About to start reloading Quick Question.

[newcastle]

I have got a ton of the Sierra gameking .310 or .311 flat based 180gr bullets to start reloading with as I have heard good reports about them used in Lee Enfields and being a decent approximation for the Mk7 bullets. I also want to work up a light load. so here's the Q:
When trying for a light load for plinking, do you just use a lighter charge and the same bullet OR (i assume) do you use a lighter charge and a lighter bullet to get a better approximation of the Mk7 trajectory over short distances up to say 300 yards max?

Does anyone have a recommeded light flat based bullet they have used successfully for thi??s

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Your light loads should only be to the bottom of the spec recommended by the powder manufacturer. Don't reduce further. You'll have to work your loads to find the right one. When trying to duplicate loads, you can't really do it with reduced...

[Comrade Mike]

Light loads may sacrifice accuracy a bit. Most of my real good shooters out of my milsurps are in the upper middle to top range of load data as far as rifles go.

[flying pig]

Try 38gr of IMR 4895 behind that bullet using a COAL of 3.05". It shoots great out of all of my No1 and No4s. Seems to work well with the calibration on the issued sights as well.

[newcastle]

"Try 38gr of IMR 4895 behind that bullet using a COAL of 3.05". It shoots great out of all of my No1 and No4s. Seems to work well with the calibration on the issued sights as well."

is that a lighter load for short distances or does it duplicate the full performance of the Mk7?? Sorry if this is a stupid question as I'm just starting the reloading stuff.

[flying pig]

Seems to duplicate MkVII pretty well but it is way way under a max load (according to the Lee manual). I've shot it out to 600m with my No4T replica and it has worked very well. Even though, because you are just starting out in it I will say the same thing I've been told a hundred times, it's best to work up from the start load listed in the reloading manual of your choice watching all the time for pressure signs. I can't remember off the top of my head what Lee recommended for a start load with a 180gr bullet but I think it was about 37gr. I cannot remember their recommended max.

[ssj]

Im still working on my loads...but start low, use a beam scale. I suspect you will find its most accurate at higher loads, but for safety's sake start at the bottom. I'd look at FMJs, barnaul is doing a 174gr flat base, its very cheap, Im about to test it at 600m

Having had a digitcal scale read 9gr low.....

regards

[browningautorifle]

Having had a digitcal scale read 9gr low.....

Wow...

[newcastle]

Does anyone use any super light bullets in their enfields? Sierra have a pro hunter at .311 with a flat base that is 125 grain.
?

[quiet_lurker]

Have tried some of the 125grn Pro Hunters. Accuracy was awful. In a couple of different No.4s that were both capable of very good accuracy.

Stick with the 180grn Sierra Pro Hunters.

These rifles are old, many have much loved and sometimes abused barrels.

The more projectile you have in contact with the rifling the better it will stabilise the projectile. A longer/heavier projectile achieves this.

I know I haven't answered your question re a light load. Just my experience with lighter projectiles in 303 rifles.

Your rifles may be different.

Regards

Mark