Shooting the .303 Ross - ammunition advice?

[RangeRover]

I'm awaiting arrival of a Ross 1905 Mark II, and I intend to shoot it.

Given the scarcity of milsurp .303 (though I keep on looking), I'd like to hear what ammunition has worked best for other Ross shooters. Commercial? Reloads only? Jacketed or cast?

I've got some Win Super X for my other .303s and I do intend to reload for this rifle if at all possible.

Thanks, and happy new year.

Information

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[Rossguy]

You've just told us "Ross Mk II" and no more.....Which Ross Mk II?
If it's an original no-star,one-star or with a Mk III sight: don't shoot it!
If it's either a Military or Commercial Mk II** with a great bore: handloads.
If it's either a Mk II 3*, 4* or 5*, it's most likely almost smoothbore- use up your surplus military stuff-

[37patt]

I have shot my Mk II* several times with surplus ammo (1940's Canadian stuff) and apart from blowing the shoulders of the casings out due to the large chamber I have had no problems.

[RangeRover]

Thanks for all the responses. I don't have the rifle yet, but based on s/n (BU suffix) and physical characteristics it is a 5*, although the butt stock appears devoid of any stars at all. A closer look when it arrives might solve (or deepen) the mystery.

The previous owner did run some rounds through it before I bought it and I hope to get the measurements from his fired brass to help me assess the size of the chamber. The rifle bears no enlarged chamber markings, for what that's worth.

Is the concern about the no star, one-star or the Mk III sight versions based on rarity and value or on the fact that later variations were stronger/safer (or both)?

You've just told us "Ross Mk II" and no more.....Which Ross Mk II?
If it's an original no-star,one-star or with a Mk III sight: don't shoot it!
If it's either a Military or Commercial Mk II** with a great bore: handloads.
If it's either a Mk II 3*, 4* or 5*, it's most likely almost smoothbore- use up your surplus military stuff-

[browningautorifle]

I had a Ross some twenty years ago and without concerning myself over which make or mark it was I shot reloads without incident. I kept them reasonable for reduced recoil and didn't even suffer separated cases like the other 303 service rifles.

[Rowdy]

Despite my Mk.II (3* I think) having a very worn overall appearance, the bore appears to be very good and there are no LC markings on the barrel.
I have been a little reluctant to shoot it having read about the 30cal bore but it must have been designed to shoot 303 and headspaces OK so I have determined to have a go with my standard loads someday.

[oldpaul]

I have been the happy owner of a MkII 5* for over thirty years and have fired thousands of rounds of everything from military surplus to handloads and commercial bought. The bore still slugs out to .3105" and I get substantially better case life than I get with my SMLE, possiby due to the front locking lugs on the Ross. As with any 100+ year old rifle it is prudent to check its soundness before shooting of course. Rowdy, nice history on your stock.
Tom in beautiful Washington State

[Jay in CA]

I'm awaiting arrival of a Ross 1905 Mark II, and I intend to shoot it.
Given the scarcity of milsurp .303 (though I keep on looking), I'd like to hear what ammunition has worked best for other Ross shooters. Commercial? Reloads only? Jacketed or cast?
I've got some Win Super X for my other .303s and I do intend to reload for this rifle if at all possible.
Thanks, and happy new year.

I have several Ross rifles. The .280 shoots great with reloads and can be downloaded a bit. My question is about the .303 military version, where I have shot reloads and factory Greek. But given the scarcity of milsurp ammo, I want to reload. My rifle has a large chamber. The cases come out with necks 10 thou or so too large to even enter a resizing die. How have people dealt with this problem? Have you gotten RCBS to make special dies? Does it take two resizing passes to get the necks down to .311? Other solutions or suggestions.
Thanks, Jay in CA

[buffdog]

I have several Ross rifles. The .280 shoots great with reloads and can be downloaded a bit. My question is about the .303 military version, where I have shot reloads and factory Greek. But given the scarcity of milsurp ammo, I want to reload. My rifle has a large chamber. The cases come out with necks 10 thou or so too large to even enter a resizing die. How have people dealt with this problem? Have you gotten RCBS to make special dies? Does it take two resizing passes to get the necks down to .311? Other solutions or suggestions.
Thanks, Jay in CA

You might try a set of the Lee Collet Dies. These work quite well in a Ross, and even the SMLE if you use the same brass that was originally fired in that rifle. Mix it up, and you have trouble. These Collet Dies neck size only by squeezing the neck of the case inward to contact a mandrel in the center of the die. This resizing die, plus the "dead length" seating die results in some very accurate ammunition.
.

[us019255]

"...fired brass to help me assess the size of the chamber...."

Better than that purchase some Cerrosafe from Brownells or others and make and mike a chamber cast. Easy to do and then you will know for sure.