Handloads do make a difference, however if you ever see the Sellier & Bellot 180 gr SP loads give those a try in your Mosin Nagant they shoot great out of my PU sniper.
I have both. At this moment I can shoot better with my Mosin Nagant than my 1903a4. I haven't had much time to do load development on the 03 so that could be half (or all) of it.
Howdy! I'm a shooter of vintage sniper rifles. I live in Northwest Indiana but am originally from SW Missouri. I love shooting long shots with old rifles. I'll post videos if anyone is interested. :D