Author Topic: Need Help With 303 (Read 1598 times)

Castaway · « **on:** April 23, 2003, 06:56:30 AM »

To date, my attempts to patch and shoot my Enfield have been dismal. I'm using a 170 grain 308 mould from Lee. Paper has been cigarette paper up to now. I've tried various powders, trying to get below the magical 2,200 f/s and still keep a 100% load density. I can keyhole with the best of them. Will try some thicker paper next, though I've successfully used cigarette paper in my 45-70 though. Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Kragman71 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2003, 04:29:37 PM »

I would definately try a different paper.
Onionskin,#9 paper is probably your best bet.
Check receipt paper(it is a copyof the origional check)is OK also.
Frank

Castaway · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2003, 08:10:15 AM »

Frank, patched up some more 303's last night. Used 9 lb onion skin. Plan to go to the range Sat if the fishing boat doesn't leave the dock that A.M.

ALAN MCKENZIE · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2003, 03:41:13 AM »

An observation which may not be correct!!!!!
303 is 311 to312 diameter.
308 is 308 diameter
could this have something to do with the accuracy
Al

Cottonwood · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2003, 04:38:35 AM »

When paper patching you must use a bullet with a diamiter under. Patching a .311 would not work in a .311 dia barrel, that is why a .308 must be used.

I patch for my 45-90 .458 dia using a .451 dia straight sided hollow base bullet using two wraps of the patch. The reason I mentioned straight sided bullet is because I noticed in an artical in Handloader that they were patching bullets that had grease grooves, and this can cause the paper to stick or imbed into the grease grooves, causing the paper to stick to your bullet. You want to see paper shreds after your bullet leaves the barrel.

Also another difficulty in paper patching is using a bullet that is not hollow base, you need to tuck that paper tail...... so if you are using a bullet that is flat base you have no where to tuck the tail of paper.

The patching paper that I use I found right at Wal-Mart in the art supply section. I bought a pad of tracing paper made by Mead for $1.97. Has worked great so far with no problems.

Castaway · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2003, 05:27:42 AM »

The bullet drops at 308 and patches to 313. I've had good luck with my 45-70 not using a hollow base bullet. You just have to snip the tail off with scissors or nail clippers. Am looking forward to getting to the range on Sat to see what happens.

ALAN MCKENZIE · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2003, 03:10:47 AM »

Thanks fella's for the info.
The more I read about this subject the more interesting it becomes....
I just happen to own a 577-450,303 and 310 ,all are martini actions..
I shall be keeping a close eye on this site from now on..
Thanks once again.
Alan

Castaway · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2003, 04:45:14 AM »

Welcome aboard Alan. Do you currently cast for your rifles or use store boughten' fodder?

ALAN MCKENZIE · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2003, 04:03:49 AM »

Sorry not to get back sooner,have been away in the scrub for a while.
I load all my own,a mate of mine casts the big projectiles for me ,the rest are store bought..
My mate was using his 577-450 with patch bullets,
At 75 yards he couldn't get his sight down low enough and kept shooting about 12 inches high....any sugestions ?
Al

Castaway · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2003, 05:23:22 AM »

Three things come to mind, none of which may be possible or practicle. One, use a lighter bullet. Two, go to a higher front sight or three, speed the bullet up. Of the three, the higher sight may be easiest to do. One technique is to "build up" the front sight post with an epoxy resin. Old military rifles tend to shoot high. Made marksmanshp training easier to teach a man to aim at the center mass, or the belt buckle of a man. This also eliminated some of the problems associated with range estimation.