Rifle · SAAMI (not in current Z299)
.303 Savage
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
- 1895
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Discontinued
- Introduced
- 1895
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Arthur Savage
- Manufacturer
- Savage Arms
- Standard
- SAAMI (not in current Z299)
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 45 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:12
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 39,160 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 4350 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
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| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 7.90 | 0.311 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 8.66 | 0.341 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 10.50 | 0.413 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 16° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 11.23 | 0.442 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 12.83 | 0.505 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.60 | 0.063 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 13.64 | 0.537 | ≈ |
| Case length | 51.18 | 2.015 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 64.01 | 2.520 | ✓ |
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
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 →
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
Connected reference
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
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
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 →
