The Accurate Reloading Forums
.303 British
24 September 2008, 21:01
Tim Carney.303 British
Have an opportunity to acquire a double from the 1890s in .303 British. Rifle is in fine condition. Am assuming that it regulates the 215 grain bullet and, with the rule of 2/3, will also likely regulate a 140 or 150 grain bullet as well, if a bit higher on the target.
Grateful for comment by those who hunt/shoot with this caliber.
Regards, Tim
25 September 2008, 09:34
ShinzoTim, think in between a 30-40 Krag & a 308 Win & you'd be in the money. I've always thought that a 303 DR would make a lovely walking around woods rifle, the 215gr bullets have a good reputation for penetration, though, AFAIK, Woodleigh are about the only source of these though as you say you might be able to get it to regulate with 140-150gr bullets. I'm not the person to ask on that. Many an Elk has been shot with the 303Br calibre & this would be well capable of same.
Steve
25 September 2008, 10:19
Bill/OregonI believe Edouard Foa became quite fond of his in the 1890s. I think a 215- or 220-grain bullet would be strong medicine.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
26 September 2008, 00:01
Tim CarneyThank you for the comment and sharing experiences.
Regards, Tim
26 September 2008, 02:09
N E 450 No2Tim
A 303 double would make a good hunting gun.
Tell us a little more about it.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
26 September 2008, 03:43
Tim CarneyNE,
Rifle is an H&H grade C sidelock made in the late 1890s.
Have done some diligence to discover that brass is readily available from both Norma and Remington, and Woodleigh (!) makes 215 gr bullets in .312 which is likely what the bore is, but am having that checked out. Lighter weight bullets tend to be in .311, but that will not be a problem.
Regards, Tim
26 September 2008, 06:17
lavacaIf you don't want it, please provide information on the seller.
26 September 2008, 06:46
N E 450 No2Tim
Hawk also makes a 215gr .312 bullet.
I have used Hawks in my 9,3x74R and my 450/400. they work great on game.
www.hawkbullets.com
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
26 September 2008, 06:49
Tim CarneyNE
Thanks for the reminder. I've used their bullets my .350 Rigby No. 2.
Regards, Tim
26 September 2008, 07:28
carlos111My Uncle Paul bought an Enfield .303 when he took up deer hunting. It racked those whitetails right up.
I've seen the doubles in shops, and they were really nice guns. Quite popular among Brit officers in colonial service, as ammo availability was not a problem anywhere in the world (on a British Army post).
There was a picture in a magazine, probably Double Gun Journal, a couple of years ago of an attractive young woman in jhodpurs and pith helmet, posing with a .303 double and a large, dead tiger. She was an officer's wife, ca. 1920.
27 September 2008, 02:09
Tim CarneyAgreed on the deal for this. More pix when it arrives and goes to the range to work up a load.
Regards
27 September 2008, 03:13
pichon1Sure looks like a sweet bit of gear to me. Fantastic condition for a rifle of that age, bet it's hardly been used. Great purchase.

27 September 2008, 04:28
Bill/OregonTim: I doff my chapeau, sir. You have excellent taste! Foa would be proud.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
27 September 2008, 21:32
BaxterBnow if that hang tag were turned just a bit more....
27 September 2008, 21:58
surestrikeWow,
What an elegant little rifle!
28 September 2008, 01:08
ShinzoVERY nice, range reports awaited with anticipation

Steve