303 MK8z

[Greg S]

I was given some used cartridges and some of them are boxes of military 303 MK8z made in Yugoslavia. Is this the same as 303 British? It looks like a lot sharper shoulder angle.

Thanks
Greg S
a novice reloader.

 

[Al-Sway]

Yes it is the same as .303 British. The Mk8Z is simply a reference to the model (mark(Mk)) of the style of .303 British ammunition. The miitary went through various marks over the years of service, and the Mark 8Z was the latest, and indicated that it used nitrocellulose and not cordite. The apparent exterior shape of the case is not a true indication.

 

[vviking]

Had some of that many years ago, IIRC it came in century arms 15 rnd packages.
Mine were heavy bullet(196?)grn machine gun rounds , and man were they loaded hot.
massive fireball and heavy recoil. Wish I had more for my Ross m10 and p14.

 

[frykasj]

A side note, MK 8 is a little hot to use in a No. 1 or No. 4 Enfield. These were loaded hot for better functioning in machine guns. It would probably be okay in a P-14 or a Ross, as they have stronger actions than the SMLE.

 

[Greg S]

Thanks for the replies. I'm a little wiser now. These are spent cartridges so I might use them for reloading some day, if I ever wind up with a 303 again. They sure do have an excess of fouling in them!

Greg S