Pressures in the #4?

[Blackwater]

I have recently acquired a #4 in a variant of the .35/.303 imp. It's a great caliber, I think, and should serve me very well for the intended purposes I want to use it for - deer in the woods. I've always "had a thing" for these old guns and actions, and will be reloading for it since no factories are available, and I haven't shot a factory load for a long, long time now anyway.

What I'm unsure of is what to watch for in working up loads. The action isn't rated as being as strong as many more modern ones, and even others of its era, so I can't use primer appearance as a rough guide to keep me out of trouble. Case capacity is very close to that of the .358 Win., and maybe just a tad more in this version with one caliber neck and 45* shoulder, and min. body taper. I've been looking at .358 Win. data, but it's rated usually to about 50K cup, and the .303 is normally rated only to about 44K cup, and I'm sure there's a reason for that.

This is a very nice gun with very good barrel and lots of custom attention on it, so I do NOT want to get into trouble with it or abuse it. Are there indications with this action that I'd be best advised to back off on the powder charges a mite to keep it in good shape for the long haul? Don't need much velocity for the applications I'll be using it for, and will be shooting primarily cast bullets in it, too, but am just not sure where to stop in the loading process, especially with jacketed bullets. Have some 220 gr. Speer FSP's that should be ideal for it at the velocity of @ 2200 fps or maybe a little more for deer.

I tend to use velocity now as at least an indication of pressure, but of course some powders produce a bit more velocity at the same pressures in any round, and I'm sure this one is no different. BLC-2 seems to give the best velocity with moderate pressures in the .358, and I suspect may (?) do well in the imp. as well. Anyone got any input on loading the .35/.303 Imps for me? Sure would appreciate any tips you've found in loading for it.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

What about simply following the loading manuals? At least you've got some comeback if anything goes pear shape...............

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Try this site: New .35cal PP boolit

Several suggested loads there.

The ".35-303" is in the same class as the .35 Remington.

The .358 Winchester is a somewhat "hotter" cartridge, but at "woods" ranges, the difference would be almost academic.

[browningautorifle]

I'm with Peter here, always use approved load info so you have an idea what's what. Pet loads aren't always the best way to start out.

[Bindi2]

Trail Boss maybe what you are looking for