4T range report

[Roger Payne]

Thanks smleaddict, & also to Geoff. I won't deviate too much from this thread, but last Summer, in Belgium, I bought a few basket case No32's that have seen very hard service in India, & they are rusty, dented, missing various parts & in a generally sorry state. But, with the bits Geoff is making, a few springs, & some advice, I am hoping to make a long term restoration project of them. But don't hold your breath!

I haven't done any reloading for 303 in years, although I have the stuff still. What powder(s) do you find best smleaddict?

ATB

[bigduke6]

Thanks Rog, but its down to Peters advice also that has got the "ball rolling" thinking outside the box does pay dividends at times. As for loading .303 this side of the pond, N140 is a popular choice.

[philb]

hi

have you tried ww2 ammo ?

it will shoot better

[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

[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.

[CINDERS]

My friend shoots 500gn Woodleighs in his 460 Weatherby magnum at $3/AU each does not take long to go through $20 worth of projectiles

[30Three]

I suppose with a 460 Weatherby magnum the question is which gives out first! the shoulder or the wallet?

[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.