Thread: .303 reloads

Hi guys n gals, I want to start loading .303 (mainly target shooting @50m, IPSC style etc) Can anyone think of any threads that exist for this?
Cheers, 40mm

Thanks for the tips @Mauser308, I have been looking and reading a bit. Still collecting the necessary bits and pieces....

Yep neck sizing and or just barely bumping the shoulder when necessary otherwise you will get early head separation in most 303s.

174gr fmj. 39.5 gr ar2208. Crimp projectile. Done.

Cheers guys for the advice, I just so happen to have 3kg of ar2206h that my ar has suddenly refused to shoot.... Anyone got a load for that stuff? I had a look through the latest lyman book but no luck there.

Here ya go:

Rifle - ADI World Class Powders and Ammunition

What brand of projectiles are people using? 174gr which is the same as milsurp ammo, doesn't appear to have many options other than Hornady which makes it pricey for plinking.

I've had good luck using.308 cal projectiles in my 7.62x39 which has a bore of .310+ If I was reloading for 303 and my bore slugged at .313 or less I'd be tempted to try the PPU 123gn .310 projectile - they are cheap when you can find them.

I now have some redundant 7.62x39 (THANKS JACINDA ) after some searching it seems to reload this to 303 British all that needs to be done is size and prime the 303 case, pull the bullet and powder from the 7.62x39 and dump it in the 303 case. I would have assumed there would be air space between powder and bullet due to different case sizes but this seems to not be a problem. Any comments advice welcome.

Originally Posted by Trigger

What brand of projectiles are people using? 174gr which is the same as milsurp ammo, doesn't appear to have many options other than Hornady which makes it pricey for plinking.

That's what I'm using. Service rifle also let's me use 180gr round nose which gives a few more options

Originally Posted by Tasbay

I now have some redundant 7.62x39 (THANKS JACINDA ) after some searching it seems to reload this to 303 British all that needs to be done is size and prime the 303 case, pull the bullet and powder from the 7.62x39 and dump it in the 303 case. I would have assumed there would be air space between powder and bullet due to different case sizes but this seems to not be a problem. Any comments advice welcome.

It sounds simple but this approach can be problematic. The projectile is fine its the powder where problems can begin.
The russian round is designed for a shorter barrel than the 25 inch enfield so the powder is reasonably fast think adi 2207 and is 25-28 grains. The case is full.
The 303 uses 40 -44 grains of 2206h for a similar weight 125 gr pill and the case us full.
Using a smaller charge of fast powder in a larger case can cause serious pressure issues, as the powder lays flat exposing a larger than normal surface area so it can ignite in mass not progressivly and cause a massive pressure spike.
It is not safe to transfer load data from one case to another as the dynamics of ignition are case size dependent.

Originally Posted by Marty Henry

It sounds simple but this approach can be problematic. The projectile is fine its the powder where problems can begin.
The russian round is designed for a shorter barrel than the 25 inch enfield so the powder is reasonably fast think adi 2207 and is 25-28 grains. The case is full.
The 303 uses 40 -44 grains of 2206h for a similar weight 125 gr pill and the case us full.
Using a smaller charge of fast powder in a larger case can cause serious pressure issues, as the powder lays flat exposing a larger than normal surface area so it can ignite in mass not progressivly and cause a massive pressure spike.
It is not safe to transfer load data from one case to another as the dynamics of ignition are case size dependent.

Thanks Marty : That's about what I came up with, have loaded a lot of subsonic rounds over the years and cartridges like the 303 needed at least a filler between the powder and bullet so as not to get detonation or a squib load. May need to look at a Ruger American in 7.62x39 if they are aloud across the boarder as a huge pay out should be coming my way (Cough Cough) will believe it when I see it.

Years ago I used 174gr Hornady round noses (they also do 150 spitzers); a good bush round.... Speer and Sierra all make flat based 150 and 180-grain spitzer 303 projectiles. Mine shoots 150gr well so I think I'll get a Lee Loader and have a play with the 150's. Gunworks do the small sample packs too; good to try out :-)

https://www.reloaders.co.nz/shop/Rel...es/303cal.html

https://www.reloaders.co.nz/shop/Rel...es/303cal.html

What brand makes flat base 174 fmj projectiles? I had a quick look on the shelf out at gunworks last week but couldn't find any. I'd like to make a load that closely replicates the trajectory of the old mk7 ammo so I can use the range drum on my T.

Originally Posted by Danger Mouse

That's what I'm using. Service rifle also let's me use 180gr round nose which gives a few more options

At the moment I'm using Lapua 180gr FMJs which I got on the cheap as I use it for my Mosin too. But my source has dried up. So i'm down to my last 100 and need to find alternative sources to feed the bang sticks.