303 Match Loads

[LTCJohnston]

Any recomendations for 303 match loads using 174 gr match bullet (hollow point bowtail). Terry

[jmoore]

Yah, stupidly enough, the Sierra 180gr PSP hunting bullet seems to outshoot the "match" bullet. I generally use the "accuracy load" recommended in the Sierra manual as my accuracy load, even though IMR 4064 is a bit old hat. My velocities are a bit higher than what Sierra claims (right at 2400fps), and it matches the sight settings out to 600yds. Got to add a bit more elevation further out.

[smellie]

Depending on the individual rifle, I find that I am getting the best out of the old .303 with the Sierra 180 Pro-Hunter flatbase bullet. I run them as close to 2250 as I can, this being the by-test most accurate velocity for the Mark VII by 1910 testing. I get this with 37 to 38 grains of 4895. Bullet seating is to the OAL of a Mark VII Ball round, which is what my seater die is adjusted with.

With this load, I get 1/2-inch from a 1918 Lithgow SMLE and a solid 1 inch with a 1918 NRF. Both, needless to say, were fired off the sandbags during the test. This same loading also gives me under half-inch in Ross Mark III DA-426, although it comes in about 2335 from the longer barrel.

I think this should be sufficient for a match.

BTW, your front sight covers about 4 MOA of your target. If you have an adjustable rear-sight, you might think of putting it 2 minutes OUT and aiming with the upper right-hand CORNER of your front-sight blade. I find that this can REALLY tighten things up. Rosses and some SMLEs have rear sights that you can do this with, but for the Number 4, you'll have to put the front sight out instead. Give it a try. Just might surprise you... and everybody else if you don't tell them!

Good luck!

[newcastle]

Smellie I am veRY interested by the concept of using the corner of teh sight. Nver heard of that before. Tell me please do you zero to Point of aim = point of impact (i hav ehad trouble with this black sight blade on black bull +bad eyes) or do you use a 6 o clcok hold? any suggetsions welcome on this. pM me if you don't wish to put your secrets out there for all to see. Move along folks nothing to read here.

[Thunderbox]

When accuracy-testing an Enfield, I don't even use a conventional target - I use the smallest aiming point that its possible to see at that range. E.g. at 100 yds I use a 1" square black patch on a white target screen. That way you get the smallest group possible for your eyesight, but also maintain a true zero instead of using a "lollipop" or other method to resolve the foresight against a black target.

[Alan de Enfield]

I have tried various loads and bullet combinations (150gr, 174gr FMJ, 180gr Soft points etc) and have never yet found a combination that can beat the factory loaded Prvi partisan 174gr FMJ

Absolute disaster with the 150gr I could barely find the target, we had a discussion about this and the general consensus was that there wasnt enough 'meat' / length in the bullet for the rifling to stabilise it.

Round nose / soft points didnt feed well, it seems as if it needs a nice 'pointy' bullet to slide up the ramp into the breech.

Savage No4 Mk1*
At 75 mts (82 yards) lying prone with only elbow support, wind right to left about 10mph and Prvi factory ammo.
Two sighting/warming rounds at 10 o'clock then 5 rounds.



The eyes have gone somewhat down hill in the last year and I now use targets with as small as possible black bull (ala Thunderbox), or, the 'exploding' orange ones so I can at least see where I'm hitting.

[JBS]

Best load to date for me is IMR 4064 under a Hornady .312 174 gr. bullet.

Look here also
Bullet tumbling

[Edward Horton]

It could be said the term "match load" doesn't apply to our Enfield rifles any longer simply because an Armourer is no longer caring for our Enfield rifles.

Add 50 plus years of not replenishing the stock with raw linseed oil and bedding forces will change especially when it comes to up pressure at the fore end tip.

Today we reloaders can create a match load by changing powders and powder weight to alter barrel vibrations and thus accuracy.

A military Armourer doesen't "reload" for the rifles in his care BUT he can alter the amount of up pressure at the fore end tip and "tune" the rifle to the ammunition being used or issued.

Please note in Mr. Laidlers little green book it was stated that Holland and Holland rejected any Enfield rifle that did not have the required 2 to 7 pounds of up pressure at the fore end tip, and these rifles were sent back to their owning organizations.

Also the minimum acceptable accuracy standard for the No.4 Mk.1 (T) sniper rifle was a 100 yard group one inch wide by three inches tall.

What I'm getting at is each Enfield rifle you people have can be "tuned" for maximum accuracy two different ways. You have your choice of reloading to find the best load or changing or varying the amount of up pressure to control barrel vibrations to get maximum accuracy. (or both methods)

What you also need to know is our Enfield rifles were not trial tested with Hornady, Sierra, Speer etc bullets or using todays powders, all of which effects barrel vibrations and accuracy.

Also my best shooting Enfields have six or more pounds of up pressure BUT this will depend on bedding forces.

The bottom line is the Enfield rifle was "tuned" to shoot Mk.7 ammo and Remchester ammo ain't Mk.7.

[goblin357]

I use 42.5gns of RL15 with 174 SMKs in PPU cases. Will keep them all in the V-bull (3 1/2") at 200yards all day long, with my No.4(T)

[shottist]

I have had excellent results with several Enfields (plus a Jungle Carbine) using the Sierra 174gr SMK and 43.5grs. of IMR4350, Winchester Primers. Winchester and Norma brass All of the rifles I have used this load in have new and tight bored barrels. Precision in all rifles is 5 shots in an average of 3 inches at 200M. The Carbine holds 4 inches at 200M until it heats up then it shoots all over the target. (Wandering Zero?)