No. 4 Mk1* ammo

[Brian Dick]

The only difference between nitro loaded Mk.7z and Mk.8z is the projectile. The Mk.7z is a 174 grain flat base and Mk.8z a 175 grain boat tail projectile which was intended for machine guns but isn't any more powerful or dangerous to shoot in rifles. The Mk.8z doesn't perform well in rifles that have had a steady diet of cordite loaded Mk.7. The cordite burns very hot and the wear pattern produced in the throat or leade of the barrel is the culprit. Lets face it, the majority of wartime produced, well used SMLE and No.4's have all seen a steady diet of cordite Mk.7. The only way you'll find out if the PPU which is Mk.8z spec will perform is by trying it. If it's keyholing at 100 yards, you'll need to find some Mk.7z with flat base projectiles. I've said a hundred times on this forum that I wish someone like Winchester or Remington would produce a Mk.7z equivalent for vintage Enfield rifle shooters. I think they're missing the boat on an opportunity to sell a lot of ammo if priced reasonably. That would solve many problems for folks using well used but in spec Lee Enfield Rifles. Other than that, you really need to consider handloading using projectiles like the Sierra 180 grain flat base Pro Hunter which has been my favorite for 30 years or the equivalent made by other manufacturers.