303 reloads

[Dougan]

Hi Steve,

Sorry if I worried you - it was just that you said that the canellure was 3/4 mm forward of the end of the neck - had they been you would have been way over the max recomended COL. But from your photo it looks to be only about 1 mm forward - which, going by your calipers, is about the max recomended.

Anyway, Dromia has given you advise - which has given me a few more tips too :) (might try taking a cast of the chamber over the winter...).

[dromia]

There is a good article by Texas Mac on chamber casts in the library, I recommend the impact method.

[Steve]

Hi Steve,

Sorry if I worried you - it was just that you said that the canellure was 3/4 mm forward of the end of the neck - had they been you would have been way over the max recomended COL. But from your photo it looks to be only about 1 mm forward - which, going by your calipers, is about the max recomended.

Anyway, Dromia has given you advise - which has given me a few more tips too :) (might try taking a cast of the chamber over the winter...).

Thats alright Dougan.I thought i should be ok,but didnt hurt to pop some pictures up to confirm with more experienced reloaders.Im still learning!

[Dougan]

There is a good article by Texas Mac on chamber casts in the library, I recommend the impact method.

Hadn't seen that, thank you :) I'll give it a go, but after the Trafalgar...in case I cock it up :shock:

[Dougan]

Im still learning!

You and me both mate :)

[Steve]

Thought i might as well do an update.

Was shooting Barton road today at 300mtrs which is probably not the best distance to be testing new homeloads,but hey its a learning curve right. :lol:

I stuck a 12" 'Shoot n see' sticky target on the paper one so i had half a chance of seeing bullet holes through my spotting scope and for the first few rounds...i wasnt on target.Wind was blowing from left to right,was quite humid,had a few showers and for some odd reason my rounds were going off to the left.Once i knew where they're going it was much more consistent in the black and even managed a bullseye which amazed me!

So im pleased with my reloads.

[tikkathreebarrels]

Are they much longer than the ones you built before?

About 3-4mm longer (sorry,i cant work in imperial),but does not exceed the maximum overall length.The small band around the bullet (dont know what this is called) where the rim of case would sit is now approximately 3-4mm higher.

Hi again Mate,

I'm not sure about this, but I'd wait for others to comment before trying those rounds - If you're using the same cases (PPU) and bullets (174gr) that I am, and the canellure (crimping line/band) is 3mm forward of the neck..then you may be over the maximum COL. The RCBS .303 reference chart gives 3.075" as the maximum - I've just measured a PPU (which has the canellure totally covered by the neck), and then added 3mm...this was 3.15". Also with the bullet (if they're boat tail), it won't leave much 'bearing surface' (the flat bit in the middle) for the neck to grip.

Like I said I'm new to this myself, but they sound a little over length...and I'd wait to see what other comments you get...

FWIW, I reload for my No4 with 175gn bullets and having used an overall length gauge into the chamber, load mine to an overall length which is a compromise between 20 thou short of touching the lands and ensuring there's enough bullet in the neck to hold the bullet securely, this is generally held to be at least the same as the calibre. The effect on my 303 is that the cannelure is clear of the case neck. Whether it makes any difference to the accuracy of the load or not, I don't know. They still fit the magazine.

I'd say that any reloading requires a modicum of common sense, a careful, methodical and cautious approach, and a willingness to read and apply the advice provided in reloading manuals. Follow the rules, double-check what you're doing and have a reason for everything you do.

[tikkathreebarrels]

.Wind was blowing from left to right,was quite humid,had a few showers and for some odd reason my rounds were going off to the left.Once i knew where they're going it was much more consistent in the black and even managed a bullseye which amazed me!

So im pleased with my reloads.

So, have you sorted why they were going upwind?

[tikkathreebarrels]

Does either full length resizing and neck sizing only make any differences to accuracy? Was wondering this yesterday so made up a box with same powder weights,but this time full length sized.

Ultimately, yes. Neck sizing leaves the brass as sized in your chamber with only the case neck sized (duhhh!), full length sizing restores the brass to some kind of standard, factory fresh size. Do you perform better in a condom which fits snugly, or a loose one? (DO NOT FEEL OBLIGED TO ANSWER, I'm using a metaphor.)

Also,when i resize the neck-will this alter accuracy if the bullet is tighter/looser? I've also read where people will sometimes not seat the bullet as deep as it should be so what does this do?

(im gonna end up boring you all to death soon). :lol:

Again, ultimately it will make a difference because what you seek to acheive is consistency. Some support the theory that some calibres benefit from higher case neck tension.

My advice, young sir, is that you should invest in a copy of the Lee handbook for reloaders (or whatever it's called) - all this knowledge is set out therein.

[Steve]

So, have you sorted why they were going upwind?

Perhaps the way i was holding the rifle.Its the only thing i can think of.