Savage 99 ???s

[bandur60]

I just acquired a 99 in 250/3000 and have a couple of questions. I have searched here and on 24hourcampfire without finding what I want.

Approximate age for S/N 520xxx? This has a Bishop stock that I'm not thrilled with, but it's OK at least until I find out how well it shoots; how hard is it to find original-type wood with the schnabel fore-end? The barrel is 24" with a 1/14" twist, as near as I can determine (roughly measured 14-1/2", so it's definitely not 1/10"). I don't intend to shoot anything over 85-90 grains through it, so the twist should be fine --- right?

My first summer's wages (1956) bought my first centerfire rifle, a 99 in 250 with the schnabel fore-end, which, as some others here have done, I foolishly traded within a few years, and I haven't found another one at the right price until a couple of weeks ago. Truthfully it hasn't been really high as a priority, but when this one showed up at under $400 I figured it was time.

Now I'm just waiting for dies and brass, ordered yesterday. I just hate to think of buying loaded ammo (if I could even find it around here.)

Someone have some info on this?

 

[bandur60]

Bump?

 

[Maverick223]

I don't own one and my experience with quarter bores is limited (not my favorite cal.), but you should be good with up to 90gr. bullets, though the lighter ones are likely to group a bit better. Good luck with the new lever rifle.

 

[BrocLuno]

It'll likely be a very good rifle. I think some folks have a 99 and then decide they need something else so they get traded away. Once you have owned one, they stick in the back of you mind. You are following the normal curve for 99 owners that I know. "Wish I never traded that one away." Even my dad went through that.

Getting parts and wood is hit or miss. The rifles are going up in price every day. To get parts is mostly waiting for a deal to come by or lucking out on eBay or the auction sites.

 

[squarles67]

I found helpful info here when lookingat 99's

http://www.savage99.com/savage99_dates.htm

http://www.savage99.com/models.htm

 

[ball3006]

Savage 99s are 'way up there on the cool factor chart. I have always wanted one but never bought one. I saw one at the last gun show that had alot of character. Most of the bluing was gone, the barrel was an octagon, and had the original wood. However, my gun buying days are over as I am now retired on fixed income.....chris3

 

[NCsmitty]

I owned a 250-3000 Savage 99 many years ago, and had it D&T for scope mounts and used it for woodchucks and reloaded varmint bullets for it.

With a 1in 14" twist, you'll need to be selective in choosing a decent bullet with a jacket heavy enough to expand reliably on deer.
Hornady's 87gr seems to fill the bill.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=636971

As far as I know, no one makes a 100gr round nose any more, and that would stabilize in your twist. Anything heavier you can forget, because it probably won't work.
Stay away from boat tail bullets as they are longer and usually need a faster twist, so flat based bullets are the best for you.

Here's a bit more info on the 250-3000 and the M99.

http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.250-3000savage.html


NCsmitty

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The Model 99 Savage in .250-3000 was my father's favorite rifle. He killed a tiger in Sumatra in the 1930s with it, and killed everything including a Lesser Kudu good enough for Rowland Ward's in Ethiopia in the 1940s. He mounted a Weaver K2.5 on that rifle.

His, like yours, had the slow twist barrel, and he always said the 85 grain bullet was better than the 100 grain -- probably because his slow twist barrel wouldn't shoot the heavier bullet accurately.

 

[bandur60]

Thanks Squarles, that's what I was looking for -- this rifle and my wife are the exact same vintage.

Good call by NCsmitty on the bullet, too -- I have deer rifles, and want to get this one shooting "just 'cuz".