Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Canada data sources for heavy bullet (215 gr) .303 loads

Hi all,

Anyone have good sources of data for 215 grain loads for a .303 British (Ruger #1)? I have a Norma manual that lists one powder (not sure I can even get it around my area), and if I'm thinking straight my old Ackley handbook has a few others, maybe some in an old Lee manual I have.

Just figured my north of the border neighbors might have some knowledge with this bullet/caliber combo(calibre for you folks, or just those on the other side of the pond?).

Thanks and good hunting to you all this fall.

Geno

The 45th Lyman handbook lists loads for 303 British, 215 jacketed for IMR 3031, 4064, 4895, 4320 plus Rx 21 and H 380.

It specifies Accuracy load as IMR 4895 39.5 Grains at 2183 FPS.
Factory duplication load as IMR 4895 39.6 Grains at 2188 FPS.

(suggests IMR 4895 starting load as 36.0 grains at 2000 FPS and maximum at 40.0 Grains at 2217 FPS.)

If you want the data for one of the above calibers just ask.

BillR

Thanks BillR, I'll check my box of manuals and see what edition of the lyman book I have. At least I think I have a Lyman.

Anyhow, it looks like I'll probably have to buy some more powder as I don't have any of those on hand. RL 15 and H 414, but none of those you mention.


Geno
PS, boy that's not much of a difference between "accuracy load" and Factory Duplication load. 0.1 gr

The manual I quoted is officially titled Lyman Reloading Handbook 45th Edition published in 1970. It is a 9 x 7 inch black looseleaf book.
The newer manual I have doesn't list the 215 gr bullet.
Steve Redgewell can probably share some good info.

BillR

My son has a beautiful (90%) Ross Mark III Canadian Home Guard rifle that I have been intending to load up some cartridges so he can fire a few rounds through it for nostalgia. He inherited the Ross from my father.

Steve Redgwell has published a book or two on the .303 British and is a member of the fire.Steve's the go to guy over here on the north side of the fire

He is so.

Thanks to all, I'll be sure to check Mr Redgwell's site or perhaps pm him.

BilR, nope, mine is not black as I recall, so I'm guessing it won't have the 215 loads either. I'm thinking that was in the back of my mind when I started this post. Didn't recall seeing much for that bullet in any of my manuals.

geno

Steve has a selection of very informative manuals WELL WORTH their modest price. I have no ties to Steve other than respect. Buy his books they are full of hard to find info and we should support his efforts at keeping the 303 info alive and available.


His listing for the 215 grain with H414 is for the 303 Epps which is similar to the AI of the 303. Drop 10% for starting loads.
min 47.5gr 2174ft/sec
mid 49.5gr 2296ft/sec
max 51.5gr 2418ft/sec

My personal use of Rel 15 has near the same burn rate and charges but I have not used it in my 303Ruger#1.

Steves loads are for the SMLE rifle family and have proven safe in my Ruger. Start low and build up to his max loads looking for pressure signs in the brass and primers. Remember it s
is a 303 not a 308. Shoot it as it was designed to perform and it will not let you down.

Randy.

PS buy Steves books and enjoy.

Thanks Randy.

Nice to see there is some data for H414. No worries as to my trying to turn it into a high pressure (.308) cartridge, I like it for what it is (I've got a 30-06 if I'm not satisfied with what the .303 is capable of) . I have dad's sporterized #4Mk1* and have enjoyed shooting it and got the Ruger becuase I always wanted a non-sporterized .303. Having owned the Enfield for a long time, and having researched the round, I see no need to try to overload it, etc. As you folks up north know, it's been killing stuff for a lot of years just as it came from the mold in the 1800's. I'd have no qualms hunting with it loaded with a cast bullet and black powder if I so choose. I'm sure it would go through most NA game if shot in the right place.

Now to go to Steve's website and order some literature.

Does anyone know if one of those newfangled computer programs (quickload etc) has .303 data or the capability to estimate starting loads of powders not listed in the manuals? Maybe that's a choice for me too, as I sometimes load for other "oddball" (read: not so popular with the regular folks) calibers such as 25-20, .256 Winchester Magnum.

Again, thank you all for the input.
Geno

Try Steve's Reloading Pages.

http://stevespages.com/311_1_215.html

Thank n007,

I poked around on Steve's website last night but must have missed that page somehow. I ordered a copy of his book though.

Geno

PS, oops wrong Steve

Woodleigh data:
http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/info-a-reference/loading-tips#68

Thanks ARAC,

I'll keep that site in mind for later, wouldn't load on my computer here at work. We've got some restrictions on where we can "go" online and maybe since it's international they don't want us looking at it. I'm surprised most times they haven't shut me down looking at the campfire due to the firearms content.

Geno

I'll save you the suspense - from the above noted link:

VARGET

36gr 2130fps
39.5 2265fps

H4350
42.0 2045fps
45.0 2185fps

Thanks again Arac (and the rest),

Now, if I can't find a load the gun likes with all the great info you folks have provided, I'll just have to guess it doesn't like 215 Woodleighs!

Geno

PS, I'd hazard a guess that 2265fps Varget load should be able to knock down lots of stuff.

Hi. If you've got H414, 39.5 to 43.5 gr. will work fine. 43.5 gr. is an accurate combination and got me 2176 fps from a No 4. I used magnum primers.

The normal disclaimers apply.

Valsdad,

I also did a piece on reloading for a No. 1 .303 in Handloader maybe a year ago (which also mentions Steve's book, which I ordered myself).

In my No. 1 40 grains of Varget shot pretty well with the 220-grain Nosler Partition. Some .303's will shoot .30 caliber bullets! Often Partitions will do the trick because the rear core gets bumped up a little, especially with faster powders.

I blushed when I read that in Handloader. Some of my amigos wouldn't let me live that down. You and a US senator (who remains nameless by request) were my two celebrity orders.

I haven't tried the Hornady 220s, but I suspect that they will be alright as well. A softer core and a long shank for good obturation. I still haven't bought a No 1 in 303 British. I cannot get my mind past the bore size. I've been meaning to rebarrel one of my Lee Enfields with a 308 barrel, but other stuff gets in the way.

Steve,

My No. 1 .303 shot very well with a number of loads, despite the loose bore and grooves. It especially liked the 180-grain .311 Sierra ProHunter and 48 grains of H4350 (a load that with .308 180's has also done real well in a couple of .30-40 Krags) but also shot well with the 150 .311 ProHunter and TSX too. All three bullets went under an inch with the right load.

I eventually sold my rifle, however, after realizing that if I ever hunt with a .303 again it will be with the "sporterized" LE inherited from my uncle.

That Lee Enfield ought to be in every man's arsenal. Got one myself. Great for snicking the heads off grouse at reasonable close range.