My new (to me) .303

Hey guys,

l thought I'd post a pic of my new (to me anyway) .303
Not sure if there's many fans of the old .303 British on here, but it's personally one of my absolute favourite's.

lt's a No.I MK III made in 1942 and is in good condition. The barrel is not in too bad condition and it feeds and ejects perfectly.
I paid $395 (minus the scope - that cost $60) which considering the condition it is in, was a good price.
The price of these old girls has skyrocketed... who would've thought, hey?
It's fitted with a nice aftermarket stock and fitted with a very sturdy steel bridge mount and now a Japanese Tasco 3-9x40 scope.
The finishing touch is the nice leather sling which l think really fits the part.

When I first took possession of it I bought 100 rounds of some inexpensive PPU 150gn ammo.
I excitedly drove to the range and after a couple of hours the results were extremely disappointing. Instead of shooting a group it threw a pattern!
It either didn't like this ammo or l had a clunker!
I had a suspicion it was the ammo. Not that PPU ammo is bad but the PPU uses a boat-tail bullet and was lighter at 150gn.
From what l've learned about .303's over the years, when they have a less than perfect barrel, more often than not lighter projectiles and/ or boat-tails don't shoot well in them. Well the PPU had both and I had a suspicion this might be the problem.

Next time out I was using a friend's hand-loads that utilised the Sierra 180gn projectile. I had no qualms using this ammo as it was well under max and he was a experienced hand-loader. Immediately the groups shrank and I was getting groups of around 1" at 50m.
However this ammo was very, very mild and only chronographed at 2160fps.
This was only 1865ft/lbs - well below the 2400ft/lbs the .303 is usually credited as doing, but would still be plenty for deer at reasonable ranges.

I worked out that if I zeroed it 2.5" at 100m, it would be around 4.5" low at 200m and around 12.5" at 250m- which is what l would personally consider to be the max distance l would use this load for deer hunting.
Once l have enough empties l will increase this load a bit and aim for 2450-2500fps.

So all that's left is to try it on game and see how it performs but l think it will be fine - even at this lower velocity. I've taken it out on a previous deer hunt but was unsuccessful so I've organised another one early tomorrow morning... so fingers crossed.
If I get one I'll be sure to write up a hunt report but even if l'm not successful, just being out in the bush with a piece of history will make for a great day.

Russ

I love a good Lee enfield.

Nice rifle.

Well it's been hunted again, aside from technical problems and someone else shooting the only deer seen BadBoyMelvin is still very happy with this acquisition.

Some friends of mine purchased a few of those milsurp Enfields and a bunch of ammunition 30 years ago. This was back when the USSR was having its "Going Out of Business Sale" and used arms, ammunition, and all sorts of surplus were being released to the market from the former eastern bloc countries. There were barrels of them at (IIRC) $125-150 apiece, take your pick. The ammunition was 1930s or 1940s vintage, and loaded with cordite. They were "battlefield accurate" with groups of ~4" at 100yds, but I always suspected that could be improved with reloads. Really liked the feel of those Enfield actions though.

Enjoy it!

The Brit .303 was the first big caliber rifle I owned. Cut yards one summer and earned enough money to purchase on at a pawn shop.

It is a good caliber. I had a PH tell me once that a .303 had killed every species of animal up to an elephant in Africa. Brit .303 and US 30.06 were both war caliber/rifles that later turned into dependable hunting caliber/rifles. They have truly withstood the test of time.

Glad you are enjoying yours.

I consider ANZAC Day the birthday for my SMLE. My rifle is also a 42' build so we celebrated her 80th the other day.

Have you considered checkering the stock? It would really finish it off.

Hello, Bad Boy, you'll find--I'm sure--plenty of fans of the .303 on this board. Just the fact that Saint W.D.M. Bell used it extensively on elephant earns it a privileged spot in the Great African Cartridges Hall of Fame--plus, the fact that it has been the British Empire's military cartridge for 80 years makes it a staple from Canada to Australia and to South Africa and the rest of Albion's former colonies in the Dark Continent.

I myself am preparing to go on a safari in June, and one of two rifles I'm taking is precisely a .303.



Due to the ammo and components shortage, my choice in bullets is limited to Prvi Partizan 174gr boat tail soft points, which give more than satisfactory hunting accuracy in this rifle. This Watson Bros Martini is an absolute tack-driver with 180gr Federal Power-Shok, although I only have a handful of rounds left of this brand and it's impossible to find more. These are all .311" diameter. I wish Hornady's .312" offerings were available--especially the 174gr round nose InterLock--but trying to find them has been a fool's errand.

Of course, what I really wish to take are the splendid 215-grain bullets that made this caliber a killer of any game on Earth in the hands of the likes of Bell. As far as I know, only Woodleigh and Hawk make them--the first being the victim of a November, 2011, fire that has placed production on hold, the latter so overstretched as to be backordered for over 8 months.

I'm glad every time I see a new .303 initiate. This caliber truly has it all. By the way, since your rifle has already been radically altered from its original military configuration, you may want to consider outfitting it with a new barrel. It's widely available for the N. 2 Mk. IV and for a few hundred dollars you can have it installed and headspaced. The problem with many of the existing barrels on British service rifles is that their throats are more or less shot out because of the use of Cordite, which has a very high nitrocellulose (=explosive) content. This is why you're limited to a certain accuracy ceiling, no matter how perfect your handloads. With a new barrel, you can truly explore all the potential of this wonderful (and wonderfully-historical cartridge).

i have owned several dozen over the years, but lean to the original ones. but would buy a decent sporterized one at the right price. i kept this 1943 FTR long branch with all matching numbers and ex bore, it likes the 174 gr hornady with varget powder.

CJW said:

Have you considered checkering the stock? It would really finish it off.

Click to expand...

I think you’re right about the checkering - but at the moment l just can’t afford it!

Badboymelvin said:

Hey guys,

l thought I'd post a pic of my new (to me anyway) .303
Not sure if there's many fans of the old .303 British on here, but it's personally one of my absolute favourite's.

lt's a No.I MK III made in 1942 and is in good condition. The barrel is not in too bad condition and it feeds and ejects perfectly.
I paid $395 (minus the scope - that cost $60) which considering the condition it is in, was a good price.
The price of these old girls has skyrocketed... who would've thought, hey?
It's fitted with a nice aftermarket stock and fitted with a very sturdy steel bridge mount and now a Japanese Tasco 3-9x40 scope.
The finishing touch is the nice leather sling which l think really fits the part.

When I first took possession of it I bought 100 rounds of some inexpensive PPU 150gn ammo.
I excitedly drove to the range and after a couple of hours the results were extremely disappointing. Instead of shooting a group it threw a pattern!
It either didn't like this ammo or l had a clunker!
I had a suspicion it was the ammo. Not that PPU ammo is bad but the PPU uses a boat-tail bullet and was lighter at 150gn.
From what l've learned about .303's over the years, when they have a less than perfect barrel, more often than not lighter projectiles and/ or boat-tails don't shoot well in them. Well the PPU had both and I had a suspicion this might be the problem.

Next time out I was using a friend's hand-loads that utilised the Sierra 180gn projectile. I had no qualms using this ammo as it was well under max and he was a experienced hand-loader. Immediately the groups shrank and I was getting groups of around 1" at 50m.
However this ammo was very, very mild and only chronographed at 2160fps.
This was only 1865ft/lbs - well below the 2400ft/lbs the .303 is usually credited as doing, but would still be plenty for deer at reasonable ranges.

I worked out that if I zeroed it 2.5" at 100m, it would be around 4.5" low at 200m and around 12.5" at 250m- which is what l would personally consider to be the max distance l would use this load for deer hunting.
Once l have enough empties l will increase this load a bit and aim for 2450-2500fps.

So all that's left is to try it on game and see how it performs but l think it will be fine - even at this lower velocity. I've taken it out on a previous deer hunt but was unsuccessful so I've organised another one early tomorrow morning... so fingers crossed.
If I get one I'll be sure to write up a hunt report but even if l'm not successful, just being out in the bush with a piece of history will make for a great day.

Russ


View attachment 464468

Click to expand...

Is that a hogsback stock? Never seen one on a 303.

Badboymelvin said:

Hey guys,

l thought I'd post a pic of my new (to me anyway) .303
Not sure if there's many fans of the old .303 British on here, but it's personally one of my absolute favourite's.

lt's a No.I MK III made in 1942 and is in good condition. The barrel is not in too bad condition and it feeds and ejects perfectly.
I paid $395 (minus the scope - that cost $60) which considering the condition it is in, was a good price.
The price of these old girls has skyrocketed... who would've thought, hey?
It's fitted with a nice aftermarket stock and fitted with a very sturdy steel bridge mount and now a Japanese Tasco 3-9x40 scope.
The finishing touch is the nice leather sling which l think really fits the part.

When I first took possession of it I bought 100 rounds of some inexpensive PPU 150gn ammo.
I excitedly drove to the range and after a couple of hours the results were extremely disappointing. Instead of shooting a group it threw a pattern!
It either didn't like this ammo or l had a clunker!
I had a suspicion it was the ammo. Not that PPU ammo is bad but the PPU uses a boat-tail bullet and was lighter at 150gn.
From what l've learned about .303's over the years, when they have a less than perfect barrel, more often than not lighter projectiles and/ or boat-tails don't shoot well in them. Well the PPU had both and I had a suspicion this might be the problem.

Next time out I was using a friend's hand-loads that utilised the Sierra 180gn projectile. I had no qualms using this ammo as it was well under max and he was a experienced hand-loader. Immediately the groups shrank and I was getting groups of around 1" at 50m.
However this ammo was very, very mild and only chronographed at 2160fps.
This was only 1865ft/lbs - well below the 2400ft/lbs the .303 is usually credited as doing, but would still be plenty for deer at reasonable ranges.

I worked out that if I zeroed it 2.5" at 100m, it would be around 4.5" low at 200m and around 12.5" at 250m- which is what l would personally consider to be the max distance l would use this load for deer hunting.
Once l have enough empties l will increase this load a bit and aim for 2450-2500fps.

So all that's left is to try it on game and see how it performs but l think it will be fine - even at this lower velocity. I've taken it out on a previous deer hunt but was unsuccessful so I've organised another one early tomorrow morning... so fingers crossed.
If I get one I'll be sure to write up a hunt report but even if l'm not successful, just being out in the bush with a piece of history will make for a great day.

Russ


View attachment 464468

Click to expand...

Looks very nice

MS 9x56 said:

Is that a hogsback stock? Never seen one on a 303.

Click to expand...

I think it's just a Mote Carlo stock mate - but it does look a bit like a hogback, doesn't it?

My only 303 is a sporterized ( not by me) Jungle Carbine. For a 303 it has a pretty stout recoil so I use a sims slip over recoil pad.

Always good to see the Lee Enfield /303 still doing what it has always done, reliably and efficiently for so many years.

Great rifles and a fantastic caliber,
This was my first centrefire when I was growing up.
We used them and Martini Henry's converted to .22LR at School.
Only ammunition that I was able to get was Military ammo. No idea what grain it was.
My mother gave me my late grandfathers 1913 MK111 SMLE with matching bayonet - SN1018. Had the round cocking handle at the rear.
My father got his marksman colors with that rifle - I still have his Uniform Badges.
It accounted for my first Kudu and many many more after that, as well as Eland, Sable, Impala, Bush Pig, Baboons - to name a few.
I was able to exchange fresh meat for ammo from my local Police station that kept me in service for many years. FMJ.
Firearms/Rifles' were almost taboo in my family - mother said it was to do with the bush war, I could not get enough of them and that .303 was an answer to so many dreams for me.
Once went to an auction in Harare in 1990 - there were box's and box's of them for sale - still in grease paper - the newer versionMK4's for 100ZW$ each - I didn't have that sort of money back then.
I had to hand mine to the Authorities when I left Zim, but I still have the bayonet with my Nephew in Harare.
Sure like to get it back one day, or one like it - especially having learnt to re-load.
Best,

Badboymelvin said:

Hey guys,

l thought I'd post a pic of my new (to me anyway) .303
Not sure if there's many fans of the old .303 British on here, but it's personally one of my absolute favourite's.

lt's a No.I MK III made in 1942 and is in good condition. The barrel is not in too bad condition and it feeds and ejects perfectly.
I paid $395 (minus the scope - that cost $60) which considering the condition it is in, was a good price.
The price of these old girls has skyrocketed... who would've thought, hey?
It's fitted with a nice aftermarket stock and fitted with a very sturdy steel bridge mount and now a Japanese Tasco 3-9x40 scope.
The finishing touch is the nice leather sling which l think really fits the part.

When I first took possession of it I bought 100 rounds of some inexpensive PPU 150gn ammo.
I excitedly drove to the range and after a couple of hours the results were extremely disappointing. Instead of shooting a group it threw a pattern!
It either didn't like this ammo or l had a clunker!
I had a suspicion it was the ammo. Not that PPU ammo is bad but the PPU uses a boat-tail bullet and was lighter at 150gn.
From what l've learned about .303's over the years, when they have a less than perfect barrel, more often than not lighter projectiles and/ or boat-tails don't shoot well in them. Well the PPU had both and I had a suspicion this might be the problem.

Next time out I was using a friend's hand-loads that utilised the Sierra 180gn projectile. I had no qualms using this ammo as it was well under max and he was a experienced hand-loader. Immediately the groups shrank and I was getting groups of around 1" at 50m.
However this ammo was very, very mild and only chronographed at 2160fps.
This was only 1865ft/lbs - well below the 2400ft/lbs the .303 is usually credited as doing, but would still be plenty for deer at reasonable ranges.

I worked out that if I zeroed it 2.5" at 100m, it would be around 4.5" low at 200m and around 12.5" at 250m- which is what l would personally consider to be the max distance l would use this load for deer hunting.
Once l have enough empties l will increase this load a bit and aim for 2450-2500fps.

So all that's left is to try it on game and see how it performs but l think it will be fine - even at this lower velocity. I've taken it out on a previous deer hunt but was unsuccessful so I've organised another one early tomorrow morning... so fingers crossed.
If I get one I'll be sure to write up a hunt report but even if l'm not successful, just being out in the bush with a piece of history will make for a great day.

Russ


View attachment 464468

Click to expand...

@Badboymelvin
Russ
There are many things to look at with the old No1 Mk111.
The first is the head space even if it is correct according to the gauges a change in bolt head to make it a mili poofteenth tighter. Find someone either a few bolt heads and try swapping them out until you get the right one.
Bed the action and the Knox form.
Try putting some upward pressure on the barrel usually around 5 pounds.
Try reloading it with 2209 behind the 150s it gives less bolt thrust.
I got excellent accuracy out of my old threeO using Barnes 150gn TSX and the worked a treat on Sambar.
Hornaday 150s seemed to work the best in my rifle.
In some case the reloading die won't size the neck small enough for the projectile. To solve this I use my 308 FLS die and just neck size the case. Gives tighter neck tension and better shot to shot start pressure.
My dad used to trick up the old SMLEs for interservice shoots when he was a RAAF armourer so he taught me a thing or three about them.
Hope this helps mate
Bob

425SCHADE said:

I consider ANZAC Day the birthday for my SMLE. My rifle is also a 42' build so we celebrated her 80th the other day.
View attachment 464479

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@425SCHADE
My 1942 No1
Bob

@M

MS 9x56 said:

Is that a hogsback stock? Never seen one on a 303.

Click to expand...

MS 9X56
If you look closely at the old SMLE in Crocodile Dundee you will see that it has a thumb hole stock even more different.
Bob