Thread: Questions Regarding .303 British

The Hornady COL is 2.945", your rifling will be miles away from that; and if you do slug the barrel it will be closer to .314" than .312"
the 174 RN is the best bullet to use the 150 gr is too short, the original .303 load was a 215 grain RN paper patched lead bullet loaded with black powder
the Hornady is very close to the original, Norma used to make a 215 grain RN that was very accurate.

Greetings,
The .303 load data is all over the place due to being shot in rifles with different levels of erosion from the hot cordite propellent of military cartridges. I have found the Hodgdon data to be most reliable as it is pressure tested but you will likely get less velocity. Lee Enfields are notoriously tough on brass if full power loads and full length sized cases are used. Neck sizing and keeping the loads down a bit will greatly extend brass life. The 174 grain RN shoots well in most rifles so is a good choice and a great game projectile. Best of luck with the hunting.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by goatcommander

Thanks for this John Duxbury
I think that’s exactly what I’ll do, I’ll get the 174gr round nose and confirm load data with ADI.
I’ll set the projectile .8mm off the lands and will see how she feeds ay?

Yeah, just put 48 grains in, you cant get enough 2209 in the case to be dangerous. I cant remember if its compressed or not, but dont worry if it is, compressing powder is nothing to worry about. Just lean on it till its seated.
Seat it so the OAL is at 3.022 (or 76.78mm) and see if that feeds alright.