Would you advise, I have a newer 99C in .243 winchester and wonder if a rebore and chamber to .338 Federal would be advised. It would not be a gun I shot alot, but I think it would be great for elk and black bear in heavy cover.

quote:

Originally posted by Moorepower:
Would you advise, I have a newer 99C in .243 winchester and wonder if a rebore and chamber to .338 Federal would be advised. It would not be a gun I shot alot, but I think it would be great for elk and black bear in heavy cover.

Nothing is good in heavy cover. The .338 isn't going to kill elk much better than a std. .308 and after you tire of that short necked, short maged and short throated wonder it is easier to sell than the .338. JMHO roger

I believe this has been tried, result: difficult extraction. Do a search on the Savage collectors forum at 24hourcampfire.com, or ask the Savage cranks at that forum.

quote:

Originally posted by vigillinus:
I believe this has been tried, result: difficult extraction.

Savage made the 99 in 358 Winchester so that might be a better choice. As Roger suggested nothing bucks brush very well, but I'd rather have a .35 instead of a .24 when the game is but a short dash away from never being seen again.

quote:

Originally posted by Moorepower:
Would you advise, I have a newer 99C in .243 winchester and wonder if a rebore and chamber to .338 Federal would be advised. It would not be a gun I shot alot, but I think it would be great for elk and black bear in heavy cover.

How about a Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70

Consider chambering it to it's classic caliber of .300 Savage. I have my Grandfather's 99 in this cal. and it is a great round for woods hunting. It can be loaded for speed and flat shooting or heavy for larger game. Maximizes resale value too.

Don't think changing the caliber is going to maximize the value of a clip fed 99 except maybe to .358, they seem to go for a lot of money, but even that won't sell for what it will cost you to do.

Better off to sell the gun and get what you want.

Wild West Guns of AK auctioned a .338 Fed on Auction Arms a few years back. You might call them and see if they had any problems with the round. I'm very happy with my 99A in .358 Win and would go with that over the .338 Fed if you come across one. It will probably cost about the same as converting your 99 any way.