4T range report

[smle addict]

Good Morning

DRP-I have had the best results with the IMR stick powders; 4064, 3031, and 4895 (in that order of accuracy), and Varget (lower pressure). I do like N140, but it a bit spendy on this side of the world. It's accurate, is good as the IMR stuff, and meters much better. I buy when I see it, but it is more $$. I like W760 with magnum primers for low pressure loads in my older Lee-Metfords. Bullet selection is hit and miss (no pun!). In general, The 4T's seem to like the Sierra Boat tails, or heavier flat-based spitzers.

I have found that works best for me is to seat the bullet out as far as possible. I have, in the past, seated them a few thousandths off of the rifling, but then they don't fit into the magazine. So now, I seat them to where they just clear the magazine front. For me, cartridge overall length is between 3.045 to 3.060.

PhilB-I have used WW2 vintage ammo, with mixed results. I had some 1944 ammo, and it was all "click-bang". There is a bunch of POF still available around over here, and it is all "click-bang" as well. I bought 1000 rounds of HXP, and that stuff is great. Consistently prints 2" to 3" groups. I get better results with my handloads, but that's just me.

And time to give credit where credit is due: attached pic is of my Savage (T-less). Mount is one of Roger Payne's repro brackets, 2/1 scope repaired by Mr. Laidler. 6-shot group printed .83" x .75" @ 100yds with handloads. This is what I call a team effort, so thank you PL and DRP!

edit: forgot to add-Sierra 174bt's over 4064. Winchester brass w/match primers

Information

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[boltaction]

Thanks for the tips about powder. What sort of bullets do you find work the best in your Metfords? I have a couple of early Speeds and a Mk I Metford I would like to shoot and would like to use the best bullets in them. Do you use cast or jacketed?

Thx

Ed

[André]

Another vote for N 140. My .303 Br. L-E N°4 MkI* shoots quite well with 174 SMK / N 140 / 40.0 but, considering the present cost of SMK's, I decided to try bulk (500) 174 PPU FMJ. Prior to loading them, I discovered that their weight varied from 172.2 to 174.2, a full 2.0 g !! I then weighted each of them, segregating lots not more than .2 g apart (honestly, I know of more pleasant occupations...). Anyway, I handloaded some ammo, starting at 39.0 to ascertain that my pet load of 40.0 g was still ok with the new bullet. I then burned 5 shots to bring down my sights to POA at 100 meters before settling down and and carefully firing my last 10 rounds. I was pleasantly surprised to recover a 10-shot group of 7,2 cm (2.5 MOA), over issue iron sights ! Weighting lots is a tedious affair but the reward is bullets as good as SMK, at 1/3 of the cost... I intend to repeat the experience with .308 bullets which I use a lot (.308 Win, .30-06, .300 win, 7,5x55).

Here's the target described above.

Considering it was fired in a standard N°4 (FTR'd at Fazakerley in '53, with new stock and barrel), chances are it might even do better in a 4T.

[smle addict]

Hello boltaction,

I also have a Metford Mk I*, and I shoot a cast bullet made by Bitterroot. It's a 205 grain .314 bullet. I use Win760 over magnum primers in a reduced load that pushes around 1200fps. It's not a great long range load, but it'll hit the targets at 100 yards. I get a kick just out of being able to shoot the old rifle. I also have a small stock of IMR sr4579, which is great for reduced loads, but has been discontinued. When I finally run out, I'll try trailboss for the light loadings.

I have two Metfords MK IIs with great bores, and for those I use 215 grain Woodleighs with IMR4064 or 3031. The Woodleighs are SPENDY$$$, so I am only able to shoot a few here and there. One of my Metfords likes to throw spitzers and boat tails sideways, but happily eats up the Woodleighs. An expensive range trip, but fun nonetheless.

[bigduke6]

When I finally run out, I'll try trailboss for the light loadings.

I use unique for downloads/ gallery loads for .308, .303 .30-06 etc, never had any issues with any and have shot plenty, the best load for .308/7.62m is 14grns of Unique behind a.30 RN 110grn bullet.
I loaded up various calibre's with different measures etc some time back to be tested for pressures when next at the proof house, last time I went I forgot them so been sitting there a while.... another thing to add to my job list.

[dinosaur1]

I use unique for downloads/ gallery loads for .308, .303 .30-06 etc, never had any issues with any and have shot plenty, the best load for .308/7.62m is 14grns of Unique behind a.30 RN 110grn bullet.
I loaded up various calibre's with different measures etc some time back to be tested for pressures when next at the proof house, last time I went I forgot them so been sitting there a while.... another thing to add to my job list.

I too use Unique for downloading with excellent results. My nearest (and most frequently visited) range is only 50m and has certain limitations in place. I use 10 grains of Unique and a 174 grain .303 bullet and it works a treat.

[bigduke6]

I too use Unique for downloading with excellent results. My nearest (and most frequently visited) range is only 50m and has certain limitations in place. I use 10 grains of Unique and a 174 grain .303 bullet and it works a treat.

Do you use any packing in the case or just the 10grns ? Only ask as I use just unique no packing or wadding etc.