Help!!! Just about to start loading .303 Brit

Fingersmuldoon

Fingersmuldoon

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Hi,

I know this has probrably been done to death, but I have a question regarding bullet diameter in .303 brit.

I have researched a considerable amount of load data and I see references to bullet diameters listed anywhere from .308 through to .313. I have also done some reading and see lots of discussion about using jacketed bullets up to .312 dia, and lead at .312 or .313.

I understand that you can shoot .308 bullets in the .303 Brit, but this is not recommended. I also understand that the concensus is to use bullets on the larger side as these often provide better results in these 55 plus year old rifles.

I would welcome your input as to what bullet size to run with. I am looking at reloading just for plinking as I will use factory ammo for hunting.

I am set up for basic reloading and do not have access to a head space gauge. I will be using Lee collet dies, so will just be neck sizing.

I have a 1945 #5 Mk1 and have fired a large qty of 1950's vintage DA ammo through the rifle and have not experienced a single case seperation issue, nor did any of the fired brass show any signs of stretching etc. Accuracy was what I would have expected, especially due to the excessive recoil and blast from the rifle, so I dont think there are any headspace issues or the bore is excessively worn.

Thanks for your input.

Dave
 
I used .312 bullets with very good results. Just neck sizing is better as the case will last longer. .303 case's don't last that long anyways because of the large headspace which kept them from jamming. But using only your case's and neck sizing will give you remarkable accuracy. I think it was 4895 powder I used in a little Lee Loader.
 
Slug the barrel first. Hammer a cast .30 calibre bullet or suitably sized lead fishing sinker though the barrel with a 1/4" brass rod and a plastic mallet and measure it with a micrometer. Lee-Enfield barrels can measure between .311" to .315" and still be considered ok. Over .315", the barrel is shot out.
Then use the closest diameter bullet.
Hornady makes .3105" and .312" bullets. Sierra and Speer make .311" bullets. Steve, at 303british.com, seasonally makes .313" and .314" 200 grain jacketed bullets.
"...you can shoot .308 bullets..." Too small in most barrels. Not unsafe, just too small for good accuracy.
"...large headspace..." 'Generous' chamber dimensions, not large headspace. Different things.
 
303 British

Lyman 54 has it right on neck sizing only. I use a Lee collet die for my 303's and it works fine; Lee claims up to 10x brass life. (Brass must be sorted for each rifle but if your JC is your only 303, that problem is solved). While most 303 reloaders seem to be members of the cult of the heavy bullet, a mild 150 grn load will cut recoil way down for plinking). Steve's site 303british.com has lots of suggestions. I have not tried it but 123 grn Hornadys for the 7.62x39 would be another low recoil plinking choice.
 
I've used Hornady bullets in all my 303s with their .312 diameter in 150 gr. .308 bullets will come out the end of the barrel but as mentioned accuracy would suffer. I also don't try to hot rod these old rifles and keep velocities at about 2300fps for the 150's which seems to give good case life. Also as mentioned I segregate my brass for each rifle to limit the amount of sizing needed. Good luck these rifles are fun to shoot.
 
If you are not using cast bullets, you really don't have to slug the barrel. Nice information but not essential.
With commercial jacketed bullets you have a narrow range of diameters, mostly .311 or .312". I would suggest you try a box of each and see if there is any difference in accuracy. I suspect you won't be able to tell the difference.
If you start to cast, then it is essential to slug you barrel and fit the bullet to the groove diameter.
 
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