303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

Grant · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 7:55 pm Post subject: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

I want to start reloading for my 303 Martini but I can't seem to find any info on what loads to use in it. Originally it used cordite so I'd imagine I'd have to use a slow burning powder for it. I've read that some guys are using 46 grains IMR 4350 in their rifles but I can't find anything from the magor reloading companies that say that modern powders are safe in a Martini-Enfield. I was thinking of just dialing back my normal 303 load that I use in the SMLE's. 174 grain bullet, 47 grains of IMR4831.

I have fired a couple rounds of factory federal 180 grains in it, but that was before I thought about the age of this rifle. The was no problem when I fired them, no head spacing problem or signs of pressure issues, but.......

Anyone have any insight?

PaulS · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:40 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

I am totally unfamiliar with your gun but when that happens to me I go see a smith and let him tell me what is safe to shot in it.
I did that with a 12 ga. that I bought for $10 long ago and he told me to hang the old girl on the wall because it had a poorly made Damascus barrel and was unsafe to shot at all. I gave it to the next collector (one of the guys that worked with the smith) for the $10 I had in it.
If I can't shoot it - I don't want it!

Vince · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

Plenty of guidance on the various handloading websites Grant. Google handloads for your rifle and you shouldn't have any problems mate.

Elvis · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2013 11:38 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

wikipedia answers that very question for you.

Grant · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:54 am Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

Hu, who'da thunk that waki-wiki would have an answer. That's cool...thanks all. I guess after I get the Martini-Enfield going with handloads I'll have to learn how to reload for my 45 cal Martini-Henry. I've never used black powder before, should be a fun learning curve.

Elvis · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:07 am Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

look forward to hearing how you get on.

fnuser · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:10 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

3031 is the powder for the .303

Grant · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

imr3031 seems to be the powder if you're using 150 grain bullets or less. Lymans doesn't even list it for 174 grain and up bullets. Shooting 174 gr Sierra match kings, I've had tremendous accuracy from IMR4831 but I think I'm going to use IMR4350 for the old Martini.

fnuser · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2013 4:42 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

Lyman isn't the only manual out there, I have data that suggests 38.7- as a max charge for a 180g. Sierra .311 published by Sierra.

Grant · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

Well, I settled on IMR4350. I started with 43 grains and went up 1/2 grain to 45. We'll see what happens with that. Now I just need warmer weather than flippin -28 to go try them..... Laughing

pete4d · Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 6:44 pm Post subject: Re: 303 Martini-Enfield reloads.

www.303british.com/id19.html

www.303british.com/id1.html

Two links that may help ya on reloading the .303 British

For my Lee-Enfield #4-mk1 , I use the 150 grain sierra .311 soft point ,

With 44.0 grains of IMR- 4895

2600 fps AOL 3.00 in (magazine fit)