Availability of Heavy .303 Projectiles

Sharps45-70

Sharps45-70

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I have a Ross target rifle I have been loading for. I would like to start testing the accuracy out to 800-1200 meters. So far I have been using Sierra 174 MK’s and Sierra 180 SP’s with the best results from the 180’s. However the flat base and soft point don’t lend themselves the best to long range accuracy. Originally, the Ross competition rifles had a range of projectiles, some as heavy as 215 grains. Does anyone know of some heavy spitzer projectiles in 303? I would like to experiment, so either BT or flat base. Thanks for any help :)
 
Sharps45-70 said:
I have a Ross target rifle I have been loading for. I would like to start testing the accuracy out to 800-1200 meters. So far I have been using Sierra 174 MK’s and Sierra 180 SP’s with the best results from the 180’s. However the flat base and soft point don’t lend themselves the best to long range accuracy. Originally, the Ross competition rifles had a range of projectiles, some as heavy as 215 grains. Does anyone know of some heavy spitzer projectiles in 303? I would like to experiment, so either BT or flat base. Thanks for any help :)
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does woodleigh still make them? I believe they are 215gn, try tradeex
 
LAPUA 303(.310) 200gr FMJ BULLET BOAT-TAIL 100/box or 1000/box

Graf and son have a good overview of what is available.

ht tps://www.grafs.com/catalog/category/categoryId/922
 
If the flat based 180 bullets are grouping best, it probably means your rifle prefers a flat base to a boat tail.

This is common. Only one of my 6 303s will shoot the Sierra match bullet well - a new Irish contract rifle. The others are much better with the flat base bullets.

At long range you still need the tightest group you can get. The flat base will drift with the wind a bit more. The military bullets we used to compete with at long range just needed lot's of wind on the sight. I have used as much as 20 minutes. Not a big deal.

Those pointy things you load are called "bullets" by those familiar with arms and ammunition. If you write "bullets" on this forum, we will all know what you mean.
 
Ganderite said:
If the flat based 180 bullets are grouping best, it probably means your rifle prefers a flat base to a boat tail.

This is common. Only one of my 6 303s will shoot the Sierra match bullet well - a new Irish contract rifle. The others are much better with the flat base bullets.

At long range you still need the tightest group you can get. The flat base will drift with the wind a bit more. The military bullets we used to compete with at long range just needed lot's of wind on the sight. I have used as much as 20 minutes. Not a big deal.

Those pointy things you load are called "bullets" by those familiar with arms and ammunition. If you write "bullets" on this forum, we will all know what you mean.
Click to expand...

I was not suprised that my rifle liked the flat base bullets, as my enfields do as well. I have never had an enfield that likes boat tails. The 174 SMK are not far behind, with the difference likely just me. The Hornady 174 BT's were not great however.

The bore on my Ross is .312, but probably a bit closer to .311. The concern I had with the lapua bullets is they are .310. My gut tells me they will not be good performers due to the size difference, but this difference may be negligible.
 
Yeah, the .310" diameter really is more suited to the 7.62x54 round, and that's probably the intention for those available in the 200gr range.

I have an acquaintance that bought some Corbin bullet making dies to produce .303 projectiles. He ordered his die sized to produce an .3125" finished diameter, and produce a finished Ogive that is nearly identical to the original .303 military bullet. I have used this die to bump up some .30 cal match bullets so that I would have something to use if sierra 180's ever became in short supply. I was bumping up Hornady 178gr hp match bullets. The end result was a projectile shape that was nearly indistinguishable from the factory 174gr unit. The process even removed the boat tail. I haven't tested these much, so how concentric these really are after the bumping process has not been established. This same procedure could be used with the Lapua 200gr .310's (If you could get them).

So short of buying some bullet making dies and making your own, or using them to bump up some bullets in the 200gr and up range, I think the only other alternative for heavy jacketed spitzer .303 bullets might be from "Chinchaga Bullets". I'm not sure if he's still producing though, I haven't seen his table at the Gun Shows lately.
 
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I made a die to bump Hornady 220 gr. r.n. .30 cal. bullets to .312. It ended up at .313 after to much lapping. The bullets shoot great in every .303 I have tried them in and shoot to the sights on my BSA Lee Speed sporters.

I lent the die out, and the fellow I lent it to re-lent it to someone he can't contact any more. I think this is what you call a Life Lesson.
 
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