303 enfield No4 Mk1

[Dellboy]

Can someone recommend a good starting point for a load to punch targets at 200 to 400 metres please

ie bullet weight powder and load .

[Alpha1]

174grain jacketed bullet 41 grains of Vitavouri N140 works for me.

[dromia]

I would carefully work up from 38 gns of N140 in .2 gn increments as that load above is close to the Vihtavuori maximum of 41.7 gns of N140 with that weight of bullet.

We do ask people to post their source of their load data here as just putting up a recipe on the internet is not helpful, could be dangerous and is poor handloading practice, what works in one gun might not work in another especially when close to a tested maximum.

[Dougan]

Using a 174gn HPBT bullet and Vihtavuori N140 is quite popular with No.4 owners...

...the Viht manual gives a starting load of 38.4gn for N140, so that would be the obvious place to start - I found that 39gn was enough for our SMLE, as it was only shot to 300 yards - We're currently working up a load for a recently bought No.4 which we intend to shoot up to 600 yards, and are so far at 40gn (not tested yet at 600) - If you want to shoot it accurately out to 1000 yards then 41+gn would probably be necessary.

Bullet choice: I find the difference in POI between PPU and SMK bullets negligable (just tighter groups with the SMKs), so tend to practice and plink with the PPUs, and do final zeroing and comps with the SMKs.

Edit: just seen Dromia's relply, which I totally agree with - I'll post this anyway...but will add that personally, I am wary of approaching the maximum load for a 60+ year old rear-lugged action, so once we've got our minimum load needed for 600, we'll stop there...we'll probably still have a plink with it at 900/1000, but not worry if it's not brilliant...

[mag41uk]

I use 174gn fmj with 40.8gn N140 in my No4Mk2.
Well within Viht published data.
I do seat long and the rounds will still just fit in the mag.
I zeroed the rifle with this load, i.e foresight height swapping.
The rear sight does match fall of shot out to 900 yards.
HTH
Tony

[Dombo63]

I have a late (1955) No 4 Mk 2 and use 174gn SMK, HXP brass and Vihtavouri N140. Vihtavouri tables on their website give ranges for you to work up a load that suits your rifle. I find that for my rifle, with the lowest foresight blade I am spot on to the sights at most ranges from 200 yards out. Working up a load is half the fun. Enjoy.

[WelshShooter]

I use Ramshot Big Game with my Lee Enfield. Accurate enough for me but am trying out some TR140/RS50 in the meantime.

Ps where is everyone finding their SMK's? I've recently managed to get 200 from my local rfd but doesn't get them often.

[mag41uk]

Try HPS or Kranks.

[Alpha1]

My main club has two guys who are registered firearm dealers when I'm getting low I just ask them to get me some 174 grain flat base jacketed bullets. I usually buy 500 at a time they just turn up next range day with them in plastic bags of 100 no idea what make they are. They work with 41grains of N140 that's all I'm bothered about and the price is right.

[WelshShooter]

Try HPS or Kranks.

I tried Krank last week but no joy, will have a look at HPS. Thanks.