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Author Topic: 35/303 Brit load data  (Read 2949 times)

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Offline badlandsbutch

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35/303 Brit load data
« on: January 18, 2007, 05:15:21 AM »
Have a #3 SMLE converted to a "bush gun" with a 16 1/2" barrel in this caliber, also have die set, but no load data. Possible to use .357 pistol bullets?
Only want to plink. Any help?
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Offline iiranger

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#1 & #2
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2007, 06:19:14 AM »
#1). Use .357 Mag bullets? Probably Yes. Most .35's are .357 or .358 BUT with the rifle case you can push them ALOT faster than a pistol (ignoring the "hand rifle" TC kinds). They will be explosive. A 125 grain pistol bullet at rifle velocity just might "blow up" on a rib (or a twig) and not get into the animal to do much damage... so please be careful... b). Pistol bullets are not designed for top ballistic efficiency, so if you plan any real long range... a more pointed bullet... Remington used to make 150 grain spires for the .35 remington.

The greased lead bullet (no copper jacket) will extend your barrel life to almost "forever." Since these are also available and if your bore is not NRA "moonscape"... Cheaper too.

#2). Mr. Epps did a bunch with the .303 and his heirs still run the gunshop. I can never remember the e address but 303british.com will link there. Mr. Epps had both .35 on the regular case and an "improved" case...

Mr. Ackley did a 2 volume set of books available from eabco.com, sinclair, ebay sometimes... The epps cartridges are in volume 2.

There was a pistol wildcat for the hand rifles using the .303 case to make a rimmed .35 Remington. I would guess you could start with that data CAREFULLY and "work up." My next choice would be .35 Remington which is a real low pressure cartridge from long ago. Worked in the high 30,000's CUP as I recall. Like the .30/30 WCF or .30 Rem. Useful. Efficient. But not a .358 Winchester. That data (working around 55,000 CUP) would be way to much for a "smelly".

Lyman manuals from thru the years should have both jacketed bullet and lead bullet data for these cartridges. If you can keep yourself to "just plinking" loads... Lots of fun. If not, becareful of the SMLE action "flexing." Hard on brass. luck.
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Offline badlandsbutch

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2007, 09:14:44 AM »
That's a start. I have seen reference to .35 Rem. data and have some old Lyman manuals. I'll check for the Ackley book and contact Epps.
Thanks for the help.
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Offline iiranger

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Getting old.... Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2007, 08:59:56 AM »
Completely forgot. LEE Manual lists case capacities in cc's. That and knowledge of appropriate pressure... .358 WCF a little stiff and you should be moved ahead a bunch. luck.
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Offline badlandsbutch

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2007, 02:10:08 AM »
Going to the range to fireform cases today. Using both 30/40 Krag and .303 Brit cases.
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Offline Nobade

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2007, 03:57:03 PM »
I've just started playing with a 35/30-30. Pretty much the same thing but a little smaller. For smokeless powder I use 35 Herrett data and 38-55 data and kind of extrapolate. I'd say top 38-55 loads would be a good starting point for your 35-303. Or just do like I do most of the time and fill it with 777 to the base of the bullet. That always works and usually is quite accurate with the proper cast bullets. Plus you can use nitro powder lube with 777, don't have to use special BP lube like you do with BP or Pyrodex.
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Offline badlandsbutch

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2007, 05:46:02 AM »
Fireformed cases yesterday. I'll look at .35 Herrett and 38-55 data also. just need to see what powder/bullets I have on hand.
thanks
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Offline badlandsbutch

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2007, 02:35:34 AM »
Great results at the range today! Used .35 remington data for 158, 200 cast and 200 SP bullets. Velocities for all loads between 1724 and 1982 fps with no pressure signs
using  both .303 BR and 30/40 Krag cases. Very manageable recoil and accuracy. Off to a great start and will concentrate on rifle zero and accuracy next.
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Offline Buckeye

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2007, 10:01:01 AM »
I was thinking of having a #4 converted to a 35/303 ,Where do you get the dies ?
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Offline badlandsbutch

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2007, 02:20:51 AM »
They are RCBS and came with the rifle.
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Offline northern hunter

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2007, 03:16:28 PM »
Hi guys,the great Ellwood Epps past away a few years ago.The shop was sold to the Winkle family 10 years ago,they have brought it back to its hay day,2400 guns on sight plus everything that goes with them.
The web sight is www.ellwoodepps.com
Hope this helps.
shoot once and carry a sharp knife.................
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Offline badlandsbutch

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2007, 02:56:12 AM »
Went to the range. Fired 3 different loadings for .35 REM ( bench  @ 50 YDS.)  : 158 LFP, 200 LFP, and 200 RNSP. All cases were good with with no pressure signs, or extraction problems. Could not establish a reasonable group for any load! Scattered and very large. Back to the load bench to work on powder charges. I'll lower velocities then bench @ 25 yds. This is fun since I'm retired!
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Offline BigLost

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2007, 02:54:10 PM »
you basically have the old,(not .358) .35 winchester,and you can use that data,,,been wantin' to do that to my SMELLY for sometime!!!! ;)
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Offline Con

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Re: 35/303 Brit load data
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2007, 04:01:40 PM »
Quote from: Buckeye on February 20, 2007, 10:01:01 AM
I was thinking of having a #4 converted to a 35/303 ,Where do you get the dies ?

Buckeye,
Get a set of Lee 303British RGB dies opened to 35cal for a cheap set of dies. Otherwise ... you can neck size with a 350RemMag FL die and seat with a 358Win seater.

Badlandsbutch,
For load-data ... 356Win starting loads should easily be appropriate in a No4 based rifle ... should also be okay in a No3. Measured case capacity is just a bit short of the 358Win ... ie about equal to a 356Win. I had some QL data for the regular 303/35 (not the improved version) and estimates in a No4 at 303British pressures were ahead of the 35Rem and just behind the 358Win. Its a nice combination when you consider 10shot capacity in a super-fast rear locking action with charger clip capability 
Cheers...
Con  ;D
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