303 Savage vs. 303 British: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 29, 2024
The .303 Savage is a rimmed, .30-caliber rifle cartridge developed for the Savage Model 99, while the .303 British is a larger rimmed cartridge used by British and Commonwealth militaries.
Key Differences
The .303 Savage cartridge was developed in 1894 for the Savage Model 99 lever-action rifle. It is smaller in case length and overall size compared to the .303 British. On the other hand, the .303 British, introduced in 1888, was primarily used in the British Lee-Enfield rifles. It has a longer case and was a standard military round in the British Empire.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
In terms of ballistics, the .303 Savage was designed for hunting and shooting within North America, offering moderate recoil and effective performance on medium-sized game. The .303 British, however, was optimized for military use, providing higher velocity and more stopping power suitable for long-range combat.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
The .303 Savage uses a smaller bullet diameter (around .308 inches) compared to the .303 British, which typically uses a .311-inch bullet. This difference in bullet diameter reflects the distinct design goals of each cartridge.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Availability and historical usage also differentiate these cartridges. The .303 Savage has become less common and is primarily of interest to collectors and enthusiasts. Conversely, the .303 British has a rich military history, having been used in both World Wars, and is still found in surplus and civilian markets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
In terms of rifle compatibility, the .303 Savage was almost exclusively used in the Savage Model 99. The .303 British, however, was used in a variety of rifles, most notably the Lee-Enfield, and has been adapted for several modern bolt-action and sporting rifles.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Historical Usage
Mostly in Savage Model 99
Widely used in British Empire militaries
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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303 Savage and 303 British Definitions
303 Savage
"Collectors often seek out rifles chambered for the .303 Savage."
A round with a smaller bullet diameter compared to the .303 British.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 British
A larger, rimmed cartridge suitable for long-range shooting.
Snipers in the British Army relied on the accuracy of the .303 British.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 Savage
"He loaded his vintage rifle with .303 Savage rounds for the hunting trip."
A .30 caliber, rimmed cartridge known for moderate recoil.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 British
A military rifle cartridge used extensively by the British Empire.
The .303 British was the mainstay of British infantry during World War I.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 Savage
"The .303 Savage's smaller bullet diameter differentiates it from the .303 British."
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Jan 22, 2024
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303 British
A cartridge known for its higher velocity and stopping power.
The .303 British cartridge was favored for its effective stopping power in combat.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 Savage
"The .303 Savage was a popular choice among early 20th-century North American hunters."
A less commonly used round, of interest to collectors.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 British
A round that remains available due to its historical military use.
Surplus .303 British ammunition is still found in gun stores today.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 Savage
"The .303 Savage is favored by some hunters for its manageable recoil."
A cartridge historically used in North American hunting.
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Jan 22, 2024
303 British
A round used in various rifles, including the Lee-Enfield.
The Lee-Enfield rifle, chambered in .303 British, was a key weapon in World War II.
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Jan 22, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
When were the .303 Savage and .303 British introduced?
The .303 Savage in 1894 and the .303 British in 1888.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How do the bullet diameters compare?
~.308 inches; .303 British: ~.311 inches.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the .303 British?
A military cartridge used by British and Commonwealth forces, larger than the .303 Savage.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What are the primary uses of these cartridges?
hunting and sporting; .303 British: military.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the historical significance of the .303 Savage?
It's notable for its use in the Savage Model 99, primarily in North America.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the historical significance of the .303 British?
Widely used in British and Commonwealth militaries, especially in both World Wars.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the .303 Savage?
A rimmed, .30-caliber rifle cartridge developed for the Savage Model 99.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is the .303 British still used today?
It remains available, mostly in surplus and civilian markets.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How does recoil compare between these cartridges?
The .303 Savage typically has moderate recoil, whereas the .303 British can be more substantial due to its larger size and power.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
How do the case lengths of these cartridges compare?
.303 Savage has a shorter case length compared to the longer .303 British.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Is the .303 Savage still in production?
It's less common now, mainly of interest to collectors and enthusiasts.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are these cartridges suitable for big game hunting?
suitable for medium game; .303 British: capable for larger game.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are there modern firearms chambered for these cartridges?
Few for the .303 Savage; some modern sporting rifles for the .303 British.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What rifles are chambered for the .303 British?
Several, most notably the Lee-Enfield series.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Can .303 Savage ammunition be used in .303 British rifles?
No, due to differences in size and specifications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the availability of ammunition for both cartridges?
.303 Savage is less common; .303 British is widely available in surplus.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Are either of these cartridges popular among collectors?
Both are, but the .303 Savage particularly so due to its rarity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the ideal use for each of these cartridges today?
hunting and collection; .303 British: surplus use and historical reenactments.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What is the typical velocity of these cartridges?
lower than .303 British, which offers higher velocity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
What rifles are chambered for the .303 Savage?
Primarily the Savage Model 99.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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