This 215-grain Woodleigh load for the .303 British sounds like it would be as effective (if not better) than the classic .303 load that harvested game on every continent in the last century. Leave it to Woodleigh of Australia to make this classic bullet. It's just too bad that no American companies seem to make quality bullets in this caliber.

I think it's time for the big American bullet companies to start introducing quality bullets for the old British warhorse. I'm trying to urge people to write to Hornady these days to request a 174-grain Interbond in .303. Can you imagine what a hunting bullet with a bonded core that matches the shape of the classic military FMJ bullet would be like? That bullet would be flying off the shelves, believe me! A Hornady 215-grain roundnose Interlock would be pretty darned wonderful, too.

I've also found that Hornady bullets shoot wonderfully in Lee-Enfield and P-14 rifles. Perhaps it's because they make these bullets .312" rather than .311, like Sierra and Speer.

I've never used Woodleigh bullets, but heard nothing but good things about them. Unfortunately, they are rather expensive, costing about twice as much as Nosler Partition or Barnes X (which themselves are not cheap). I think a decent Hornady offering could take the market by storm and warm the hearts of all of us .303 shooters.

If you like the thought of a new Hornady, please email them and let them know. They seem to be somewhat receptive to customer requests.

I have used Woodleighs for years and in many calibers but not in the 303, but I would still guarentee you it will be hard for you to find a better bullet....

I have now tested the Woodleigh 215gr in a few differnt loads. The accuracy of my double rifle with this bullet was excellent. About 3-5 cm in double shots and the velocity was between 670-710 m/s. My rifle is regulated in 1907, most likely for 215gr bullit wile it was the only one available in those days.

Now I finally have my "deep penetrating wild pig load"!!

Vihtavuori N140
41gr 673 m/s
42gr 684 m/s
43gr 698 m/s
44gr 707 m/s(signs of to high pressure)

Thanks again for your advice and views!

Martin

Martin,

We don't have access to imported ammunition here and for a long time the .303 was banned as it was considered a "service" caliber. But the old rifles made for it, both Martinis and Doubles were regulated for the 215 grain bullet and you won't find a better pig, deer and medium game round if you could accept my dated experience. In the old days it was even used for hunting tiger and leopard very successfully in India probably because my countrymen are smaller built and preferred it for it's light recoil. That said, recoil or not, it killed game very effectively and still will.

What double do you have? Please post pictures if you can. Thanks and good hunting!

Hej Martin!



Det var s� lite!



Your Vihtavuori loads are obviously very good, but perhaps I can add a bit more info on additional powders available in Sweden that may help you with some other recipes on www.303british.com



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From 'Any Shot You Want, The A-Square Handloading Manual,' page 274-275:



"For our European and African friends, who may have difficulty locating the various powders, there is an authorized substitution.



Reloader-22 is exactly the same thing as Norma-MRP.



Reloader-19 is exactly the same thing as Norma-204.



Reloader-15 is exactly the same thing as Norma-203.



These powders come from exactly the same plant and are made at exactly the same time. The powder from that plant is simply shipped to a different place and is put into a different consumer pack.

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Tell us more about your double rifle! I've only seen one .303 double (and its bore was ruined by too much cordite) but I know that many such rifles were made in the UK.



That would be a deadly boar and moose rifle! It should also make the running moose test quite a bit easier too!



If you happen to be in the Ume� area, I'd sure like to see that rifle some time.



jpb

Mehol and JPB, check your e-mail boxes.
Thanks for your interest! The rifle is an Army&Navy, built in 1895 and probably rebarrelled in 1907 according to my reserarch in old A&N records. It shoots accurate with all the different weights of bullets I have tested, 150gr, 174, 180 and now even 215gr. Isn't that amazing?

http://bildbanken.nordiq.net/pic/PICT0052.JPG

Martin