M2 30-06 Ball powder for 303 British

[CruciBill]

Thanks for all the replies. I haven't got the powder from him yet. When I do, I will absolutely check all the information provided with it. If it doesn't appear that there's enough data to establish a safe starting load then I won't use it for the 303. I actually started this journey at my local gun shop. They carry mostly IMR, Hodgdon, Allient and Winchester and using the manufacturer load data sites from each brand I couldn't find anything that was listed for 303. Still have to quick around here to get powder when it's delivered.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Hornady publish a pretty comprehensive list for .303

http://www.loaddata.com/members/sear...etallicID=1704

[CINDERS]

IMR 4451 .311" 3.075" C.O.L MINIMUM - 45.6gns 2,397 fps 36,800 CUP MAXIMUM - 49.6gns Compressed 2,590 fps 43,300 CUP

Straight from Hogdons site for a 174 grainer

[CruciBill]

Thanks. I made a list of the 11 different powders used with the 150 gr load data and put it in my wallet. Anytime I find myself in a shop I'll see if they have any of them. When I looked last week my LGS had so few powders on hand that it was quicker to just search data for the 5 or so different cans they had in the cabinet.

[CruciBill]

Load data seems readily available. I have 2 books and the entirety of the internet. My biggest problem is I chose to get into the hobby during a time when supplies are difficult to get. It probably doesn't help that my first two center fire rifles are 303 British and 6.5 Carcano. Ammo is available, loading components, not so much.

The load data I was searching for was for surplus powder and if anyone had first hand experience using it. I now realize I don't have enough information about the powder to get an answer, if there is one. It's in western New York at my father's house and I'm in Michigan. It might be a month before I get over there to get it.

[browningautorifle]

Many powders can be used for .303, you just need the data to start with. I turned down a couple dozen cans from a gunsmith at the last gunshow, he was priced right but I have lots right now. I though maybe I was wrong and should have bought EVERYTHING and just sat on it...if you go to the manufacturer's data for a given powder, they often have some sort of load, even if not exactly the greatest. As long as you have a number to go with...

[CruciBill]

I took the Enfield to the range this morning and created 20 empty Norma cases. I have 3 boxes of ammo to be delivered tomorrow. Also tomorrow, in a separate shipment, a FL die set, a neck sizing die and shell holder for 303. I still need to order some 150 gr bullets and find powder. There's absolutely no urgency in any of this beyond my getting too fixated once I start a new project.

Thanks Guys.

[browningautorifle]

You do have, say, three books on reloading? They should give you ample choices to work from. Also when standing in a gunshop, he has books there. I've more than once referred to a book on the spot. Make a list of desired powders from most to least and get shoppin'...

[Wineman]

The Sierra manual (my gold standard) lists 15 powders with burn rates between IMR 3031 and IMR 4350 and velocities between 2200 fps and 2400 fps with a 174 grain bullet. IMHO you can not go wrong with Hodgdon or IMR 4895: very flexible, best around 150 grains but useful for heavier bullets, great with cast bullets and can be loaded way down for reduced recoil loads. Varget is a close second. The surplus powder may or may not have a use for you but as you said, more info is needed.

Dave

[CruciBill]

The Sierra manual (my gold standard) lists 15 powders with burn rates between IMR 3031 and IMR 4350 and velocities between 2200 fps and 2400 fps with a 174 grain bullet. IMHO you can not go wrong with Hodgdon or IMR 4895: very flexible, best around 150 grains but useful for heavier bullets, great with cast bullets and can be loaded way down for reduced recoil loads. Varget is a close second. The surplus powder may or may not have a use for you but as you said, more info is needed.

Dave

Good point on trying to find a powder that offers a greater range of bullet weights. I plan to start with 150 gr, but I wouldn't rule out 174 gr loads.