I will be on an extended trip into the north country of Alaska/Canada.I have selected a SMLE MK 4 as my utility rifle. I am going to custom load 215 grain bullets. My selection seems to be Woodliegh or Hawk. I am a big fan of heavy RN such as the .308 220 grain for short range work. The Hawk can be had in a spitzer or custom ordered RN. This is my qustion; A.Will a spitzer resist deflection from obstructions any better or worse than a RN, all things being equal B. Will the spitzer give any appreciable ballistic advantage or expansion at the velocity of this combination? I'm not looking for MOA accuracy or ranges beyond 100 meters.

Chris
I have used both the Woodleigh bullets and the Hawks[the Hawks in my 450/400 with the .025jkt and in my 9,3x74R with the .035jkt]. For the bigger game in the area you are going I would recommend the Woodleigh's, as they are the tougher bullet.

Thankyou!This is going to be more of a survival firearm than anything. I do not hunt, though ironically my firearm interest has settled on classic hunting rifles in calibers my local dealer has never heard of.I will be the only person so far bringing anything along ( archaeological survey.) I served in Alaska in the military and on a seasonal state survey.I don't plan on any close encounters ( those mosquitos and no see ums are far more deadly) but unlike my late acquaintance Timothy Treadwell know that real animals are indifferent to my personal agenda.

Chris
In addition to your rifle you might consider getting a revolver [and learning how to shoot it of course ]
It is very much a pain to keep a rifle within arms reach while working, fishing etc.
I would recommend a S&W 4" 44 Magnum or a Ruger Blackhawk with the 4 5/8" or the 5 1/2" bbl. Anything longer just gets in the way for a "working" revolver.
Start out shooting 44 Specials and work you way up power wise.
Carry the Federal 300grain Castcore or Garretts 320 Hammerheads. The speer shotshells are very effective in grouse and other small game for the pot.
The best carry is in a crossdraw holster, but behind the hip is less conspicious if you wear a coat or a long vest.
The revolver is far superior to the rifle because you can have it within hands reach all the time.
If I could get to the rifle I would of course prefer it.

450... Chris mentioned spending time in Canada... That rules out handguns... The Canucks won't even let their OWN citizens carry handguns, much less us rowdy YANKS...

Thanks for the input. I am very familiar with handguns and am leaving a Colt New Service .45 with RCMP markings behind My inquiries met with the famous canadian courtesy. The smelly is most welcome, and fits in nicely with flying regs for a survival kit.I learned during my previous stays to make the rifle part of me.I won't be crawling up any bear trails with zero visibility and am extremely bear ( and aggressive moose )conscious.The smle was a natural. It's going into rough service and the .303 round is readily available.I also have to contend with a group of largely firearm ignorant and in some cases hostile associates.The leader is a trap shooter and bringing a 12 guage with both riot and sporting barrels, so I figure we have our needs covered for emergency hunting if logistics go awry.I've btdt with this social situation. I was on a survey in northern California and carried a BRNO commercial mauser in 8MM. I was a pariah until we stumbled into a marijuana farm. Ever trade shots with a Bronco spraying uzi 9mm down a old lumber road? I put one round into a tire. Our indian monitor, also a vet grabbed the rifle for his 'turn', didn't notice the double set triggers and put a second round into the windshield aiming for the radiator.We departed asap, the patchouli soaked earth mothers crowded around me like qail in a blizzard

Nice work with that Brno. Dope growing morons--they WILL shoot if contacted, a very high likelihood of that. At roughly $3,300 per plant if they do their job right, just think "gold strike" instead of "marijuana field" in terms of the ferocity the growers guard their plots with.

I NEVER venture into the back-country unarmed because of their presence, and try with effort to avoid areas attractive to growers until October (south-facing slopes, natural water sources, ANY pipeline or dripline in back-country).

The SMLE selection and the ammunition for it are well-made choices. You've done your homework.