Thread: .303 load data

I have a box of seirra pro hunters cant remember how much they were. 60 something for 100

If you're after cheap projectiles for .303, be sure to try the hornady 174gr RN. They're a genuine .312 projectile, and work a lot better in worn barrels. They aren't much good beyond about 200m but are good within that range.

For powder, most of the service rifle guys run 2206H or 2208 with good success. Just a thought if you aren't too committed to using 748 or 760.

Originally Posted by scaggly

If you're after cheap projectiles for .303, be sure to try the hornady 174gr RN. They're a genuine .312 projectile, and work a lot better in worn barrels. They aren't much good beyond about 200m but are good within that range.

For powder, most of the service rifle guys run 2206H or 2208 with good success. Just a thought if you aren't too committed to using 748 or 760.

What projectile do service rifle guys typically use? an SMK or equivalent, or is there just as good, cheaper options out there?
My understanding is the Lee Enfield is typicaly a 2-3moa rifle, is this accurate enough for service rifle?

Originally Posted by Beetroot

What projectile do service rifle guys typically use? an SMK or equivalent, or is there just as good, cheaper options out there?
My understanding is the Lee Enfield is typicaly a 2-3moa rifle, is this accurate enough for service rifle?

I use Barnaul FMJs, 174gr flat base, 32cents each. I use them for target shooting to 600m on my no4 mk2s. A standard no4 mk2 should do 1 3/4MOA at 100yds, good accuriased ones get to 1 inch MOA. No4 mk1s about 2inch MOA, though the T's were better. I suspect its a quality control thing from war time production and how good a barrel you got/get ie the wartime ones were rush jobs and sometimes not very good. If you are getting worse there is something wrong, often bedding or bore wear.

Service rifle has classes so its say 10 x 303s shooting against each other and not 303s v AR15s. Of course at 500yds+ the .223 AR15 is no where, 100m and they are impossible to beat.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

What projectile do service rifle guys typically use? an SMK or equivalent, or is there just as good, cheaper options out there?
My understanding is the Lee Enfield is typicaly a 2-3moa rifle, is this accurate enough for service rifle?

If you want to shoot in service class, you can't use match projectiles. 174gr fmj is the ideal, but the 174gr RN is acceptable according to the rules.

With 174gr RN handloads, my 1942 long branch will shoot into 2 MOA with iron sights. I suspect it could do a smidge better, but I'm the limiting factor.

Originally Posted by scaggly

If you want to shoot in service class, you can't use match projectiles. 174gr fmj is the ideal, but the 174gr RN is acceptable according to the rules.

With 174gr RN handloads, my 1942 long branch will shoot into 2 MOA with iron sights. I suspect it could do a smidge better, but I'm the limiting factor.

What are the rules regarding bullet/ cartridge selection for service rifle?
What range do you typically shoot, and at what sized target.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

What are the rules regarding bullet/ cartridge selection for service rifle?
What range do you typically shoot, and at what sized target.

Here you go. The official word via the service rifle match code. Sets out the rifle/ammo requirements, and describes core matches etc.

www.wsra.org.nz/SMC%204%20%20v8.pdf