The rifle in question is a "low number" 1903, with a 10-18 barrel. So chances are it has not seen much use in any of the world wars. The barrel is in good shape for its age.
According to my research:
Standard accuracy for the 1903 was generally around a 2-4 inch grouping at 100 yards.
And mine is running in the 4" range no matter what I try, heavy bullets, light bullets, deeper seating, just a kiss off the lands. The only thing I have not tried are hot loads, right smack dab in the middle of the manuals is where I have been loading them. I even tried some "youth" loads with 125gr bullets. Nothing will move it below 3". I have also tossed the powder drawer at it with no real differences.
I think this old girl is what she is. I bet I have done 200 rounds of testing 5 to 10 rounds at a time. I have 25 of the best so far loaded up, cleaned it to where it is likely better then it was when it left the factory, and as soon as my darn back calms down I will run it out and see how she does. My trapdoor groups better than this old gal.
Question is, two fold. Any suggestions on something I might have missed, and two when do you say.....well this is as good as she does.
In practical terms it is minute of man at 100 all day long.....and really that is what it was made to do.
According to my research:
Standard accuracy for the 1903 was generally around a 2-4 inch grouping at 100 yards.
And mine is running in the 4" range no matter what I try, heavy bullets, light bullets, deeper seating, just a kiss off the lands. The only thing I have not tried are hot loads, right smack dab in the middle of the manuals is where I have been loading them. I even tried some "youth" loads with 125gr bullets. Nothing will move it below 3". I have also tossed the powder drawer at it with no real differences.
I think this old girl is what she is. I bet I have done 200 rounds of testing 5 to 10 rounds at a time. I have 25 of the best so far loaded up, cleaned it to where it is likely better then it was when it left the factory, and as soon as my darn back calms down I will run it out and see how she does. My trapdoor groups better than this old gal.
Question is, two fold. Any suggestions on something I might have missed, and two when do you say.....well this is as good as she does.
In practical terms it is minute of man at 100 all day long.....and really that is what it was made to do.
