1941 Winchester .303

[Brian Dick]

Mk.8z ammo with the 174 grain boat tail projectile was produced for the Vickers MMG. As BAR says, rifles were designed around the Mk.7 flat base projectile. Many rifles with otherwise excellent barrels regardless of the groove count that have seen a diet of cordite loaded Mk.7 won't stabilize boat tail projectiles. Unless you're shooting a fresh, out of the wrap, 1955 Fazakerley No.4 or an SMLE of No.4 rifle rebarreled with a new military or commercial barrel, boat tail projectiles like the Sierra Matchking are a waste of money. They are worth a try as every barrel is different but the 180 grain Pro Hunter is a much better option as well as other manufacturers flat base hunting bullets. I know this doesn't help our brothers in the UK and elsewhere around the globe as they aren't allowed to use hunting ammo for target shooting. Unfortunately, the cheapest loaded FMJ fodder for range time these days is Czech S&B and Croatian PPU. Both are loaded to Mk.8z spec with boat tail projectiles so it's MG ammo. I don't know why companies like Winchester or Remington don't offer new cartridges built to Mk.7z specification. I know I'm repeating myself here but it's not like they don't know how or haven't got the machinery. Both companies have been loading .303 British ammo since the First World War. Maybe there isn't enough demand in their eyes. I see these problems so much that I find that to be strange. If someone would produce quality Mk.7z ammo at a reasonable price, I'd think it would be flying off the shelves by the case. Just my two cents having worked on these rifles a bit in the past 30 years.