Reloading for an Enfield Rifle

[Enfield47]

Does anyone have experience reloading .303 with 150 gr. bullets? I am just getting into reloading and I am not sure what differences to expect between a 150 vs 174 gr bullet. Do they both seat the same? Is there a significant difference in performance between the two? I have only shot 174 gr surplus or target rounds in my rifle with good results.

This will be a round used for target practice only - 100 to 200 yards.

[milw50717]

Does anyone have experience reloading .303 with 150 gr. bullets? I am just getting into reloading and I am not sure what differences to expect between a 150 vs 174 gr bullet. Do they both seat the same? Is there a significant difference in performance between the two? I have only shot 174 gr surplus or target rounds in my rifle with good results.

This will be a round used for target practice only - 100 to 200 yards.

At 100-200 yards I do not believe that you will see a big difference based on the gr weight of the bullet.

Bullets may not seat the same. Check out the reloading data from the bullet manufacturer for powders, powder loads, overall length, etc.

Also if you are thinking of reloading milsurp rounds, be aware that they are going to be berdan primed and are going to be as easy to reload as boxer. Better to get new boxer brass in my book.

[Enfield47]

I found some Hornaday bulk 150 gr bullets .311 SST, but I can't find it listed on the Hornaday website.

[Beetle Bailey]

I've used Hornady's 150 grain SP (#3120 SP) and 174 grain FMJBT (#3131 BT-FMJ). I just used the COL listed in the Hornday loading manual for each bullet (they are different COL). It was for a No. 4 MkI made at Maltby.

As far as performance, I only shot it at paper and steel. I was able to find loads that gave me about 1.5" groups at 100 yards with both bullets but load development was actually easier with the 150 grain SP. Also, the SP is cheaper so I decided to just stick with those since I probably won't shoot that rifle much past 200 yards.

[milw50717]

I found some Hornaday bulk 150 gr bullets .311 SST, but I can't find it listed on the Hornaday website.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/6291

HRN3135C

3135 is not mentioned in my Hornady 7th edition reloading book. Maybe check a later edition or give Hornady a call.

[Enfield47]

Yes, thanks, that's the one I ran across. They aren't listed in my Lyman book either. I may have to contact Hornaday as you suggest to get some info.

Beetle Baily would you say they are both easy to reload with or was one easier than the other? In my Lyman book it has the 150 gr OAL at 2.975 and the 174 at 2.945 (the 174 they used was a round nose though).

[Beetle Bailey]

I have the Hornady 8th Edition, which came out in 2010, but they recently came out with a 9th Edition since they actually released several new bullets since the 8th Edition came out. So possibly they have info for your SST bullets in the newer manual or as you said you can contact Hornady directly.

My manual does not have the SST bullet in question but for the 150 grain SP they list COL at 2.992" and for the 174 grain FMJBT they list COL at 2.980".

As for which bullet was easier to load? Do you mean which was easier to seat with my dies? Both were fine but I do admit boat-tail bullets are a little easier since they sit in the case mouth better than flat base bullets But even the SP were not an issue.

What I meant was while testing loads at the range, more of the loads I shot with the SP bullet shot well whereas with the FMJBT bullet, only my near max loads did well. But that was just that gun that day so it's one of those YMMV things.

[bruceflinch]

Midway currently has some ..312 blemished on sale.

[Enfield47]

As for which bullet was easier to load? Do you mean which was easier to seat with my dies? Both were fine but I do admit boat-tail bullets are a little easier since they sit in the case mouth better than flat base bullets But even the SP were not an issue.

Yes, I meant easier to seat. Since I am a beginner at reloading maybe I should stick with the boat tail bullets for now - at least until I get the hang of it. Fortunately I have some .303 ammo on hand and time to gather dies and supplies since my press is still on backorder.

Midway currently has some ..312 blemished on sale.

Thanks for the heads up.