Feeding my Irish Contract Enfield

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david.b

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Hi everyone, perhaps this is a rehash, but I didn't have much luck with my search. I have recently got back into shooting after 15 years away, and one member of my small collection is a mint condition Irish contract Enfield. While I tell my wife the most fun I every had was when my kids were delivered, I think we all know that unwrapping this beauty when I was in my early 20s might also be up there...

I rarely fired it, I used Enfields a lot with cadets, so most of my shootings involved burned through a lot of old surplus with my #5. So here I am, much more recognizing of the quality of the rife, and while I don't believe in leaving it a safe queen, when I do go to the range I don't want to be blasting a bunch of high powered rounds.

I won't be firing rounds in the 1000s, but more just a couple groups at the end of the day to enjoy the rifle. What would you all suggest?

thanking you,
David
 
Im not really sure what you asking, but I think your looking for ammo recomendations. I would buy whatever you can get your hands on. Shoot all the different brands and loads of 303 and make your selection based on price, availability and how well your rifle shoots that particular load.
 
If you are handloading, or know someone who will load a couple of boxes for you, try this one.

Sierra 180 Pro-Hunter bullet, which is a flatbase type and good with Enfield rifling.

Thirty-seven to thirty-eight grains of 4895 powder. Try both loads; some rifles like one, some the other.

Bullet seated to the OAL of a Ball round. Because of the differing bullet profiles, this puts the Sierra slightly closer to the leade, which is a Good Thing.

This load is mild pressured, runs about 2250 ft/sec. It is NOT a hot load but it IS right on the money for the actual Woolwich Arsenal by-test most accurate velocity for the .303 round.

This load turns out half-inch called 2-round "sniper/hunter" groups with my 1918 Lithgow: first round from a cold bore, follow-up in 1 minute or less.

It's a good test of what you can expect the rifle to DO if you are hunting...... or sniping.

Murder on tin cans, too.

Hope this helps.
 
Smellie's suggestion is excellent ammo for most Enfields.

I use a similar load/bullet for my Enfields and it is the best load in most of them. The exception is my like-new Irish contract. It shoots well with that load, but even better with the Sierra 174 MatchKing. I was actually disappointed to see this because it meant my rifle had a champagne taste.
 
A big thank you to everyone who replied, you have given me much to consider... including the voice in the back of my head that says I should learn to reload.

all the best,
David
 
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