I just picked up another rifle for the safe. It is a sporter p17. I realized that it completed my WW2 caliber list. I have a sporter Lee enfield in 303, a husky M98 in 8mm. The P17 completes the list with the 30-06. I can't wait to get out to the range and compare them all. But I think the old 303 will stay my fav as it was the first.
Wartime calibers
- Thread starter hardek
- Start date
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Don't be too sure. The M-17 in it's better examples has a nice smooth action, and the one I had was exceptionally accurate. The .30/06 can do things the .303 can't, given the strength limitations of the Lee Enfield, particularly if you load for it. Don't be surprised if the ole "tree-o-tree" becomes a safe queen.
- Location
- Yellowknife, NWT
I don't think any of these rounds saw service in WW II.......
Well the 223 and 308 did come later, but I would wager the others probably got used somewhere at some time, afterall there were alot of countries involved. Additionally there were frontline and home front guns, so dont forget the 30-30, 8X50r, 8X56r, 6,5X52, 8mm Lebel, 12ga, and on and on till we are all dead from old age.
I have a P-14 reamed out to Ackley Improved (slightly more than Epps), and handloads in it will beat commercial .30-06 round performance. Won't beat handloaded .30-06 rounds, but will come quite close to .300 H&H commercial rounds. That's why, when reamed in a Longbranch #4 or a P-14 action, Elwood called it the "Poor Man's Magnum". Those actions could handle the higher pressures of hotter loads.
"...completed my WW2 caliber list..." The Pattern 17 Rifle was used in W.W. I.
"...don't think any of these rounds saw service in WW II..." Certainly not the .308, .223, 45/70 or 30-40 Krag. There may have been a small Asian or South American country using the 7mm Mauser though. None of 'em would have had many if any troopies in Europe or outside their own country.
"....30/06 can do things the .303 can't..." Like what?
"...don't think any of these rounds saw service in WW II..." Certainly not the .308, .223, 45/70 or 30-40 Krag. There may have been a small Asian or South American country using the 7mm Mauser though. None of 'em would have had many if any troopies in Europe or outside their own country.
"....30/06 can do things the .303 can't..." Like what?
I prefer the 30.06 over the .303 because...
I started with the .303 and reloaded for it for five years.
Without alternative stacking in the clip the .303 can jam on the rim of the other cases...which sucks big time and happens at the worst time. Why the Brits didn't adopt a cartridge cut off like the Russian/Soviets did with their Mosins is beyond me.
IMHO the 30.06 has better ballistics with more reloading options and bullet selections. Store bought .303 is pricey and often in the non premium range...other then price.
But these are just my observations and preferences.
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