Author Topic: .310 (32) RB in .303 British -Powder? (Read 460 times)

Harold50 · « **on:** December 07, 2005, 04:48:29 PM »

I have an SMLE MkIII that measures .312 in the barrel.

I have some 32 caliber round balls which are actually .310.

I think they might be fun at short ranges.

I have some SR 4759 powder - any comments on the amount to use? I'm thinking about 15 grains to start and work up sloooooowly from there.

Best wishes,

Harold

jgalar · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2005, 01:10:17 AM »

I haven't used 4749 in years so don't have any comments on it. I would lube the balls with Lee tumble lube and would use a fast shotgun type powder if I was inclined to try your experiment.

JBMauser · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2005, 03:02:44 PM »

I have worked up a similar load for my 30/06 using 00 buck over a load of 2.5 gr of bullseye. I used a .22 LR case for a dipper. a dab of lube on top, Vasaline was a mess. a target with 19 rounds fired, you could have covered over 15 with the end of a coke can at 25 yards. great fun.

Harold50 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2005, 09:17:26 AM »

JBMauser;
Did you actually lube with Vaseline?

Shooting gets expensive with these big guns and a chance to shoot coke cans should not be missed. Pd @ $6.00 per hundred for the .32 balls.

I'll shoot them last on my next trip to the range and try to post a target, if they work.

If also read that a 308 mandrel in a .303 die will allow me to load 100 grain .308 caliber plinkers and they will shoot pretty well out to 50 yards.

I'll let you know.

Harold

JBMauser · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2005, 05:09:29 PM »

Yes, I did use vasaline. I had read Nonte and he talked about how to do this and he had used vasaline. I did not have any other lube at the time. I now have lube I have made up for BP that I could use. It was a bit of a mess to work with but it all shot fine. These loads were lubed at the range as they were loaded. just a finger swipe over the top of the case. As far as shooting .308 plinkers, I think it is worth a go. I have been playing with .32cal .312 pistol bullets in 7.65X54 Argintine. I next plan to try it in the .303 The hardest thing for me is to get right is to seat them straight. I am still working on this. my initial results with the 7.65 which takes the same bullet as the .303 was good. A bit hot at 16 gr. of unique gave me 2600fps. minute of beer can at 50 yards. 5 shots inside 4in. but to hot at 2600fps and like I said I need to better support them to start them streight. I was thinking of loading my next batch backwards and load them flush to the case mouth. HA. a .303 wad cutter... You've got me re motivated....JB

Savage · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2005, 04:11:49 AM »

Anyone having problems with erratic ignition with these miniscule powder charges? Using a filler? I would be very careful that partial power ignition might leave the projectile in the bore--------be careful! I would be especially concerned about the 2.5grs of BE in a 30-06 case.
Savage

Harold50 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2005, 05:02:29 AM »

JB -The more I do the math I begin to think that 15 grains of 4759 is far too much powder...and I hadn't thought of seating the RBs flush with the case mouth. I'm not sure I am able to go that far with my Lee dies. The dummy round (no powder, no primer) only seemed to have depression enough to seat the ball halfway and then I ran out of adjustment.

Would you crimp at all?

Savage - your point is taken. :eek:

Anyone have a favorite load for 150 grain .311 spire points?

Best wishes and thanks for the continuing help,
Harold

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2005, 04:56:56 PM »

A better bet is the Speer .314 SWC. Under $20 for 500, I think. They have a good bit more bearing surface, are fat enough for most rifles, and soft enough not to cause problems in barrels as tight as .308. They'll thumb press into a fired case from many rifles. Five grains of Unique is a reasonable place to start in cases from .30-30 up. You don't want to push them much over 1000 fps.

I've never had one stick. Lead goes down the bore much easier than copper and comes out much easier if one does stick. Just listen for a shot that does not sound right. You can usually hear the bullet hit, too. If you have any doubts, take a look down the barrel

Harold50 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2005, 08:38:32 AM »

Update - range report.

Fired five rounds .32 (.310) caliber round balls behind 12 grains of SR4759. Grouped at 30 yards @4.0 inches.

RBs lubed with TC Bore Lube.

Fired from a standard SMLE IIImkI bought for $12.50 out of a barrel of them @ 1955 at a local hardware store (I am told) by my deceased grandfather.

Sounded like heavy 22WRM. Boy, was the bore cruddy from that powder.

Note: I checked after each shot to be sure the bore was empty - perhaps overkill...but you know... :eek:

Best wishes,
Harold