I am the owner of a WW II Lee Enfield.
Have just got it, but not shot with it yet.
Last time I used this calibre was when I was at school, a few years ago now.
Still remember the thump of the brass stock into my shoulder.

The macho types suggest that the recoil is in the pussycat range. Well they are entitled to their opinions, but I still recall the bruising to my shoulder when I was bit younger and fitter.

Any sugesstions as to loads that are more user friendly.

As I live in Australia, would appreciate any feeback which focuses on , say , ADI powders.

Thanks.

ADI's web site has a .pdf of their load book. Bullet weights down to 125 gn are listed as are starting loads 10% below max for all bullet weights. ADI 2206H is Hodgdon's H4895, and Hodgdon reckons you can load this powder down to 60% of max charge weight. With the 150 and 174 gn bullets, that will let you go well below .30-30 levels.

With cast lead bullets, you can go down to .30 Carbine levels using certain pistol powders.

These puppies are close enough to the 30/40 Krag is specs and dimensions....

Depending on your wants and needs....look at using SR 4759 powder... start at 15 grains and work up to 25 grains.....

Lyman's Cast Bullet manual lists a lot of load data for cast bullets, that work just fine with Jacketed bullets also....

I have found 4759 to be pretty darn accurate, even in rifles that are not that accurate anymore with regular factory ammo.....it has cleaned up accuracy on a few older rifles I have with barrels with excessive throat wear....

Those H 4895 reduced loads are hit or miss in my experience....

SR 4759 has proven to be pretty darn accurate across the board, regardless of the weight of the charge....

It is the main powder for my shooting of the 30/40 Krag and the 8mm Mauser also...

Cheers
seafire

Is this an SMLE or a No4 ? I fitted my No 4 with a slip on recoil pad. A lot of the shooters at the range use one. Wear a shooting jacket,it also helps.
Be very cautious with your loads.Ask some of the more experience shooters at your range for their loads,than start well below and work up.
My No4 303 loves AR 2206.Most of the guys at the club like AR 2208 (kwnown as Varget in the US). For 125 gn proj, BM2 is good. I mainly shoot 150gn proj, but use 125gn for 100 yd shoots.
Go to the ADI wbsite and download their reloading info. Start low and work up.If your rifle has not been used for a while get a gunsmith to look at it.
rob