I need info on the 243/303. Someone over at graybeards said this is the place to get it. I would appreciate anything I can find out, since I have a Martini in this chambering on the way.
Thanks,
Lefty

Hi Lefty
Check out
www.adi-limited.com/handloaders-guide
It has loads for 243/303
like
100gn projectile-37gns AR2209(H4350/H414/W760/IMR4350) for 2750 fps.

I have a WW Greener martini(xcadet 310) in 218 mashburn bee.
Regards
Deafdog

I believe this is called a .244 or 6mm Epps too. If this is true then Ackley will be a good place to start for info.

This was a common calibre in Australia in the years after WW11 when SMLE rifles were about all that were available. The .303 was also wildcatted and even produced as a factory round in .224, .257, .270 and others. The full length .22/303 about equals a .220 Swift and was known as a .22 Falcon.

Similar situation here in NZ and very likely in Canada and South Africa, all places where .303's were common as cheap surplus rifles. Here in NZ we tended to just use the .303 in a sporterised configuration in .303 for everything. It is very little different to .308 in the field.

Problem with .243/303 is that the SMLE action is rear locking and cant really take high pressures, very prone to case stretching. The calibre was an answer to a post WW11 shortage of sporting rifles at a price that an ordinary person could afford.

If you want to build one for the novelty value it isnt hard but any more modern .243 cartridge and rifle will do all .243/303 will do and more. Also be easier to load for, easier to sell and generally a better bet.

Load data is in Nick Harvey's (Australian writer)manual called " The Reloading Manual For Rifle and Handgun" isbn no 0 589 50218 2. There is a later edition than mine and I am not sure if same data is in it.

If you want the data, email me and I will email it back to you - No Responsibility Accepted Basis!

Good Luck!

Just re-read your request and realised you are getting a Martini, not using an SMLE.

Definitely stick to mild loads in a Martini but will be fun to use and likely very accurate if bore is good.

I use a Martini Rook Rifle in .310 Cadet, great fun, beautifully made and flawless functioning of action.

Your rifle very likely was built up in Australia.

Thanks for all the input. I couldn't get this board to come up for the last few days. Don't know why. Buckweet sent me an email with a post from here in it and I got in finally.
Anyway, I shot the 243/303 a few days ago with 70gr. Speers and some Acurate powder.
It shoots to the same hole, when the barrel is cool! When it heat up, the groups open up. I guess that skinny barrel to be the culpit. But anyway, I don't often shoot the barrel hot when groundhog hunting anyway. I like this gun. I like Martini's!
T.D.