Is 300 Savage Ammo Still Made?
The 300 Savage is a popular calibre among firearms enthusiasts, offering a balance of range and accuracy. However, over the years, the production and availability of 300 Savage ammunition have been a subject of curiosity. In this article, we will answer the question: Is 300 Savage ammo still made? and delve deeper into the current situation and options for shooters.
Contents
History of 300 Savage Ammunition
The 300 Savage was first introduced in the 1920s as a variant of the.30-40 Krag cartridge, with the addition of a rimless, bottlenecked case. Designed by Frank W. Barnes, a Winchester engineer, the cartridge gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially among varmint hunters. The 300 Savage remained a staple in American cartridge production until the 1970s, when Winchester ceased its production. During this time, Remington and others continued to produce the cartridge, albeit in limited quantities.
Current Production Status
In the 21st century, the production of 300 Savage ammunition has significantly slowed down, with many major manufacturers either discontinuing production or drastically reducing their production runs. **In recent years, only a handful of companies have continued to produce the 300 Savage cartridge, including:***
• Hornady: Offering a variety of factory loads, including match-grade options
• Federal Premium: Producing a limited selection of factory loads, focusing on hunting and match grades
• Remington: Still producing some proprietary 300 Savage loads, albeit in limited quantities
While these manufacturers still produce the 300 Savage cartridge, their production volumes and availability vary greatly. Some of these cartridges are only available in small quantities, while others might be harder to find in stock.
Production Closures and Alternative Cartridges
Several well-known manufacturers have discontinued 300 Savage production over the years. These include:
• Winchester (1970s): Winchester ceased production of the 300 Savage cartridge in the 1970s
• Remington (2010s): Remington reduced production of 300 Savage and eventually stopped production altogether
• Corbon (2010s): Corbon, a respected manufacturer, discontinued production of 300 Savage and several other cartridges
As the 300 Savage has become less popular, some shooters have turned to alternative cartridges, such as the.308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and.30-06 Springfield. While these cartridges may not provide the same ballistic profile as the 300 Savage, they still offer respectable accuracy and effective range. Additionally, many aftermarket suppliers and custom loaders can offer bespoke load options, tailoring cartridges to individual needs.
Options for Shooters: Importation, Reloading, and Custom Options
Despite reduced production volumes, there are still options available for shooters seeking 300 Savage ammunition:
• Importation: Importing ammunition from foreign countries, such as South Africa or Brazil, can provide access to this cartridge. However, importation laws and regulations can be complex, and this option is not suitable for all countries.
• Reloading: Loaders can produce their own 300 Savage ammunition, taking advantage of the numerous aftermarket components and reloading manuals available. This option requires some technical expertise, but offers tremendous flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Custom Loading: A growing number of custom loading services, some of which are run by experienced handloaders, offer bespoke 300 Savage loads. These services may provide hand-loaded, hand-reamed, and hand-lubricated cartridges, tailored to specific needs.
Conclusion
The 300 Savage ammunition may not be as widely produced as it once was, but there are still options available for shooters seeking this cartridge. Manufacturers like Hornady and Federal Premium continue to produce some 300 Savage loads, while aftermarket suppliers, relodders, and custom loaders can provide additional choices. With some persistence and creativity, shooters can find the right ammunition for their needs.
