The .303 Savage cartridge was introduced in 1912 by the Savage Arms Company. It was designed as a high-velocity, small-caliber round for use in their Model 99 lever-action rifle. The cartridge was popular for a time, but its popularity waned in the 1920s and 1930s due to the advent of more powerful cartridges such as the .30-06 Springfield and the .308 Winchester. Production of .303 Savage rifles and ammunition ceased altogether during World War II.