I dont have an original MLE but for my early rifles I load gc cast lead with an adequate but not light load so I can shoot them with out punishing my shoulder.
cast lead is more forgiving than jacketed when it comes to pressures and not so new barrels. I find the old barrels shoot better with slightly oversize cast bullets.
early lee speed
martini
sporterfied LE1 with a SMLE barrel
sporterfied LEC (x2) with original barrels