.303 in the World Wars

[Cowboy2]

Was the 150gr bullet standard for Enfields in both wars (or either)?

Information

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[gsimmons]

It was a 174gr. Flat based bullet.

[Cowboy2]

That's exactly what I wanted to know (and had thought). Thanks.

[TonyE]

As gsimmons says,the spitzer flat based 174 grn Mark VII bullet was standard from its introduction in 1910 to the end of the life of the .303.

A couple of points are worth mentioning though. In WWI up to about 1916 there were still quite large numbers of Territorial Forces equipped with rifles sighted for the 215 grain Mark VI bullet and the ammunition was made in quite large quantity during the early part of the war.

Also, the original bullet made for the Mark VII was a 160 grn flat base, but it almost immediately failed accuracy proof and was withdrawn. A hurried re-design in late 1910 produced the 174 grn we know and love today. It is always worth checking very early made Mark VII as rounds with the 160 grain bullets still turn up occasionally.

Regards
TonyE