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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · SAAMI

.303 Savage

Also known as 7.7x49.5mmR (approximate)

Original cartridge developed by Arthur Savage for the Model 1895 lever-action rifle, later evolved into the famous Savage 99.

Caliber
0.311″ · 7.9 mm
Introduced
1894
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Hunting
Status
Discontinued

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains190 gr
Identity
Introduced
1894
Type
Rifle
Origin
United States
Inventor
Arthur Savage
Manufacturer
Savage Arms
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Collector
Build
Case capacity
42 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:12
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
40,000 psi
Eff. range
200 yd
Max range
400 yd
Recoil
8–12 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Savage Arms

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .303 Savage — an obsolete/collector cartridge.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 7.900.311 ~
Neck ⌀ 8.440.332 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 10.500.413 ✓
Shoulder angle 16°— ✓
Base ⌀ 11.230.442 ✓
Rim ⌀ 12.830.505 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.600.063 ✓
Neck length 13.640.537 ≈
Case length 51.182.015 ✓
Overall length 64.012.520 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .303 Savage is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

2 reloading powders listed for .303 Savage, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

LeverevolutionIMR 3031
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .303 Savage

5 models in the database chamber .303 Savage. Browse all →

Savage Arms Model 99 .303 SavageSavage Arms Model 1899 303 SavageSavage Arms Model 1899Savage Arms Model 1895 303 SavageSavage Arms Savage Model 1895 .303 Savage

Connected reference

Loads19 factory loads for .303 SavageReloading2 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .303 Savage

History

Developed in 1894 for the Savage Model 1895, which became the Model 99. The .303 Savage was a competent deer cartridge but was eventually overshadowed by .30-30 Winchester and .300 Savage in the Savage 99 lineup. Factory ammunition was discontinued mid-20th century. The Savage 99 rifles chambered for it are collectors items.

FAQs

What twist rate does .303 Savage use?
.303 Savage typically uses a 1:12 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .303 Savage?
.303 Savage uses a 0.311″ (7.9 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .303 Savage still in production?
.303 Savage is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
What is .303 Savage used for?
.303 Savage is primarily used for hunting.
What are the best powders for .303 Savage?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .303 Savage include Leverevolution, IMR 3031.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 5 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →