PDA

View Full Version : What is your "Go To" match load for a



S.B.
09-28-2015, 01:42
No. 4 Mk 1 SMLE in .303? What (reload) load closely resembles a issue load as per velocity and bullet weight?
Steve

DaveL
10-16-2015, 07:04
Here's a link to show you the mil specs for bullet weight and velocity. There are different rounds to choose from.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.303_British#Projectile

After you pick one, refer to your loading manual for a load that matches.
HTH

Sunray
10-17-2015, 01:26
A No. 4 Mk 1 is not an SMLE. However, you need to slug the barrel first for find out its diameter. (Not all of 'em are .311".) Then use the closest match bullet to that diameter using the powder that gives approximately 2440 FPS with a 175 grain bullet. There was no issue match ammo. Tested data is here. http://www.303british.com/id1.html
Sierra makes a .311" 175 grain Match King. Nobody else makes a match grade bullet for .303 British. Hornady's makes a 174 grain .3105" FMJBT, but it's not a match bullet.

JB White
10-22-2015, 11:22
So far I have not been able to purchase or reload ammo that shot as well as the surplus Winchester available in the 90's. Headstamp is WCC 81. It still turns up on scarce occasions. Usually when an old collectors stockpile hits the gun show circuit. Somebody is always just as wise and quite a bit quicker than I am. To this day I regret having shot off my stash of it. Should have held some back for those times I could win a hefty bet about how accurate 'that stupid British bolt in a two piece stock' can be.