Advice please on reloading .303

[GHE]

For my 1942 Mark 4, 5 groove rifling.
So far, I've only used standard factory loads, 174grn, but I want to reload, primarily to reduce recoil.
Obviously the first step will be to start off with a lighter load, but I'm wondering whether I can also reduce the weight of the bullet, and if so what would be safe, accurate and available.
I have S.5, and can justify expanding ammo (if available).

I also have a .243, and homeload 55 grn frangible ammo for this, which works brilliantly, which is why I'm wondering what can be done with the Lee Enfield...

[Furiouspilgrim]

What do you want to achieve?

You can go down to 120gr lead bullets if you want, just need to use a suitable powder.

I use 165gr lead bullets and can run them from subsonic to silly speeds if I want.

[WelshShooter]

Plenty of information here :)

https://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=810

[GHE]

Plenty of information here :)

https://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=810

Thanks, but I can't view that, presumably because I've just joined the forum

[Furiouspilgrim]

Plenty of information here :)

https://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=810

Thanks, but I can't view that, presumably because I've just joined the forum

Google ‘CAST BULLET LOADS FOR MILITARY RIFLES BY C.E. Harris’

[GHE]

Plenty of information here :)

https://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=810

Thanks, but I can't view that, presumably because I've just joined the forum

Google ‘CAST BULLET LOADS FOR MILITARY RIFLES BY C.E. Harris’

Thanks, very helpful and answers my question

[Mike95]

The H and N plated bullet 180 gn in .312 shoots well in most of the 303, although bore sizes do vary....10gns of shotgun powder usually shoot well to 100yards. Otherwise, cast bullets as already mentioned.

Mike95

[dromia]

Some shotgun powders are very fast burning, I certainly wouldn't want to put 10 gns of E3 in a 303 case for example.

As always rely on tried and tested published data and do not be tempted to use off the cuff internet "recipes".

[Hrun]

I love factory ammo.. the best range days are when I have to explain a bruise to Mrs Hrun.

My view is, shoot it as it was meant to be shot, or buy a .22.

The caveat to that is loading for accuracy, not recoil..

[Alpha1]

I love factory ammo.. the best range days are when I have to explain a bruise to Mrs Hrun.

My view is, shoot it as it was meant to be shot, or buy a .22.

The caveat to that is loading for accuracy, not recoil..

The whole point of reloading is for improved accuracy nothing to do with recoil. Old rifles don't all ways perform with bought ammo so you hand load ammo to get the best accuracy and some times that means cast bullets are the only way to go. Explaining the bruises to Mrs Hrun tells me you know nothing about shooting full bore rifles. You should probably invest in a .22.