.303 Projectile For Long Range

[grouch]

With respect to the discussion on the collet die, I found that my .303 Lee Enfields would have head separation by the second or third reloading if full length sized. Neck sizing make brass last a lot longer. A collet die is probably a better way to do this.
Grouch

 

[Tinman204]

Do you mean the OP lacks the skills to make it a decent 1000 yd shooter? That may be so. Tuning a Lee Enfield to shoot is a dieing art/science. The rifle must be properly bedded. This includes a special incantation, shims and something to do with a dead cat at midnight. The OP probably is not one of those with the skill set.

Every year 1,000 + markmen from around the world meet at Bisley, England to shoot. The ranges there go back to 1,200 yards. Until about 1985 the rifle of choice used by most for long range shooting was a Lee Enfield #4. We used a heavy single shot match rifle for 300 to 600 yards and most of us used a #4 at 900 and 1000 because it was more accurate.

In 1984 I had a good shoot, and after a week of shooting I only missed the long range bullseye on two shots. (24" bull. Iron sights, shot off the elbows, using military ball ammo.) I used a #4 at long range. Most of the 1500 other shooters also preferred the #4 for long range.

The Lee Enfield can be tuned to "compensate". As you know, bullets exit the barrel at different speeds. At 1000 yards, the slower bullets would tend to hit the target somewhat lower than the faster ones.

You also know the barrel "whips". If the muzzle is whipping up as the bullets exit (known as positive compensation) the slower bullets will exit when the barrel is higher than than when the faster bullets. So the rifle "compensates" for the slower bullets by aiming them higher.

Thank you for saving a me bunch of typing!!

I have a rack full of rifles that were used for the above mentioned type of shooting. IF I do my part they will make hits way out there just like they did back when they were built up.

My favorite is pre 1920s BSA no1 mk3 commercial target rifle. It was tuned for match shooting back in the 60s. It's still is a seriously accurate long range rifle to this day.

Every time I'm out shooting guys look at me like I'm crazy when I put on my 1970s vintage shooting jacket and sling up in the prone position!!

They giggle at me and make comments til they hear "clang". Then I hear whispers "the f****** guy just hit that little gong way out there with that old rifle and no scope!!"


It's a damn shame that most younger guys my age have no idea that before 25 power scopes, short actions and flat shooting long range cartridges REAL MEN would sling up and go to town on a 1000 yard range with a 303.

 

[Ubermeier]

At 100 yards, with mediocre ammo, the rifle will shoot a tall group. Much taller than your standard Remchester, giving the impression that rifle does not group well. Yes it does, but not at 100. It might be a tackdriver at 900 yards.

It's a damn shame that most younger guys my age have no idea that before 25 power scopes, short actions and flat shooting long range cartridges REAL MEN would sling up and go to town on a 1000 yard range with a 303.

As a younger shooter who has been hunting with a No. 1 Mk 3 since it was placed in my hands, I appreciate this thread.

 

[RRCo.]

As for 1000 yds, I guess any rifle can makes hits on occasion if the target if sufficiently large. All the romance aside, you'll never make a Lee Enfield into anything close to even a decent shooter at 1000 yds.

Ever heard of the Envoy, Enforcer or L42A1? Do you think all those DCRA No.4s didn't shoot? What rifle won the King's/Queen's Prize for decades?

I've got one downstairs I'd put against any .30 cal rifle ever made. They were still being used in the Commonwealth Games in 1994.

A well-made and properly set up No.4 with the right ammo will hold MOA to 1000 yards and beyond, some better than that. The L42 during trials made consistent hits on a Hun-head target at 1000m. Of course in .303, the right ammo hasn't been made here since 1950 when the last match .303 was produced.

A few years ago I was invited to build a rifle for the 2300 yard matches in England. The only requirement was that it would be able to beat a Lee Enfield. What a joke! Since my rifles held all the 1000 yard records at the time I felt confident when I told them if I didn't beat every Enfield on the line they wouldn't have to pay for the rifle. I should have checked the record book before shooting off my mouth. It would have saved me a rifle. There is something very unique to the Enfield that has been explained to me and I still don't understand exactly what it is. It has to do with the two piece stock and the harmonics plus the flex of the joint makes every thing come together at 2300 yards. You Lee Enfield lovers check the records of the 2300yard matches at Bisley. It will lift your spirits so high you will be able to laugh at us Magnum shooters. Don't ask me how a rifle with a 300 foot mid range trajectory can consistently beat out our high scoring Mags.
Gale McMillan

(He mis-remembered the distance: it would have been 1200 yards. And the two piece stock is not part of the "compensation" effect.)

 

[stevebc]

A Flat Base in a Lee Enfield works better in many Lee Enfields where there is poor bullet-bore fit, because the rear of the bullet can increase in size slightly upon firing and better fill the grooves. If one of the aforementioned BT bullets fit well, they have much better potential than FB to shoot well at extended ranges.

As for 1000 yds, I guess any rifle can makes hits on occasion if the target if sufficiently large. All the romance aside, you'll never make a Lee Enfield into anything close to even a decent shooter at 1000 yds.

My father's experience, along with thousands of others, is different.

As someone who pulled targets on the 1000yd range at Connaught during the national matches, I can tell you that I was staggered by the accuracy these guys were displaying at that range.