Thinking about .303 Brit..........................

[BCR#1]

I have two No4 MK1&2 rifles that I love to shoot so I'm probably going to start loading this caliber next. Is this a suitable bullet to use or should I look for .312 bullets instead? https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101071371?pid=165542.

Both rifles have excellent bores so I was just wondering.

Bill

 

[Jerry M]

You would probably get better accuracy from a .312 diameter bullet. Also, look at something beside a FMJ if you are making anything better than blasting ammo. More expensive, yes; better performance, yes.

Good Luck

Jerry

 

[DocRock]

.312 jacketed bullets. If shooting cast, best results will follow slugging the bore to determine actual groove diameter. Up to .314 is not unheard of.

 

[Enfielder]

This:
https://americanreloading.com/en/303-british-311/2105-303-british-180gr-soft-point-250ct.html

 

[Curator]

You may find that the Hornady 174 grain boat tail bullet shoots good for you, but probably not. It is on the small side (.3105) and many Lee Enfields do not shoot accurately with boat tail bullets. In my several Enfields, the single, most accurate bullet is the Hornady 174 grain round nose soft point that measures .312 diameter. With cast bullets, I opt for .314 or .315 diameter,

 

[Eddy19]

Earlier this week I finally got around to slugging my 3, 303's. The bores are 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17. So, I'm trying to find a mould for them. A mould for the 3.14 is available but the 3.17 is going to take perhaps modifying a mould to work.

 

[JohnB-40]

I use Hornady #3130 (.312) projectiles and PPU brass for my Enfields. First firing,I use a small o-ring at the rim to center the round in the chamber. I keep the fired casings from rifles separate,mark and use with only that rifle with future loads. I also only neck size the cartridge. Your brass will last a lot longer if you do likewise.

 

[the Black Spot]

Mine slugs at .316, i need a mold also sometime.
Varget and 4198 work well with copper.
35 whelen has done some work with the 303, maybe he'll chime in

 

[Random 8]

My brother in law's No4Mk1 sniper reproduction did best with the Sierra Matchking 174. We tried the Grafs 174HPBT .312, and this bullet did well also, but not as well as the SMK. This was for vintage sniper competition to 600 yards, so the high BC bullet was necessary. He got excellent short range accuracy with the Speer 150 .311 and the PRVI .311 150FMJBT.

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/21415 Try this one. Comparably priced to the FMJ. It did well in the BILs enfield, and is most accurate in my PU Mosin sniper rifle. Holds up well to 600 yards.