99 in 308 what should i know

[DragonDJ11]

I have just purchased a 99E in 308 caliber. I'm new to the Savage. What should I know, what to look for. Pressure concerns, type of ammo (not going to be using cheap stuff), anything to make sure my new to me rifle lasts a long time?

[Jeff518]

I wouldn't use Hornady Superformance, or any ammo that pushes those kind of velocities. I tried a couple rounds of superformance 150g in my 99x308, and they had very sticky extraction...so, too hot in my guns.

[DragonDJ11]

What bullet weight have you found works the best overall?

[Mad Dog]

165 gr Hornady w 43 gr IMR 4064 is a good load for the 99.

[DragonDJ11]

165 gr Hornady w 43 gr IMR 4064 is a good load for the 99.

Thank You. That is the powder I am planning on utilizing once I start loading for the 308. Need a bunch of new equipment.

[DragonDJ11]

Any chance you know what twist rate this one is? It is a 1976 with a 22" barrel. I will finally get it in my hands tomorrow evening and get to shoot it for first time on Sat

[Mad Dog]

Should be 1-12".

[DragonDJ11]

So, I finally got her in my hands and out to the range today. She was shooting right on the money at about 50 yards. Just shooting off hand from standing position had no problems with getting every round on the six inch target. Steady today, I was not, but very very pleased in that aspect.

Unfortunately there's a downside. After several rounds down range, the rotary Mag stuck with rounds in it. Not in the chamber, in the Mag. Once, home I was able to assist the Mag in rotation with a chop stick and got everything out. I gave it a small spray of ballistol, thinking it is just gumming up. Put rounds in and cycled through. Worked fine. Did it again and jammed up. Worked loose again, and tried another time and it jammed.

My question is do you think it is just needing disassemble and good cleaning, or other issues?

[Mad Dog]

Hopefully just a good cleaning, if not then your rotary spring is weak and needs replaced.

[Gene L]

Disassembly of a 99 is not for the weak of heart. I would spray and pray with cleaner and air to dry it off. If you're great at mechanical solutions, then go for it, which I'm not. I'd bet it's just dirty. A weak spring is possible, but I kinda doubt it in a gun that modern.

[DragonDJ11]

Disassembly of a 99 is not for the weak of heart. I would spray and pray with cleaner and air to dry it off. If you're great at mechanical solutions, then go for it, which I'm not. I'd bet it's just dirty. A weak spring is possible, but I kinda doubt it in a gun that modern.

I am going to remove the stock and fore end and see if I can clean it up with just sprays and air. Hopefully, I can do from that point easy enough. If it would require actually taking the rotary apart, I am not going to try that. Everything says take that to a smith.

[DragonDJ11]

Well, heard from the Gun Smith. He was not able to replicate the issue as it was functioning correctly for him. Said he would tighten the tension a bit to see if that will help. I get to pick her back up today.