.303 and .308 rifling, bullet type and grain

ishapore308 · 08-07-2007, 10:49 AM

What is the ratio on the rifling on the .303's and .308's. Also what bullet design is best, pointed or rounded nose? What grain is most accurate? I am trying to learn about these two rifles. Thanks

HEMI · 08-07-2007, 10:42 PM

A 303 is actually .311 caliber

rfc357 · 08-08-2007, 07:36 PM

To get a perspective on this, purchase a bullet-maker's reloading manual that describes the various cartridges. I recommend the Hornady manual for its clarity. There is a tremendous amount of variation in the various .30, .303, and .32 rifle cartridges that use bullets from .300 diameter to .323 diameter. There is no simple answer.

No bullet is any more inherently accurate than another. Accuracy is a function of many, many variables. Again, a loading manual will enlighten you if you take time and read carefully.

Individual rifles are individuals. SMLEs of .303 or .308 caliber are not known for their tack-driving accuracy, but there are individual examples that do quite well.

Military rifle accuracy in general is not up to the standard of an off-the-rack Remington, Winchester, or Ruger bolt gun. Mass-produced commercial hunting rifles are not up to the accuracy standards of a target rifle or a custom gun made with a premium barrel. You get what you pay for.

timberlord · 08-09-2007, 09:23 PM

The LeeEnfield is designed for the Mkvll 174gr FMJ flatbased pill.
I've tried 150gr hunting ammo which for some reason didn't group well.
So I stick to the heavier grain , flatbased bullet , either the 174 FMJ's for targets or 180gr ppsp's for hunting. I get the same results with these , on the range.
Round nosed hunting ammo has jammed in my rifle . Pointed ammo feeds just as fast as the military fodder .

"The pipes are only as good as the piper , Laddie..."

Jay A. · 08-09-2007, 11:42 PM

Hornady makes a .312, Sierra makes a .311 (.303) They both work fine in my Jap 7.7

08-07-2007, 10:49 AM	#1
ishapore308 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1	.303 and .308 rifling, bullet type and grain What is the ratio on the rifling on the .303's and .308's. Also what bullet design is best, pointed or rounded nose? What grain is most accurate? I am trying to learn about these two rifles. Thanks

08-09-2007, 09:23 PM	#4
timberlord Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 299	The LeeEnfield is designed for the Mkvll 174gr FMJ flatbased pill. I've tried 150gr hunting ammo which for some reason didn't group well. So I stick to the heavier grain , flatbased bullet , either the 174 FMJ's for targets or 180gr ppsp's for hunting. I get the same results with these , on the range. Round nosed hunting ammo has jammed in my rifle . Pointed ammo feeds just as fast as the military fodder . "The pipes are only as good as the piper , Laddie..." __________________ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...LongStamp1.jpg

08-07-2007, 10:42 PM	#2
HEMI Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 725	A 303 is actually .311 caliber

08-08-2007, 07:36 PM	#3
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741	To get a perspective on this, purchase a bullet-maker's reloading manual that describes the various cartridges. I recommend the Hornady manual for its clarity. There is a tremendous amount of variation in the various .30, .303, and .32 rifle cartridges that use bullets from .300 diameter to .323 diameter. There is no simple answer. No bullet is any more inherently accurate than another. Accuracy is a function of many, many variables. Again, a loading manual will enlighten you if you take time and read carefully. Individual rifles are individuals. SMLEs of .303 or .308 caliber are not known for their tack-driving accuracy, but there are individual examples that do quite well. Military rifle accuracy in general is not up to the standard of an off-the-rack Remington, Winchester, or Ruger bolt gun. Mass-produced commercial hunting rifles are not up to the accuracy standards of a target rifle or a custom gun made with a premium barrel. You get what you pay for.

08-09-2007, 11:42 PM	#5
Jay A. Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 116	Hornady makes a .312, Sierra makes a .311 (.303) They both work fine in my Jap 7.7