.32 CAL pistol bullets

[lyman54]

Another question for you guys. Being cheap by necessity I was wondering how .32 cal .312 pistol bullets would work in the .303 Brit. Currently using IMR 4198 powder. Prefer to stick with rifle powder. Any loads to suggest if anyone has used them with success? Thanks.

 

[sunray]

.32 calibre pistol bullets are usually under 100 grains. Rifle powders would not be suitable.
Mind you, there is one unverified Hornady 90 grain load on Reloader's Nest using Unique. Guy claims 3 to 4 inch groups at 100.

 

[Polar_Hunter]

Steve's Reload Page has a load listed,,,

303 British,,,,,,,,, 100 gr Bullet,,,,, H-4198 From 32.0 grains to 36.0 grains

 

[lyman54]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

 

[Ganderite]

If I was going to load that bullet I would prefer a shotgun powder.

 

[lyman54]

If I was going to load that bullet I would prefer a shotgun powder.

Why shotgun powder, or pistol powder for that matter. I'm not being critical, just curious as to why a reduced fast burning rifle powder wouldn't work.

 

[OldDude]

Why shotgun powder, or pistol powder for that matter. I'm not being critical, just curious as to why a reduced fast burning rifle powder wouldn't work.

The quantity used is one thing that comes to mind.... I loaded up some grouse loads for my 30-06 using about 2 grs. of Bullseye.
Especially with the small quantities, you have to be very careful to avoid multiple charges of powder.

Not to be confused with vewwy, vewwy careful..... ;-})>

 

[Conte]

Hmm, I actually have some load data written down for this application.
Found this researching reduced 303 loads. I can't remember if I actually tried it.

The 4759 powder it more appropriate. It's bulkier to fill more case space, and faster than 4198.
That being said, I have made a lot of reduced loads for 308 using 4198.
I recall using it in a load for my M305 using 110g bullets that was surprisingly accurate and even cycled the action.

303 reduced load.
32 pistol bullet.
100g
18 - 20g 4759
Sight at 400 yards.

 

[Conte]

Oh and google "303 Plinker" and go to images.

The first pic that should come up is a page out an old reloading manual showing various loads for the 303 using a 100g bullet.

 

[lyman54]

The quantity used is one thing that comes to mind.... I loaded up some grouse loads for my 30-06 using about 2 grs. of Bullseye.
Especially with the small quantities, you have to be very careful to avoid multiple charges of powder.

Not to be confused with vewwy, vewwy careful..... ;-})>

Yes pistol powder will go a long way. I should trust myself but one inattentive moment and well..... I prefer rifle powder in rifles but still there is a risk, might not be as bad as pistol powder though. Saw what happened to a guys $2000 rifle at the range. Lucky it was a very strong (but ruined) action. Thanks just got your 2nd comment.