Help...powder choice, 303 British.

[kdm]

Sorry to keep bugging everyone...having difficulty choosing a powder for my 303 British. I've selected Sierra 150 grain bullets, and would like to push them 2500 - 2600 FPS.

Lots of info out there (and on here): Varget, Reloder-15, IMR 3031, IMR 4064, Winchester 748. As a side note, I learned IMR 3031 was put out after WW1 as the civilian version of IMR 16, the military powder. Anyway, I've got some Rl-15 and IMR 4064 on hand...should I give those a try? I'm tempted to go with the 3031, 'cause the Sierra book said it was the most accurate in their testing.

[Gnzrme]

I use exculsively 3031...I am shooting sub MOA groups with it (using 174SMK's)...

[kdm]

Thanks, Gnzrme.

[Gnzrme]

No prob....whatcha shooting it out of....

[Gnzrme]

oh, now I see it in your Sig line....the # 5 was the Jungle carbine?

[kdm]

Yep...jungle carbine. Loooove it! Looks brand new. '0' bolt head.

[Blwnbwtie]

I use 40gr of RL-15 in my no4mk1, behind 150gr hornadys. The manual says this should put me around 2500 fps. I dont have a chronograph so i dont know what it fps is exactly. Looking at the sierra manual 42gr of 4064 should get you to 2500 fps aswell. I would try what you have on hand first.

Note: niether of these loads are starting loads, they arent max either though.

[Nodda Duma]

I load IMR 4064 under Hornady's 150 Gr Soft point Interlock. 38 grains of IMR 4064 gives me a muzzle velocity of right around 2450 FPS in my SMLE No. I Mk III.

2440 FPS is the muzzle velocity of the Mark VII .303 British round. You may want to try loading to that muzzle velocity...I bet you will get an accurate load.

-Jason

[kdm]

Thanks guys...appreciate the replies.