reloading for enfield ishpore 308

[aleng888]

Hi All


I trying to reload for my enfield ishpore 308. Want to see if any have some loading data.

I have couple of reloading book but none have any data on this gun.

I did have one that talk about enfield 303. I know the two are very close.

this the data i got. 150 Gr bullet with 45.2 GR varget powder?

Yes i know i most likely need to work up a load for it. but i just looking for a starting point.

Thank you.

[milw50717]

Use 308 Winchester reloading data. Usual advice of starting low and working up if required.

Hogdon has some data for the 308 with Varget and 150gr bullets - http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[FMJBT]

I would advise keeping the load fairly mild for the old Ishapore. If you work up to a load near max pressure, it may look okay at first, but actions with locking lugs in the rear like the Ishapore have a tendancy to stretch over time. SAMMI spec 308 is really pushing the limits of the Ishy receiver. If it stretches, it can lead to excessive headspace and eventually case head seperations and other nasty catastrophic failures. The action on these was designed with the 303 British cartridge in mind, which runs significantly lower pressure than 308 or even 7.62 NATO ammunition. If it were me, I would keep loads at or under the minimum suggested starting load suggested for the powder/bullet combination listed in reputable reloading manuals. You may not set any speed records, but you can still tune for accuracy, and you get to keep your face

[aleng888]

so FMJBT

so i should use a starting load data of a enfield 303 British on the safe size.

Thank you.

[FMJBT]

so FMJBT

so i should use a starting load data of a enfield 303 British on the safe size.

Thank you.

Most starting loads for 308, at least those in the Hodgedon manual, should get you pretty close in pressure and velocity to the original 303 loads the action was designed for. Maybe play around with bullet seating depth to see if you can find a spot the rifle likes to shoot accurately, but other than that I would largely skip the standard load work-ups that you would typically do in a regular rilfe trying to attain max velocity.

[echo884]

The Enfield Ishapore is designed for the 308/7.62 NATO. It's got stronger steel than the old Enfield .303. I'd say you're on the right track, but should start a little lower. Handloads.com shows 41gr Varget as a starting load. And I've personally started with 41gr of IMR4895 in my Ishapore. Haven't gotten it quite right yet, but I think I'm settling out at around 42gr IMR4895. Just my $0.02.
Good luck!

[Noonanda]

if you load to 7.62 nato spec you will have no issues, .308 win can be loaded to higher pressures and velocities.

using a 147 Gr FMJBT bullet and 43.5 Gr of varget with a COAL of 2.800 will give you an Avg MV of 2830 FPS 12 ft from the muzzle, and 2769 FPS at 75 feet from the muzzle. It is slightly faster than milspec M-80 ball which is 2750 at 75 ft from the muzzle