Savage 308 hand load question

Hello all, I have a Savage 99 in 308 caliber I wanted to hand load for. I have been reloading for 2 yrs and need some help. I do not know the twist rate yet of the barrel, but I think it should stabalize 150-180 grain bullets. It would be used as a saddle gun or a backup on deer or elk hunts, maybe black bear some day. When working up a load should I be more cautious (because it's older/lever action) than I would on a bolt action? Do I work up a load in a ladder test and adjust COAL the same as my 243 bolt action? Since it has a rotating magazine I won't be limited to round nose bulllets. Also what powders/bullets would you suggest? I was thinking a 180 accubond or 165 ish bullet as a 1 load fits all. All shots will be sub 300 unless I am out plinking. I have read a lot of info on this forum about the 308, I just need to know if any of that changes for old lever guns.

Sweet rifle. I have an old 99 Takedown in .303 Savage that I'm in the middle of oiling the stock. Before shooting yours a lot, I would check the buttstock near the tang for cracks or even consider buying a separate buttstock from Boyd's to shoot with. They're not that expensive and you wont have to worry about banging up the original wood. Mine has two hair line cracks so I will be going that route.

For my .308 bolt gun, everyone on here recommended a bullet weight of 165-168gr and that's what I'm sticking with. I haven't handloaded for mine a lot since the Barnes Vortx ammo shoots great for me. In the past, I used Varget or TAC for powder with good results. Good luck.

That's a good idea to get a new stock. My dad also has a model 99 in a 300 savage they are fun guns. I have Winchester 150's I am shooting now then I will probably buy some 165's to see how they shoot.
Thanks!

It's a shame they don't make them anymore but then no one could probably afford them.

Here's a link to the stock. I'm going to do the same for my 99 and Winchester 88 since the prices are cheap enough to make it worthwhile. Keep in mind the 99 had two different tang sizes.

https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Prod...7_savage-99-pistol-grip-stock-walnut-finished

Some info on the Savage Crack.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8788876/Re_The_Savage_CRACK

Yep watch out for the tang crack. Work up your loads the same as you would a bolt gun. Varget is a great powder for .308. If you are using a traditional cup and core bullet, then 165 or so will work very well. If you go monometal, I would try a 150. My old savage 99 is one I regret selling for sure.