I came across this load using Vit N133 producing 2960fps with a 150gr bullet in a 303 Enfield - they didn't say Lee Enfield but the discussion was about LE's. I simply don't believe it but is it even possible? That would be exceeding 308 velocities. It might be do-able in a P-14 assuming the case can take the pressure or does this powder have high energy with low peak pressure?

Sure, a similar load is listed on the Lapua load data site. Unfortunately the table does not indicate the pressure of the load - I too suspect it is a bit high for a No.1 MkIII.



http://www.lapua.com/en/produc...g-data/relodata/5/82



.

I think the old Norma data booklet from the early to mid 1960s had loads that hot for the .303. I think thier factory loads were that hot too. Once fired Norma brass would be partially separated when you found it back then. If not it would separate on the firing the first reload.

That'd astounding! The starting and max load is higher than the 308 start and max load! I've had some Norma cartridges and those did not seem overly hot. My rifle has a tight chamber so no case issues were evident and in fact, I still have some of those cases and they're still good. The 180gr loadings shown are no different to the 'expected normal' for the Brit. One should remember that a loaded Brit case has larger capacity than the 308 because of seating depth.

quote:

It might be do-able in a P-14

Yup.....and that's as far as I'd go with the .303 Brit....I'm not sure the Lee Enfields were strong enough for this performance level.

There are not a lot of .303s of civilain origin on this side of the Pacific. The military versions that I have messed with all have had the normal British chamber about .460 ahead of the rim. Many of the L-E rifles that made it here are also well worn and a little loose. Normal factory load damage the brass on the first shot with almost all brands I have encountered.

One thing you have to keep in mind with a lot of old data for military rifles is the barrel length.
People praise the 6.5 Jap round for its efficiency when the data may have come from a 31" long Type 38 rifle. Same goes for the 7.65 Mauser in the 1891 rifle. Those barrels are about 29 inches long.

quote:

Originally posted by 303Guy:
That'd astounding! The starting and max load is higher than the 308 start and max load! I've had some Norma cartridges and those did not seem overly hot. My rifle has a tight chamber so no case issues were evident and in fact, I still have some of those cases and they're still good. The 180gr loadings shown are no different to the 'expected normal' for the Brit. One should remember that a loaded Brit case has larger capacity than the 308 because of seating depth.

Maybe in a P14 rifle?

The Lee Enfield rifle is a rear locking action. It was and is entirely too flexible and weak to safely shoot bullets that fast.

A P14 action could.

I'd load that old girl with the 215 gr Woodleighs to around 2350 with RL-15 and grill meat.

JM

I think you can shine it on,303 Guy. The velocity of that bullet in a .303 would be a novelty at best. roger

Yes it would be a novelty. I'm actually more interested in the starting load with a supposedly much lower pressure. Even then the start load velocity is 2750fps or so. But not not so impressive when it gets to the bullet weight I use, that being 180gr.

Easily doable with 29" barreled M10 Ross.

Larry Gibson

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Gibson:
Easily doable with 29" barreled M10 Ross.

Larry Gibson

OK roger

Well, I don't have that long of a barrel. The scary thing is those figures were with a 23 inch barrel! But I'm still interested in finding a powder that will deliver the velocities I would like at lower pressure and I'd like 2750 fps with 150's and 2500 fps with 180's and I want pressure to stay below 43000 CUP. BLC(2) seems to deliver that but I can't readily get it in my parts.

150 gr. Bullet at 2750 fps.

46 gr. RL15

45.8gr. Accur2520 but 44600 cup

47.3 gr. Accur. XMR 4064

180 gr. Bullet at 2500 fps.

43.7 gr RL15

45 gr. 44.6gr. Accur. XMR 4064
roger

Old age is a high price to pay for maturity!!! Some never pay and some pay and never reap the reward. Wisdom comes with age! Sometimes age comes alone..