The 300 Savage is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 47,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 12.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 300 Savage with the 30-06 Springfield on the same basis.
300 Savage ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 150 gr | 2,615–2,740 fps | 2,277–2,500 ft-lb |
| 180 gr | 2,340 fps | 2,188 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 300 Savage, 150 and 180 grains. The lighter, 150 grains, is listed at 2,615–2,740 fps, which computes to 2,277–2,500 ft-lb. The heavier, 180 grains, is listed at 2,340 fps, which computes to 2,188 ft-lb.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 150 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 300 Savage ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 300 Savage is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 12.00 in, with a .308 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 47,000 psi. Fire 300 Savage ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
300 Savage vs 30-06: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 300 Savage | 30-06 Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 47,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 12.00 in | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .308 in | .308 in |
| Lightest reference load | 150 gr — 2,615–2,740 fps / 2,277–2,500 ft-lb | 55 gr — 4,050 fps / 2,003 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 180 gr — 2,340 fps / 2,188 ft-lb | 180 gr — 2,690–2,860 fps / 2,892–3,269 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 180 gr — 2,340 fps / 2,188 ft-lb | 220 gr — 2,400 fps / 2,813 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 300 Savage at 47,000 psi and the 30-06 Springfield at 60,000 psi, so the 300 Savage runs 13,000 psi lower. At 180 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 300 Savage reference velocity is 2,340 fps (2,188 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,860 fps (3,269 ft-lb) for the 30-06 Springfield. On that row the 30-06 Springfield carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (24.000 in, 1 turn in 12.00 in for the 300 Savage; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 10.00 in for the 30-06 Springfield), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 30-06 ammo.
300 Savage ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 300 Savage?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 300 Savage at 47,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 300 Savage?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 300 Savage is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 12.00 in. Your own rifle may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 300 Savage?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 150 to 180 grains: 150 and 180.
Is the 300 Savage more powerful than the 30-06 Springfield?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 180 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 300 Savage reference velocity is 2,340 fps (2,188 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,860 fps (3,269 ft-lb) for the 30-06 Springfield.
What is the effective range of the 300 Savage?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 300 Savage drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 300 Savage ammunition from DoubleTap Ammunition, Federal, Hornady, Remington and Winchester. Browse the full 300 Savage ammo range.
