.300 Savage Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.300 Savage: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Hunting, Target Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 1920

.300 Savage: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent balance of power and recoil
  • ✔ Flat trajectory for medium-range shooting
  • ✔ Effective for medium to large game hunting
  • ✔ Good accuracy potential
  • ✔ Compact case design for short-action rifles

Cons

  • ✘ Less common than other .30 caliber options
  • ✘ Limited factory ammunition choices
  • ✘ Not as powerful as some modern .30 caliber cartridges
  • ✘ Reloading components may be harder to find
  • ✘ Not ideal for long-range shooting beyond 300 yards

.300 Savage Ammo: In Depth

The .300 Savage is a powerful and versatile rifle cartridge that has been a favorite among hunters and shooters since its introduction in 1920. Developed by the Savage Arms Company, this cartridge was designed to offer ballistic performance similar to the .30-06 Springfield but in a shorter action. The .300 Savage provides excellent accuracy, moderate recoil, and sufficient power for medium to large game hunting, making it a popular choice for deer, elk, and bear hunters.

History and Development

The .300 Savage was introduced in 1920 by the Savage Arms Company for their Model 99 lever-action rifle. It was designed to be a more powerful alternative to the .30-30 Winchester while still being compatible with lever-action rifles. The cartridge was developed to bridge the gap between the .30-30 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield, offering improved ballistics in a shorter case length.

The .300 Savage gained popularity quickly due to its impressive performance in a compact package. It was capable of propelling a 150-grain bullet at velocities around 2,630 feet per second, providing excellent energy transfer and terminal performance on medium to large game animals. This made it an ideal choice for hunters who wanted .30-06 performance in a lighter, more compact rifle.

During World War II, the .300 Savage served as the parent case for the development of the .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) cartridge. The military sought a cartridge that could match the performance of the .30-06 Springfield but in a shorter case, and the .300 Savage provided an excellent starting point for this development.

Although the introduction of the .308 Winchester in the 1950s somewhat overshadowed the .300 Savage, it has maintained a loyal following among hunters and shooters. Its moderate recoil, excellent accuracy, and proven effectiveness on game have kept it relevant in the hunting world. Today, while not as widely available as some more modern cartridges, the .300 Savage continues to be produced by major ammunition manufacturers and remains a respected choice for hunters and collectors alike.

Complete Timeline of .300 Savage Development:

Year Event
2020 The .300 Savage celebrates its 100th anniversary, still in production by major ammunition manufacturers.
1998 Savage Arms reintroduces the Model 99 rifle chambered in .300 Savage, sparking renewed interest in the cartridge.
1952 The .308 Winchester is introduced, based on a shortened .300 Savage case.
1940-1945 The .300 Savage serves as the parent case for the development of the T65 cartridge, which later becomes the .308 Winchester.
1930s The .300 Savage gains widespread popularity among hunters for its versatility and performance.
1920 Savage Arms Company introduces the .300 Savage cartridge for their Model 99 lever-action rifle.

.300 Savage Performance

The .300 Savage offers impressive performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for medium to large game hunting. Here\'s a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 2,630 fps (150-grain bullets)\n2,350 fps (180-grain bullets)
Measured at the muzzle with a 24-inch barrel
Energy 2,304 ft-lbs (150-grain bullets)\n2,205 ft-lbs (180-grain bullets)
Muzzle energy
Effective Range 300-400 yards
Suitable for medium to large game hunting
Recoil Moderate
Less than .30-06 Springfield, more than .243 Winchester
Accuracy 1-2 MOA in quality rifles
Capable of excellent accuracy for hunting purposes

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .300 Savage loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.300 Savage: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .300 Savage ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Medium Game Hunting 0-300 Ideal for deer, antelope, and similar-sized game
Big Game Hunting 0-250 Effective for elk and black bear within this range
Target Shooting 0-400 Suitable for mid-range target shooting and competitions
Brush Hunting 0-150 Performs well in dense cover and wooded areas

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .300 Savage offers a good balance of power and manageable recoil. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .300 Savage

The .300 Savage\'s performance profile makes it suitable for several hunting and shooting applications:

Medium Game Hunting
  • Excellent for deer, antelope, and similar-sized game
  • Flat trajectory and good energy retention at typical hunting distances
  • Manageable recoil allows for accurate shot placement
Big Game Hunting
  • Capable of taking elk and black bear at closer ranges
  • Good penetration with proper bullet selection
  • Effective in both open country and wooded areas
Target Shooting
  • Suitable for mid-range target shooting up to 400 yards
  • Moderate recoil allows for extended practice sessions
  • Can be used in certain long-range shooting competitions
Brush Hunting
  • Performs well in dense cover and wooded areas
  • Bullet weight and velocity help maintain trajectory through light brush
  • Good choice for hunters in areas with mixed terrain

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .300 Savage\'s place in the rifle world, it\'s helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.300 Savage vs. .308 Winchester ▼

.300 Savage vs. .30-30 Winchester ▼

.300 Savage vs. .30-06 Springfield ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .300 Savage with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .300 Savage with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .300 Savage with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .300 Savage with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .300 Savage Ammo

Sectional density is a measure of a bullet\'s mass relative to its diameter. For .300 Savage ammunition, this metric helps indicate potential penetration and energy retention capabilities.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.300 Savage 150 0.226
.300 Savage 180 0.271
.300 Savage 165 0.248
.300 Savage 130 0.196
.300 Savage 125 0.188

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². For .300 Savage, the bullet diameter is typically 0.308 inches. While higher sectional density often correlates with better penetration, factors such as velocity and bullet construction also significantly influence overall performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .300 Savage cartridge?

A: The .300 Savage is a rifle cartridge introduced in 1920 by Savage Arms. It was designed to provide ballistics similar to the .30-06 Springfield but in a shorter cartridge that would function in a shorter action rifle.

Q: How does the .300 Savage compare to the .30-06 Springfield?

A: The .300 Savage offers ballistics very close to the .30-06 Springfield, but with less recoil and in a shorter action. It typically fires a 150-grain bullet at around 2,630 fps, compared to the .30-06\'s 2,910 fps with the same bullet weight.

Q: Is the .300 Savage good for hunting?

A: Yes, the .300 Savage is an excellent hunting cartridge. It\'s suitable for medium to large game such as deer, elk, and black bear. Its moderate recoil and flat trajectory make it popular among hunters who prefer lighter rifles.

Q: What is the effective range of the .300 Savage?

A: The .300 Savage is effective for hunting out to about 300 yards. Beyond this range, the bullet drop becomes more significant, and energy decreases substantially. For target shooting, it can be used at longer ranges, but bullet drop must be accounted for.

Q: Is .300 Savage ammo still widely available?

A: While not as common as some more popular calibers, .300 Savage ammunition is still produced by major manufacturers like Remington, Federal, and Hornady. It may not be found on every store shelf, but it\'s readily available through online retailers and specialty shops.

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