.303 Load Info Request

[gitano]

Gentlemen;

I'm new to the forum and looking for load data for my new-to-me 1899 chambered in .303 Savage.

I tried the search engine (303, .303, 303 Savage, .303 Savage), and got no results except the hundreds with "Savage" in the title.

I looked back through the past 5 pages and got no results.

I don't want to bother anyone with requests for information that has been posted in the past, but I'm getting nowhere with the search tools I find available. So... I thought I'd ask to be pointed to the threads that might have been posted some time in the past.

Thanks in advance.

Paul

[Woodser]

The 26th edition of the Hodgdon Data Manual shows that with a 150 grain bullet 36.0 grains of H335 powder will give a MV of 2303 fps, and 39.0 grains of H335 will give a MV of 2545 fps. Behind a 180 grain bullet 34.0 grains of H4895 will give a MV of 2081 fps, and 37.0 grains of H4895 will give a MV of 2130 fps.

Also look here for more data: http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=231

[Eric in NC]

I hesitate to offer this info so take it for what it is worth...

But the 303 Savage can be safely loaded with data used for the 30-30 Winchester if you start low, use the same weight bullets, etc. Some say the Savage can be loaded hotter, I don't do it (why?). But if you have 30-30 data for 150 grain bullets or 170 grain bullets, you can use it for the 303 with 150 grain or 170 grain bullets.

As always reduce charges and work up, if you actually use this information this you will certainly go blind, loose all your money, develop asthma, alienate your children, die, etc. etc.

Also - slug your 303 bore to see what diameter it is before selecting bullets!!

[gitano]

Thanks for the info fellas. I have QuickLoad, and can come up with "book loads", but was hoping there might be some "inside information" that I should have. The .30-30 info is appreciated.

The caution to slug the bore is an eye-opener. I am told (here at SSF) that the rifle is an 1899(A) and was made in 1907. Slugging the bore makes sense but I wasn't aware that there was that much variation in bore diameters at this time. How wide is that variation? Were there "small-bored" 1899(A)s?

Paul

[Eric in NC]

Many of the books claim they are true "30 cals" with .308 bores. I have only personally slugged and measured two but they were both .311 and most info I read from actual shooters agrees. You won't get into any trouble with .308 cal bullets but if you have a larger bore you might benefit from .311s (don't try them without slugging it though).

PM me with your email and I will send you some old 303 Data from a Ken Waters article.

[gitano]

Sorry, Eric. Being a "Basic User", access to PMs in not available to me. If you contact me at pskvorc@biopar.com, we can continue the conversation "off line".

Interestingly coincidental,to me at least, ishat the .303 designation, (as opposed to the .300) would coincide with a .311" groove diameter in light of the .303 British having a .311" groove diameter.

Thanks, I apprecate the info.

Paul

PS - By the way... I have used .308 bullets in .311" bores, and I will NEVER do that again. If the ONLY interest is in hearing a rifle go "bang", then I suppose just about any projectile not too large would do. Here are the details: When I first started collecting milsurps, I was reloading for a Mosin Nagant M-44 that I had put a "scout" type scope on. I had plenty of .308 bullets, and had been told by "experts" that they would be "fine" in the larger M-44 bore. The target was a piece of sheetrock 3 feet by 4 feet. AT 40 PACES I COULDN'T KEEP ALL THE BULLETS ON THE SHEETROCK! :o :o :o After getting the correct diameter bullets, the groups at 100 yards are about 3 INCHES from the same rifle.

Paul