Help a newbie loading 303 british

[m3conversion]

Hi, I'm trying reloading for the very first time and I want to make sure I load something safe!

I have IMR 4895 and Hodgdon BL-C(2) powders and 174gr RN Hornady .312" bullets. I checked the Hodgdon website and got this data:

174 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon H4895 .311" OAL 3.075"

34.0 (starting load) vel.2262 38,800 CUP
38.0 (max load) vel.2446 43,600 CUP

It's not exactly what I have, but as close as the table shows. Since I'm brand new and have no idea how to adjust these figures for what I have... could someone help me figure out what a safe load would be? Can I use the 34.0 starting load? I'm not looking to maximize my accuracy just yet, just make something safe to shoot!


Also, this is the data for BL-C(2)
174 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon BL-C(2) .311" OAL 3.075"
Starting load: 43.0 vel.2442 36,400 CUP
Max load: 46.5 vel. 2616 42,900 CUP

So... safe to start with 43?

 

[xtremacanuck]

I'm glad to see you consulted some load data. I have the Lyman manual at home and it has your Hornady bullets listed. I'll PM you the data for powders you listed. I use different bullets, but have found I get best accuracy with just above the starting loads (I have shorter barrels 18.5" and 21").

 

[coyote]

Most of the 303's I have played with liked h4895 with hornady 312 150gr bullets in the lands 5 or 10 thou, I used around 40 gr powder in mine for around 2650 fps .

You have the plan work up the load some of the old 303's produce impressive groups with the wright combo.

 

[HUNTERROD]

303 loads

i have 3 loads i use in my rifles, all ex shooters,

39gr of H335 rem brass, cci 200 primers, hornady 174rn
2" group at 150 yrds 4 shots

second i use is 45.5 gr of IMR4350 with a 174 hornady rn, cci 200 primers
and rem brass, vel is around 23e80, accuracy is ex

lasy one i like using is actually with the 123 grn sks bullet from hornady

45gr of imr 4895, makes for around 2750fps
and amazingly accurate, i wouldnt go after a moose with it, but deer shouldnt be an issue if shooter does his job!

all loads i use , i use rem brass, cci 200 primers, and bullets as stated to correct overall lengths in manuals

its a nice rifle to load for, watch your brass for stretching and separations if shooting lee enfields, its not a huge concern for separations in P14 OR ROSS RIFLES