7.62x54r in .303 handload n00b ish

[mauser_addict]

ok. coming out of the shadows finally to ask some questions.

i have 170 rounds to load with some pulled .311 steel core bullets for my .303. i am using rl15 and winchester primers. i've been looking around here and elsewhere unable to find definative measurements on this load. the enfield in question is a no.4 mk1 with a good bore.
and does anyone know what the differences in pressure would be using cci 250 magnum primers over win std large rifle primers?
i hava a bunch laying around and dont want them to go to waste.

 

[bohem]

Re: 7.62x54r in .303 handload n00b ish

You may see differences in pressure, you may not. CCI and Wolf both state that the only difference in the primers is the cup hardness.

My testing showed them to be interchangable (CCI 200's and 250's could be switched, Wolf LR and Wolf LRmag could be switched, but not between brands)

The best bet is to back off the load about 2 grains and work back up from there. The enfield is an exceptionally strong action but there's really no reason to abuse it.

Also- You mentioned the 7.62x54R and the 303 Brit and I'm confused. It appears you have an enfield, you're pulling down 303 brit ammo, and loading 303 brit ammo. Where does the 7.62x54R come into play? They're 2 totally different rounds.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: 7.62x54r in .303 handload n00b ish

Do you know the bullet weight ?pulled .311 should be around 150gr , so you could start the charge weight at 43grs, if your bullets tip its to slow , and just work up to 50. i have no exp with 303. but if the bullet weight is 180 then maybe 40 grs, and if its 125 then start at 45. I would work up 2grs at a time.

you could load your mag primers , just drop the charge and work up again. When i loaded mag primers over standard i dropped the load back 5% or something. It works , but i didnt notice an improvment towards accuracy.
You could even load them in a pistol. , what bohem said.

 

[mauser_addict]

Re: 7.62x54r in .303 handload n00b ish

the bullets are 147 gn steel core .311 pulled from the 7.62x54r. i have heard that these bullets work very well in the enfields if the bore is good. i haven't slugged the bore but the grooves and lands look nice, and the rifle shoots very well. i can put the bullet in the same hole at 50 yds with the iron sights and factory loads.

thanks guys i'll whip up a small batch at different weights and go from there.

 

[mauser_addict]

Re: 7.62x54r in .303 handload n00b ish

loaded 20 rounds the other night 6@ 44 gn 6@45 and the rest @44.5. all were really accurate. and none showed signs of overpressure or keyholing. so it looks like i'm goin with 45 gr. i was only shooting @50 yds but i'm blind as a bat and have the iron peep sights. aside from a couple fliers i saw under 1" groups. annnd as a bonus...

vented rotor and 3/8 mild steel. went through like butter.