SMLE Target Ammo Recommendation

[230Ball]

I recently acquired a BSA No. 1 MkIII target rifle in remarkable condition and would like to take it to the range. It's marked ".303 Nitro Proof" on the knox form, and I would like to know what current commercial ammunition is recommended.

Cheers,

Carl

Information

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[browningautorifle]

current commercial ammunition

All of it. If you're buying then it will all work fine.

[hayboy]

Although all of it is generally boat tail bullet rounds, as nobody seems to do Mk VII (flat based bullet) ones, grrr...

Commercial ammo is OK to get started but everyone I know with 303 military rifles loads their own, it is the best way to get consistent results. I uses PPU originally and it was quite variable.

[Ridolpho]

230Ball: Until its price leaped to ridiculous levels I used to get good results in all my .303's with Rem-UMC 174 grn FMJ. These bullets are flat based. I found that the rear sight calibrations were pretty close out to the furthest range I get to shoot at- 440 yards. And, of course, save the brass and reload. Even a duffer reloader like me can get good results.

Ridolpho

[Ovidio]

I'm very happy with S&B 180 grs, FMJBT. Cheap and accurate enough if loaded correctly.
Actually, my Enfields like also a soft nose flat tail, 174 grs I find in bags at my gun store, but it is more expensive and so, getting no real advantage.....

[Stanforth]

In the UK we need a special licence (at the moment) to purchase soft nose bullets and as non expanding flat base are unobtainable here I have no option but to use boat tail. This bothered me at first especially as my Savage No.4 mk 1* has 2 groove rifling. I needn't have bothered, the boat tail bullets, reloaded by me, work perfectly in both my SMLE MKIII and No.4.
As a Club Secretary and holder of Club firearms and ammunition I keep PPU ammo for members use but they are not as acqurate as my home loads.

[mr.e moose]

The Remington 174 grn FMJ works for me.

[230Ball]

Gentlemen,

Many thanks for your expert guidance. I have a small quantity of PPU already; however, it appears from your advice that any serious marksman should reload using "OEM" flat base bullets to maximize the rifle's design.

Cheers,

Carl

[Frederick303]

I found that the Graf .312 FMJ projectiles seemed to shoot as well as the Sierra 174 HPBT match projectiles, at least in limited tests.

HORNADY 303/7.7MM(.312) 174gr BULLET BTHP 100/BX - Graf Sons

For me a sweet spot was around 2250~2300 fps. The vertical stringing at the short ranges with the conventionally bedded SMLE seemed to disappear. achievable with both IMR4064 and Varget in the 38 to 39 grain range, or around 180 loads per pound of powder

I say seemed as just about the time I was messing with loads that would be just comfortably above transonic at 600 yards I discovered the k31 and , well never went back.

[230Ball]

On a non-ammo note, the finish on this rifle is absolutely amazing. Save for a few minor dents it is in remarkable condition. What was (if any) the standard method for wiping down the stock to maintain the finish?
Cheers,
Carl