular as Win.'94's and everyone would have one. I have one, a 99A in .308 and it has never failed me.

 

[Smoke]

I have one in .300 Savage. Never left me looking for hogs or deer that I hit with it.

I've used both the 150 and 180gr Remington factory loads. Both have worked well. I really have no preference. Which ever the store has in stock. NEver have handloaded this round. The Remingtons are easy to find in this area and don't cost much either.

Take one of those guns hunting. You'll enjoy it more with a gun with sentimental value.

Smoke

 

[H&Hhunter]

I have a 99EG in .308 it is a late 50's model. The 99 is without a doubt the coolest most useable working lever gun ever invented IMHO.

As far as using either of the rifles mentioned, it's not even a seconds hesitation. Use those rifles they have within them the spirit and sole of your flesh and blood. You can't do anything to those rifles that won't either add character or can't be fixed if need be. Those rifles will bring you joy, luck and pride just holding them in your hands I'm sure is a pleasure. Shooting game with them will be a joy beyond description.

The Savage 99 is a serious peice of Americana. I put the 99 up their with baseball and apple pie.