Historic quarter-bore cartridge that achieved the then-remarkable milestone of 3,000 fps muzzle velocity using an 87-grain bullet. Designed by Charles Newton for Savage, it was among the flattest-shooting commercial cartridges of its era.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1915, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.257" (6.53 mm)
Case length: 1.912" (48.56 mm)
Overall length: 2.515" (63.88 mm)
Max pressure: 45,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:10
Muzzle velocity: 2820–3000 fps
Muzzle energy: 1539–1935 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 87, 100, 117 gr
Primary use: Hunting, Varmint
Production status: Active
Also known as: .250-3000 Savage · 6.35x49mm
History: Introduced in 1915, the .250-3000 Savage was the first commercial cartridge to reach 3,000 fps — hence the designation. Designer Charles Newton wanted 100-grain bullets, but Savage marketed the lighter load for the velocity milestone. In 100-grain loading it's a superb deer and medium game cartridge. Factory ammunition remains available but in limited distribution.
Notable firearms: Savage Model 99, Winchester Model 54, Winchester Model 70
Similar cartridges: .257 Roberts, .25-06 Remington, .243 Winchester