Crazy Results in Firing different types of .30-06 loads in a M1917 Enfield

[Wineman]

Possibly the barrel tolerances are on the large side. The flat base bullet "slugs up" and fits better, the BTHP flops around a bit and is sloppy at 100. Try the BT farther out, they may not be as bad although something out of balance usually does not correct itself. I have a 5 groove original barrel and it likes flat base or fatter boat tails (Hornady 303/7.7 FMJ at 0.3105"). You might give these a try too. The other thing that might be better is the M72 bullet from the original M1 30-06 loads (172 grain BT but open base, the MK has a hollow point). Sometimes you can find these as pulled and at good prices. Other FMJ BT's may also be open base but I don't have any to compare. Hornady and Remington come to mind. I would stay away from pulled M-80 7.62x51, they would be better at 100 but I have found them not very accurate.

Dave