303 reloads

[al100]

I have been reloading 303s for about a year, and have never changed anything in my methods. I have been using a 150gr bullet with 37gr IMR3031.
My question is with the choice of powders, I use the 3031 only because that is what my tutor at the time had me buy, but there is very little referance to it anywhere, IMR web site, info with the dies, as well as countless posts that never talk about it, or include very little data. The powder its self says its a good choice for the 308, but what about a 303

 

[Boomer]

IMR-3031 is a fine powder for medium capacity cartridges including the .303. Ken Waters lists a maximum load of 42 grs of 3031 for a velocity of 2670. He makes no comment to the accuracy of this load, but the most accurate load he found was a maximum load consisting of a 150 gr Sierra ahead of 44 grs of IMR-4064. Considering the large internal dimensional differences between various military rifles, and the Lee Enfields in particular, this load should, like any maximum load, be approached with with due caution.

Waters recommends IMR-4064, Winchester-760, and IMR 4320 as the top powders for the .303 based on accuracy and velocity. He notes that fine accuracy was observed with Norma-MRP (similar to Re-22), but the velocity was far too low. IMR-4320 gave the best velocity with 180 and 215 gr bullets.

 

[Ganderite]

Good choice of bullet and powder. That load won't kick too hard and is plenty for punching paper.

If you want to try to improve accuracy, you could try 1 grain less powder and loads of 1, 2 and 3 more powder.

Shoot 5 of each, with plenty of cool down between groups.

If you can't find 3031 next time, similar powders are WW 748, Varget, IMR4895, IMR4064, RL15. You could start with the same powder charge and then test upwards.

BTW, 3031 is similar to the powder loaded in the Canadian 303 military ammo.

 

[commonman]

Imr 3031

I have used 3031 for 150 and 125 grain bullets for a few years now. I have tryed and like a number of other powders, some as good but so far nothing outstandingly better.

I would highly recommend that if you are reloading for the 303 british that you get Steve Redgwells book, "Shooting and reloading the 303 British & 303 Epps" He has spent a lot of time and money putting together the recipes it contains and there are other excellent bits of info as well. His website is 303british.com