Good hunting load for a short barrelled .303 Brit

flying pig

flying pig

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Working on a good load specifically tailored to a BSA No2 factory sporter. My usual go to load is for a standard military barrelled 303 Brit. Normally I use 38gr IMR4895 under a Sierra 180 Pro Hunter. This load is producing 3-4” groups 100y, and 2150-2200fps. I’d like to see a bit better accuracy, the rifle has a tight commercial chamber, a 21” barrel, is scoped, and is in near new condition. I have 4895 and Varget on hand as well as a few others. I have Hornady 174gr RNs on hand as well as Pro Hunters for hunting bullets and plan on keeping the heavier 174-180gr pills. I’m expecting to not engage game any further than an absolute max of 300y and honestly wouldn’t be very comfortable at that range with this set up at this point in my experience with it, under 200 is much more realistic. Thoughts?
 
Sierras measure ~0.3105"-0.311". Hornady 174 gr. RNSP measure ~0.312". SR Custom 200 gr. bullets measure [depending on which ones you ordered] 0.313" or 0.314". Old Speer 175 gr. RNSP [meant for the 7.65x53 Belgian/Argentine/&c.] measure 0.314". Hawk used to make 0.314" bullets.

If you haven't got any of those, I'd suggest the Hornadys as they are the largest.

Your B.S.A.Co. #2 probably has a replacement barrel if it measures 21". Does the barrel have engraving matching the barrel? Is it serial #'ed to the receiver? Does it say "FOR CORDITE ONLY"? Does it have a "E" on the knox form? Remember that the only difference between a #1 & a #2 is the lack of a full-length barrel rib on a #2. Both are engraved.
 
I got kickass groups with 150 gr. Hornady Interlocks with both Varget and IMR3031. They were deadly medicine on whitetail but you might have to look at heavier bullets on bigger game. This was out of a BSA "Sussex" sporter.
 
jamesharrison said:
Sierras measure ~0.3105"-0.311". Hornady 174 gr. RNSP measure ~0.312". SR Custom 200 gr. bullets measure [depending on which ones you ordered] 0.313" or 0.314". Old Speer 175 gr. RNSP [meant for the 7.65x53 Belgian/Argentine/&c.] measure 0.314". Hawk used to make 0.314" bullets.

If you haven't got any of those, I'd suggest the Hornadys as they are the largest.

Your B.S.A.Co. #2 probably has a replacement barrel if it measures 21". Does the barrel have engraving matching the barrel? Is it serial #'ed to the receiver? Does it say "FOR CORDITE ONLY"? Does it have a "E" on the knox form? Remember that the only difference between a #1 & a #2 is the lack of a full-length barrel rib on a #2. Both are engraved.
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James Harrison, this is the one I had picked up a few months ago at auction that we had previously chatted about. I’m working on picking up a 5rd mag for it as well. I really like this little rifle, handy, short, light and dependable.
 
Id be checking your velocity at range and the minimum velocity needed to expand the bullets you are looking at. As an example Federal Premiums 180gr load has 2200fps at 100yds but by 300yds its under 1750fps, and by 400yds it's under 1550fps. A lot of bullets are designed around 1800fps being the minimum impact velocity and you're already under that by 200yds with things like factory Federal ammo or Hornady RN reloads.
 
flying pig said:
James Harrison, this is the one I had picked up a few months ago at auction that we had previously chatted about. I’m working on picking up a 5rd mag for it as well. I really like this little rifle, handy, short, light and dependable.
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Sorry fp, I don't remember [Old-timer's kicking in, yet again]. It sounds like you have a #4c carbine, if it has a 21" barrel. It is sighted, by the markings on your barrel for the 174 gr. bullet, vice the old Mk. VI 215 gr. RN bullet., which is also a later marking. As well, #2's did not have a barrel band sling swivel as yours does. If your accuracy with 180 Sierras [a very soft bullet that usually produces excellent accuracy in LE's] or 174 Hornadys SUCK, the only thing I can suggest would be properly proportioned cast bullets, designed for YOUR chamber/barrel. BUT, a properly designed bullet for hunting has a meplat of ~68%, precludes hunting at that range. Plus, that rifle was designed for the bush, like here in The Shield, where shots are 35-60 yds., as you can't see past that in the Black Spruce / cedar swamps.
 
jamesharrison said:
Sorry fp, I don't remember [Old-timer's kicking in, yet again]. It sounds like you have a #4c carbine, if it has a 21" barrel. It is sighted, by the markings on your barrel for the 174 gr. bullet, vice the old Mk. VI 215 gr. RN bullet., which is also a later marking. As well, #2's did not have a barrel band sling swivel as yours does. If your accuracy with 180 Sierras [a very soft bullet that usually produces excellent accuracy in LE's] or 174 Hornadys SUCK, the only thing I can suggest would be properly proportioned cast bullets, designed for YOUR chamber/barrel. BUT, a properly designed bullet for hunting has a meplat of ~68%, precludes hunting at that range. Plus, that rifle was designed for the bush, like here in The Shield, where shots are 35-60 yds., as you can't see past that in the Black Spruce / cedar swamps.
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Ah yes, you may have already told me it’s a 4C as well and I put it in my head (falsely) that it’s No2.

I’m going to run a proper ladder test with what I have on hand. My 2150-2200fps seems to be in line with what the manual states for that weight of bullet and 4895. I have Varget here as well so will try it with the 174s and 180s and see what happens.
 
Y
Suther said:
Id be checking your velocity at range and the minimum velocity needed to expand the bullets you are looking at. As an example Federal Premiums 180gr load has 2200fps at 100yds but by 300yds it’s under 1750fps, and by 400yds it's under 1550fps. A lot of bullets are designed around 1800fps being the minimum impact velocity and you're already under that by 200yds with things like factory Federal ammo or Hornady RN reloads.
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Yes, after verifying it looks like realistically I should be looking at 150yds as my max ethical range. As Jamesharrison says though, unless an opportune shot comes up when crossing a cut line or natural opening my shots are likely to be quite short. Hence a low variable scope (2-7) plus mount set up where I can use the irons for extreme short range. Otherwise I’d be carrying my 300 H&H or one of the dozen or so 280 Rosses here.
 
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