I don't own a .303 but I have several friends that do and they have asked me to reload them some ammo for their .303's as apparently it is hard to come by. I have been doing some research and I have H4895 which should do well in this cartridge from what I have read. However, I do have a lot of IMR 4166 which has worked well for me in other cartridges. I have also found data for the bullets I have in .303. Velocity is similar to the H4895 load with slightly less pressures. Has anyone used this powder in the .303 and what were your results?
IMR4166 in the .303 cartridge
- Thread starter Rugerman
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I would think 90% + firearms in 303 would be Lee Enfield. Perhaps a.few M1914 Enfield and Ruger #1. If it's for a Lee Enfield, I wouldn't get to fancy or frisky. Number one rule of reloading, don't blow your face off. Doubt you need or should consider a dose of modern enduron powder. I would go old school...medium powders....off the top of my head.....4895 on the fast side....maybe up to 4350. Other powders....4064, 4320(?), W760, and of course 3031( in that it was developed when they switched from cordite.....and it literally stands for 303 #1.).
I have used it with speer 150SP and 180SP, seemed to be better suited to the 150 out of my shorter 19" barrel...
If its all you have it works but 3031, varget and 4064 work better. If you can find some hornady 174FBSP with 3031 your laughing, that combo groups best in all 3 of my 303's.
If its all you have it works but 3031, varget and 4064 work better. If you can find some hornady 174FBSP with 3031 your laughing, that combo groups best in all 3 of my 303's.
I tried 4166 in two Enfield s. Marginally better than Re 15, 4064, and W760.
BL-C(2) and N540 worked best for 180gr pills for me. 4166 would be the third choice here with no hesitation to use if there wasn't something more suitable. Haven't tried 4451 or 3031 but would have liked to.
FWIW, regards,
Ronr
BL-C(2) and N540 worked best for 180gr pills for me. 4166 would be the third choice here with no hesitation to use if there wasn't something more suitable. Haven't tried 4451 or 3031 but would have liked to.
FWIW, regards,
Ronr
Thanks Ronr and BCRecce. Helpful info. I have 3031, H4895, and 540. Just not a lot of it. I do have about 6 lbs of 4166 so I thought if it gave superlative results, I would use it. Sounds though, like I should use up that 3031 or 540.
I shoot a lot of 303 via reloading. 303's are odd ducks in that there are variables that control cartridge performance that make powder choice a secondary consideration. If you are just making hunting rounds for your buddies, the 4166 is more than adequate, perhaps too good (expensive). Since you've got a bunch, go for it.
If you really want to get fancy, use flat based bullets that are seated fairly close to the lands. I say "fairly close", because if you exceed the COAL as dictated by the cannelure, this can be problematic if your buddies try to shoot the ammo in another rifle that had a shorter leade.
If you really want to get fancy, use flat based bullets that are seated fairly close to the lands. I say "fairly close", because if you exceed the COAL as dictated by the cannelure, this can be problematic if your buddies try to shoot the ammo in another rifle that had a shorter leade.
Thanks. This is really good info. The rounds will be shot in a couple of Lee Enfields. They are mostly for plinking but one friend wants some hunting loads. The only bullets I have been able to obtain are 174 gr.FMJ and 180 gr. SP's, both Privi Partisan. So, will try a batch of each and check for accuracy. I got a really good deal on the IMR 4166 at the time. It was on sale. Price looks really good right now with what they are presently charging. So it will be relatively economical to shoot. Which is one reason why I was wanting to hear from anyone who uses it.
Only problem with the ppu projectiles is that they are undersized .3105, which may be fine if you have an odd tight barrel. Hornady makes a good flat nose flat bottom 174SP measures at .312 great for worn barrels. All the speer tips are .311.
IMR 4166 is the only Enduron powder I have not tried. I like these powders, and IMR 8133 is the ticket in my 257 Weatherby.
IMR 4166 is in a position on burn rate charts that would suggest it will work OK in the 303 British.
In my Ross M10 (rebarrelled, .311 Groove diameter) I use a lot of IMR 4320, which I understand is discontinued, but I have
a fair stash on hand.
Other powders that work well are Norma 202 & 203B, Ramshot Big Game, Vihtavuori N540 and Reloder 15. Dave.
IMR 4166 is in a position on burn rate charts that would suggest it will work OK in the 303 British.
In my Ross M10 (rebarrelled, .311 Groove diameter) I use a lot of IMR 4320, which I understand is discontinued, but I have
a fair stash on hand.
Other powders that work well are Norma 202 & 203B, Ramshot Big Game, Vihtavuori N540 and Reloder 15. Dave.
