Good Day everyone. I have been a long time lurker on this board but I respect the opinions here to ask this type of question. My father years ago had a Lee Enfield made into a custom sporter with a 1 piece stock. He was only 5'7" and the stock was custom made for him. I shot my first deer at 16 with this rifle, but have outgrown it as I catch my nose every time I shoot it now. Never had the heart to modify it. My wife loves the rifle, and it fits her well and she is 5'7".

When I went to replace the box of coreloks I had on hand, I couldn't believe that basic 303 ammo had gone to $2.50 a round in Canada! I picked up some Hornady 174gr RN .312 bullets, all that were available. All the manuals I have available only mentions the 174gr BTHPs . I also have a lb of BLC2 on hand with no particular use, and the burn rate should be adequate. I am only looking at 2400 fps or so as I don't want to push the rifle, or brass.

2 simple questions.

1: Does any one have any data, including COL for this combo?
2: Anyone used this bullet with any other powders including OAL?

Thanks!

Hornady will use the crimp groove to establish std COL, and it should be located for your cartridge. I'd start there, were I you. Hodgdon's starting loads for the 174 bthp should be fine, and should put you in the ballpark for desired velocity as well.

From the Hornady Manual #10

174 RN

VELOCITY (FPS – feet per second)
POWDER 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500

H4895 29.7 gr. 31.6 gr. 33.6 gr. 35.5 gr. 37.4 gr.
Accurate 2520 30.7 gr. 32.7 gr. 34.8 gr. 36.9 gr. 39.0 gr.
IMR 4320 31.8 gr. 33.6 gr. 35.4 gr. 37.2 gr. 39.0 gr.
VARGET 31.6 gr. 33.5 gr. 35.3 gr. 37.2 gr. 39.1 gr.
IMR 4064 31.4 gr. 33.4 gr. 35.4 gr. 37.3 gr. 39.3 gr.
WIN 748 32.8 gr. 34.6 gr. 36.4 gr. 38.2 gr. 40.0 gr.
Alliant RL-15 33.3 gr. 35.0 gr. 36.6 gr. 38.3 gr. 40.0 gr.
VIHT N-140 33.5 gr. 35.2 gr. 36.9 gr. 38.6 gr. 40.3 gr.
IMR 4350 37.0 gr. 38.9 gr. 40.8 gr. 42.7 gr. 44.6 gr.
H414 35.2 gr. 38.0 gr. 40.8 gr. 43.6 gr. 46.4 gr. 49.2 gr.

Best I could cut and paste from their new manual
OAL 2.945

Canadian Tire should have 303 ammo cheaper, should be a lot less than $50.00 per box anyway.

I haven't used the 174 gr Hornady for a very long time but know it opens up fast and hangs together decently. I really like what the 180 gr Speer RN does so if you run across some don't hesitate to pick them up. Haven't used any BLC2 so can't help you there but have had some excellent results with Big Game, RL 15 and IMR 3031. The first two will get you to 2400 fps easily, IMR 3031 can get you to 2300 fps.

Max load for RL 15 and the 180 gr Speer is 42 gr from Alliant's data

I worked up to 45 gr Big Game with the Speer's, gun is sighted in with these. Big Game can be hard to find but it works very well if you do find it.

In my cousin's boy's 303 we just worked up a load again with the 180 gr Speer using IMR 4451, didn't chronograph it yet but it should easily get over 2400 fps.

With a reasonable amount of care working up you should have no problems using this data with the 174 gr Hornady.

Thanks All!!

That gets me going!

I use this bullet in my .303 No.1A with Varget. I have gone a few grains higher than listed data due to the Ruger's strength. I have seated the bullet so that the cannelure is a few mm out of the case mouth. It's a great hunting bullet as it ploughs through every pig and deer I have shot with it leaving a good exit hole.

Always thought Varget should be a top powder for the 303 British. Officially jealous of your Ruger No 1A

I have had good luck with the 180 speer round nose. I use army surplus brass, federal 210 primer 180 speer, and either 39 to 41 gr of 3031 powder or RL15. I forget the charge of this. By some strange coincidence both gave me 2405 fps. And my chronograph was working. I think RL 15 gave slightly lower pressures. Both gave good accuracy .. Hope it works for you.