Diving into 303 British...got advice?

[kdm]

Picked up a neck sizer and seating die set from MidwayUSA...finally gonna start reloading 303 British. Got lots of once-fired brass from earlier ammo purchases. Have only been reloading 375 H&H thus far, so this is something new! Anyone got tips or tricks?

I'm leaning towards using the 150 grain Speer bullets. Was also looking at the SMK 174 grain bullets. Anyone else use these? What have been your experiences?

[God Bless The Mauser]

Your shooting a Lee Enfield I presume, what type? 2 groove barrel? Keep in mind if you have a 2 Groove barrel you can only shoot flat base bullets as they wont stabalize boat tail bullets. If you want max case life neck size only since Lee Enfields tend to have really long chambers and brass streches a lot. I'm shooting 180gr Sierra SP bullets over 40.5gr of Varget. Last time out with my Longbranch No.4 I got a 1.13" group. This rifle has a fairly pitted bore and crown so I was very happy with that result.

[God Bless The Mauser]

Lol, just noticed in your signature your shooting a No.5 Mk1., that should be a 5 groove barrel so the 174gr SMK is what I would shoot if I were you.

[bcrich]

Good advice! I have a 2 grove barrel and also was looking for neck dies. Didn't know about the boat tails not stabilizing but thanks for posting that, maybe saved me some headaches.

[Gnzrme]

I have Mk4 # 1. I am shooting 174 SMK's over 36.7gr of 3031 and I am getting sub MOA groups at 100 yards...I believe that I have a 5 grove bbl...its also a Longbranch, CN weapon from 1943. I love it and it shoots great...

Steven

[God Bless The Mauser]

I have Mk4 # 1. I am shooting 174 SMK's over 36.7gr of 3031 and I am getting sub MOA groups at 100 yards...I believe that I have a 5 grove bbl...its also a Longbranch, CN weapon from 1943. I love it and it shoots great...

Steven

My 1943 Longbranch is a 2 groove.