[CCAMERA50]

hi , i'm from Italy ,

i would like try to reload my 303 crtrgs ( for a LB n.4 mk1* two groove) by IMR 4895
( should be the military original load for this cal. )

actually i'm working with the Norma 202 or alternatively VithV N140+Sierra MK 174 gr
+CCI BR2

impossible to find here in Italy detailed info about the results with the
"mix" IMR 4895+Sierra Mk 174 + CCIBR2

i saw some on line manual but the question is :
someone of you used this "mix" and can tell me "how it work" ?

thank you for your answers

Carlo

 

[kdub]

Welcome to the board to our new member from Italy. Always nice to hear from others across the ponds and learn about your shooting, hunting and firearms adventures.

Primary rule of the board is to be courteous to others in their opinions and join the discussions as often as possible.

Never having messed around with the Brit .303, all I can do is point to data in the Sierra reloading manual (you may have already found this on the net) and list the recommendations. IMR4895 with the 174 Gr HPBT and/or SPT as follows:

36.7 Gr = 2100 fps
38.3 gr = 2200 fps
40.0 gr = 2300 fps
41.6 gr = 2400 fps
43.2 gr = 2500 fps (maximum load recommended)

Accuracy load: IMR4320, 42.8 gr = 2400 fps (2302 ft/lbs muzzle)
Hunting load: IMR 4320, 44.6 gr = 2500 fps (2498 ft/lbs muzzle)

You probably need to convert these figures to grams and meters.

 

[crazydave]

I shoot a cast 200gr Lyman bullet w/22gr 2400 almost exclusively - seems to be on the sights out to 300yds.... FWIW....

 

[MikeG]

I would trust the Sierra manual and Ken's data. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Ole1830]

I loaded with a friend for his SMLE Enfield rifle a couple decades ago.

His rifle had regular head separations on third firings.

Try to size the brass as little as you can, so the cartridge headspaces on the shoulder, instead of the rim. Also don't load your cartridge any hotter than you need to if case life is important.

 

[trad_a_non]

Something I have done is find out what the military specifications for the cartridge are, or were, out of the book "Cartridges of the World." Commonly what you get are bullet weights and velocities. Find a bullet of that weight and then use the powder and charge from the bullet-maker's manual that most closely approximates the military velocity while nearly filling the case. The rifle was designed to shoot ammunition with these characteristics, and should give very good accuracy with it.

You can set your resizing die, as suggested by Ole1830, by using a candle to smoke the shoulder of a case that has been fired in your rifle. Lubricate the case and start with the resizing die set way out. Screw the die in carefully in stages, checking your progress by running the smoked case up inside it. Stop when the resizing die just touches the shoulder of the case, which will be easily visible in the smokey film. Lock your die at this setting; it is now adjusted for the chamber of your rifle.

Best,

Trad A. Non

 

[CCAMERA50]

I loaded with a friend for his SMLE Enfield rifle a couple decades ago.

His rifle had regular head separations on third firings.

Try to size the brass as little as you can, so the cartridge headspaces on the shoulder, instead of the rim. Also don't load your cartridge any hotter than you need to if case life is important.

hallo ,

about case separation , before start shooting with my LB n.4 mk1*
i tested the h.s. with two series of go - no go gauges ( originals military and actuals )

well with the military all was ok ( go close - no go do not clos the bolt ) but with the actuals
was not ok ( go and non go close anyway ) - but....... i saw the case we can buy now (
norma / remington / s&b ) have the rim thick smaller then military ,then it be equivalent
at an excess of h.s.

simply i substitute the bolthead of my rifle ( was an n. 1 ) by an n. 3 and now
my cases live for over fifteen firings - only neck resizing ( every five shots a full lenght res.)

bye

Carlo