Load data for .303 british cast bullets

ironsite

ironsite

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Hi folks,
I just started casting my own bullets for my .303 British. my mold is .311 174 grain. I did slug the barrel (damn 5 groover) and it seems that this will work out fine.
My question is my Lyman manual only has load data for 200 grain bullet. They suggest 20-26.5 grains of IMR 4227 ( which is one of the powders I have in stock)
Does anyone have load data for a 174 grain using that powder or is it okay to use the 200gr spec but not max it out.
Secondly, Could I use any of my other powders 4064, 4895 that are commonly used with jacket bullets but at a different load?
Thanks
 
Got any pistol powder? Those are cheaper :)

Good to 200 yards. Use a gas check

16gr of 2400 will work great for that boolit. Blue dot or AA9 can be substituted as well.

17 grains of IMR or H4227, 18 grains of 4198, 21 grains of Reloder 7, 24 grains of IMR 3031, or 25.5 grains of 4895 for comparable results.

You ll need to use Dacron filler with light rifle powder loads.

Might also wanna go bigger than .311 for cast in an enfield

17gr AA9 - 185gr GCed boolit - 100 yards 1918 SMLE - costs about $0.15 a shot



Projectiles were not weighed and charges were thrown right from the dispenser into case.
 
Like I said. Pistol powders are easier. Without the Dacron the rifle powders won't ignite and burn properly so your group will look like a shotgun blast.
 
You can safely use the 200gr bullet weight for working up a load. You can also very likely go to the max because your using a lighter bullet so pressure will be lower.

Obviously watch for pressure signs as you work up a load.

And if you can find any info for the bullet weight you want, use normal non cast loading info. Start low and work up.
 
I dont hacve my data in front of me, but I am using a checked 200gn rounds with 4198 and having a lot of fun with it. Lyman's 49th has data for a 180gn projectile that you should use as a starting base, just knock off about 10% and work your way up.
 
I was using 26 gr 4064 with the lee 185 gr. I also used 24.9 gr 3031 same bullet. Bullet is gas checked. Velocity was 1522 fps on the 3031 load.

No filler in these loads, but I believe they were crimped.
 
Once you've had fun making them, you can have even more fun powder coating them!

20140808_024930_zps1e2f3bb9.jpg~original
 
My loads for 174 gr cast bullets:

IMR4895: 32 gr = 1800 fps, 70% case fill. Quickload says 21K psi.
IMR4895: 35 gr = 2100 fps, 76% case fill. Quickload says 27K psi.
 
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