H (Hervey, not Hurvey) Lovell was a "do it all" guy. He did stocks as well as metal work. I wouldn't be surprised if it does turn out to be chambered/bored for Savage .22 HiPower. The cartridge retained a lot of popularity in the era when this fine gun was made. (Heavy/long bullets have always been recognized as advantageous for long(er) range work and the .22HP with its 70gr. loads delivered them in an era when .224 bullets rarely were obtainable in heavier than 55gr. weights. Let's hope that if this rifle does indeed have a .227/.228" bore and chambered for .22HP that it also has a faster twist than what Savage provided in the M1899 barrels, 1-12".) If Lovell did the work on this gun I bet it'll be first rate.
If such is the case, .228" bullets can be found with a little diligence, and brass can easily be made from .30-30 and .25-35 brass.
