Loading .312 Pistol bullets in .303 British

bluemike807

bluemike807

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Ok, this is probably a stupid question, but I'd rather ask and be informed of how and why it is wrong, as opposed to doing it and potentially finding out the hard way.

Example: Hornady has a line of '32 cal' pistol bullets which are .312 in diameter. They range from 60-80-100 grains and are generally hollowpoint.

How practical would it be to load these in either .303 British or 7.62x39 cartridges? What would their effects/accuracy be? I live in Nova Scotia, and hope to take my SKS out this deer season. I'm also considering something that might shoot flatter, out of a .303. If nothing else, it might be interesting to play around with; the idea of a 100 grain hollowpoint projectile on an SKS round... hmm. Constructive feedback, please
 
Loaded them (FMJ) for a buddy moose hunting with his 303 to take grouse, light powder charges. This flatter trajectory thing you talk about won't work, stick with rifle bullets for big game.
 
The bullets are designed for lower velocities, and pressures. I suspect that at 303 speeds they would grenade on game, leaving a nasty surface wound with little penetration.
Probably be fine on varmints, but then there is the accuracy question. Will the 303's rifling stabilize a bullet that short?
Only one way to find out.
Let us know.
 
They will work just fine as plinking or short range varmint loads with about 10-12 grains of Unique.
 
I have used the 100gr. XTP bullet on top of 18gr. SR-4759 in my P-14 for years as a plinker load. At 1471 fps it shoots great but would explode if used on big game.
 
In 303 brit I use jacketeds 100gr with 11gr unique for 1400ish fps

also i use my cast bullets 100gr hard cast waterquench with 6 gr unique for 1200 fps.

I prefer the cast load personally. Alot cheaper and just plain fun....accurate enough for 75-100 meter gopher shots and it smacks them hard.

Use at least 150gr -180gr for big game. Save these little bullets for little targets.
 
I've gone as light as 80 gr cast, and had poor results with anything lighter than 125 grs. I attribute that to the huge leap the bullet requires to get to the rifling, as much as 1 1/2 bullet lengths, and the necessity of fast pistol powders. Beware of this situation, as it can cause hangfires. Upon firing, pressure builds at the bullet exits the neck's firm grip, then plummets as the bullet enters "limbo" (neither in the neck, nor engaged with the rifling), then soars when the bullet engages the rifling and effectively seals the bore - much as a bore obstruction would.

If you insist on loading as described, use modest amounts of a pistol powder as fast or faster than Unique - e.g. Trail Boss, Red Dot or Bullseye.
 
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