juststarting wrote:Hi All
Just wondering if anyone could suggest load reference to replicate 303 surplus ammo (don't even know its velocity).
Using: Hornady 174gr 303 #3131 3105; and AR2208.
Shooting: No5Mk1
If it helps I use the same boat tail projectiles in PPU cases, I full size cases and trim to 2.210"-2.212". I seat bullets to an overall length of 2.955" + or - a few thou.
I load with 36.1- 36.2 grains AR2206H powder and Federal large rifle primers. In my MK5 No.1 Jungle Carbine this sees about 2200-2250 fps. The stock PPU ammo I bought and used to obtain cases had a 180gr bullet and was pretty close in velocity to my load. If anything it was a little more in velocity than mine but I'm getting very good accuracy shooting targets and don't need higher loads than I have made for this reason as well as increasing life of cases. I've reloaded over 500 of these PPU cases at least 6 times with full length sizing and no evidence of case separation. I will anneal the necks after one more load to prevent cracking in that area.
Keep in mind the velocity will be greater in the full length barrel Lee Enfields. I have a No.3 and a No.4 but have not checked velocity in those.
As an aside I will be casting some 174gr hard lead bullets in the next few months which I will Hi Tek coat and then reduce loads a little further to see if this is an alternative to the more expensive copper jacket bullets without leading bores. My moulds will be ready in about a month or so and are similar in design to the Hornady bullet we are both using.
Sam