303 service rilfe load?

[headdamage]

Hi,

I'm looking to work up a service rifle (100m to 500m) load for use in #4 Lee Enfields using the 174gr FMJ Hornady bullet. Anyone have any good loads that approximate the old Mk7 load? Something using Varget would be great if possible as I use that for my 223 and 308 target loads.

Thanks

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[happydude]

If anyone could add some H414 recipes that would be great. (following is general)
174HPBT H414 .311" 3.075" 43.0grn 2302fps 35,200 CUP 46.0grn 2447fps 41,000 CUP

[ganderite]

For shooting service rifle I load the 150 gr spitzer. It will respond well to the adjustable rear sight without the kick of the heavier bullet. I use a medium power load. I use 4895, but varget is similar in speed.

[gerry303ca]

With the 174 gr Hornady, I use 41 gr of H4895 with good results and am now playing around with IMR3031. So far 36 to 38 gr. is looking very good. I want to try the 150 gr. bullet some time as well.
I tried the 85 gr HP/XTP Hornady pistol bullet (.312) with 41 gr of H4895 with excellent results at 50 yds. This is a great plinker bullet for the wife and kids, like shooting a .22. I doubt it would do well at 100 yds but I intend to try it out.

[mk23]

You could also try VVN140. 41.7grs with a 174 grs FMJ BT or 41.7grs with a 180 grains FMJ BT (S&B). This last load is way outside what VV have tested, but I chronoed it at 720m/s and Dutch milsurp ammo with the 174FB bullet chronoed at 728m/s or a muzzle velocity of 745m/s

Dick

[lucky dog]

I use 42 grs. of Varget behind Hornaday's .312 174 gr. soft point. I would start at about 40 and work up. Performs well in all of my Enfields and seems to be pretty consistent in performance no matter what the temperature is. I am going to try 4895 in the near future, I haven't heard anything but praise for it.

[kscchtrainer]

I use 42 grs. of Varget behind Hornaday's .312 174 gr. soft point. I would start at about 40 and work up. Performs well in all of my Enfields and seems to be pretty consistent in performance no matter what the temperature is.

Yup, that's one of the major reasons for using Hodgdon's Varget. It's just about the most temperature stable powder out there. Results don't change much from sub-freezing to desert heat. I use it exclusively in .223 and .308 loads. Waiting on my .303 dies to get here so I can start reloading for my #4 MK 1.