Thread: 303-25 reloading

Hi all, does any one have any data, info/reccomendations on 303-25 reloading.

I know you can buy brass for it. What projectiles and powder are people using?

Thanks

I have data in Nick Harvey's manual

And dies
Really easy to make brass from good 303 brass
I brought the 303-25 dies to part form brass on the way to 303-22

I was Going to build a 25-35 and then realised it was pretty gutless
So some time soon I will build a 303-25

I would go with the Hornady 117 grain round nose

Nick Harvey shows max loads with 117 grains and 2600 to 2800 fps

Pretty useful

Two things to consider are your barrel twist, and the action. The one I had was a very slow twist (1:12 or 1:14 - I don't recall) in a Lee Enfield action so rear locking. If it was a 1:10 twist in a front locker like a P14 it's quite a different beast.

Original Winchester 25-35 twist was 1:8"
So fast twist is nothing new

I have some Lee loader dies and a lee load press.

Can you dowload the Nick Harvey Manual?

Originally Posted by Tentman

Two things to consider are your barrel twist, and the action. The one I had was a very slow twist (1:12 or 1:14 - I don't recall) in a Lee Enfield action so rear locking. If it was a 1:10 twist in a front locker like a P14 it's quite a different beast.

Yeah, they are mostly 12 twist. I had a p14 but the barrel was poked. Was trying to shoot 87gr sierras.

The rifle is down below. I cant tell you what the twist it is. Says Sportco .250 cal on the barrel

Originally Posted by Yeetziy

I have some Lee loader dies and a lee load press.

Can you dowload the Nick Harvey Manual?

Will do in the morning

Try the adi site for data. Should be some data there.

@Yeetziy

A quick look through the more common 25 cals suggests that the
25-35 is maxed out at 2300 fps with 117 grain bullets
The 250-3000 might get 2600 fps
Your 303-25 might safely do 2700 fps
And the 257 Roberts another 100 fps

All this based on 117 game bullets and not the lighter varmint ones

Annealing and forming from good quality 303 brass to 303-25 is very easy.
A lot easier than finding factory 303-25 brass

Originally Posted by akaroa1

@Yeetziy

Attachment 226157

Thanks very much for this. Most useful.