.303 light load

[junkyard dog]

I have an elderly No4 Mk1 which is normally only shot at 100y so I am going to try to find a lightish load for the old girl. (It will be beneficial to both of us) I've got some 150gn SPMJ PPU bullets and as I use N140 for three rifles am looking to keep it simple and use this rather than a different powder. I was planning to use around 22gn as a starting load but if anyone has tried this with success I would be grateful for any info.

[Greygoose]

39 grains is suggested starting load for 150 gr bullets. Gut feeling is too low but that is just me.

[junkyard dog]

I realize it's a very low load but that's the idea. It's not like it's not going to make it out of the barrel, it just depends if it's going to be accurate at 100 yds.

[amc577]

For 100 yds, reduced loads several of my pals use shotgun powders...Maxam PSB2 11gns or GM3 10gns.. with the H and N plated bullet.. or cast..
Pretty accurate.

amc577

[sarge4318]

I still use 174FMJ and SMK bullets but use Reloder7, it is a much lighter load and more pleasant to shoot.
I'll find the charge weight I use when I get to the workshop later if you want it.

[kennyc]

you could try using cast lead bullets and a fast powder such as Unique ,2400, etc should be possible to get a very accurate load for 100 yds that costs a lot less to shoot and is easier on the rifle


CAST BULLET LOADS FOR MILITARY RIFLES

Cast bullets can make shooting that surplus rifle easy and economical.
And basic data works for many different guns.

BY C.E. Harris

Cast bullet loads usually give a more useful zero at practical field ranges with military battle sights than do full power loads. Nothing is more frustrating than a military rifle that shoots a foot high at 100 yards with surplus ammo when the sight is as low as it will go! Do not use inert fillers (Dacron or kapok) to take up excess empty space in the case. This was once common practice, but it raises chamber pressure and under certain conditions contributes to chamber ringing. If a particular load will not work well without a filler, the powder is not suitable for those conditions of loading. Four load classifications from Mattern (1932) cover all uses for the cast bullet military rifle. I worked up equivalent charges to obtain the desired velocity ranges with modern powders, which provide a sound basis for loading cast bullets in any post-1898 military rifle from 7mm to 8mm:

1. 125 grain plain based "small game/gallery" 900-1000 f.p.s., 5 grains of Bullseye or equivalent.

2. 150 grain plain based "100-yard target/small game", 1050-1250 f.p.s., 7 grains of Bullseye or equivalent.

3. 170-180 grain gas checked "200 yard target", 1500-1600 f.p.s., 16 grains of Hercules #2400 or equivalent.

4. 180-200 grain gas-checked "deer/600 yard target", 1750-1850 f.p.s., 26 grains of RL-7 or equivalent.

[Paul101]

For 100 yds, reduced loads several of my pals use shotgun powders...Maxam PSB2 11gns or GM3 10gns.. with the H and N plated bullet.. or cast..
Pretty accurate.

amc577

That’s a good gm3 load.
I’ve got a couple of kilos, just need a few plated Bullets, my project for the week whilst on lockdown

[junkyard dog]

Found a vid on dangers of light loads with slow powders. As has been pointed out on here .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYleuf8xRgQ