Cartridge/Load recommendations for MkII Ross

[bandook]

I want to hunt (Deer, Elk) with my unmolested 1905 Ross. The rifle is spot-on with some kinds of FMJ ammunition, such as Igman with the 180 grain FMJ spitzer. The Canada Tool sight makes it a joy to shoot. I am talking less than 2" at 100M. Also, the HXP Greek .303 ammo works very well. The problem is, that I cannot use FMJ ammo for hunting here in Wyoming. I imagine that is the case in most states(and provinces) but this is the only place I hunt, anyway.
Has anybody found a good bullet that is a soft point for the Ross? I have to single load 174 grain round nose bullets loaded to the right overall length, and I don't want to mess with jumping to the throat by putting the bullets too far down in the case. The accuracy is not as good with the round nose bullets, either. Before I go and buy some .312 spitzer soft points, I would like to know if there are any good ideas on what works from you folks who hunt with the Ross. Load recommendations are always welcome, too.
Thanks. If this is the wrong place to ask this question, please move it, but I figure this is the only Ross forum.

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[smellie]

Friend, the only thing I can recommend without reservation is the test load I have been using for many years.

This is a Sierra 180 Pro-Hunter (which is a flatbase bullet and thus very much recommended also for Lee-Enfields) with 37 to 38 grains of IMR-4895. This is a slightly-mild loading, getting about 2250 from an SMLE (depending upon bore condition), but the Ross should put it out about 100 ft/sec faster. Note carefully that I adjust my seating die using a Mark VII Ball round as my standard. This gives you a Cartridge OAL length identical to the Mark VII issue ammo BUT the different ogive of the Sierra bullet actually crowds the leade just a bit. This helps accuracy, especially as most rifles have relatively long leades. In my own Ross (an early 1910 model), this load turns in half an inch or better at 100 (off sandbags, of course) and 1 MOA groups are common with the SMLE.

I also have a much-sportered M-1910 with a honking great scope mounted. It likes the Hornady 150 Spire Point with 40 grains of 4064. Seating is the same as with the Sierra, which means that the entire cannelure shows, but it IS safe and rather on the zippy side: quite good for whitetail. This load shoots a little over 1 MOA in the Ross..... but teensy-tiny groups in a P-'14.

Note that both of these bullets are flatbase types..... and that each is the cheapest of its type from that manufacturer, also the easiest to get.

Hope this is of some help.

Good luck with the hunt!
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