Thread: Is the 303 obsolete?

What many are forgetting is the 303 is a piece of our deer culling history, its almost like its kiwiana.
Sure, it might not be your go to rifle, but it gets the job done, a great deal of kiwis have started out with 303.
Every gun safe in NZ should have at least 1 in it!

Originally Posted by PeteD

The price and availability of .303 ammo may be the biggest issue.

Adding things like scopes and suppressors may also be difficult.
There are second hand remingtons, mossberg etc out there that will offer superior performance and ammo selection.

You can pick them up at gun shows for cheap or at club auctions on a regular basis. Take a spare round with you and stick it in the barrel, if you see a good 3mm or more between the neck and the muzzle, then chances are you have a decent enough barrel.
Barrels can be found cheap anyway, ive picked several up for $20 each at shows, but have paid more for a more desirable H barrel.

Im getting 1 inch groupings at 50m with a lithgow barrel i paid $25 for. Its likely had a hard life, but the bore gauge measured it very tight for a 303. Im still yet to fully clean the years of copper fouling out of it.
Even with years of corrosive cordite ammo through it and little cleaning, still provides me an accurate gun.
Scope mounting should be simple enough, most sporters out there will have a parker hale rail.
Dont look for one thats not drilled, get one with the mounts fitted, and you will be good to go.
I have been looking for a side mount rail for a gun that was drilled on the side and couldnt find a mount for it, there are some oddball mounts out there.

Originally Posted by Pommy

Bit of a black or white absolutist question.

What makes a cartridge obsolete? When you cannot buy new rifles chambered in it? In which case yes (not counting the Ruger #1). When ammo companies stop making ammo for it? In which case no. When it's no longer issued by any military/service? In which case pretty much unless you're a Bangladeshi police officer.

Like Tentman says, ballistics of the cartridge are close to that of 308 Win. But the <$200 TradeMe specials that shoot it are a +/- century old and odds are they are pretty well clapped out. If you want something that will hold its own against a modern, scoped, bolt action rifle you will need to up your budget or revise your plan.

Agreed, the cartridge really has nothing to do with it, ballistics are everything, and yes its comparable to 308, different shape cartridge, but similar capacity of charge.
The biggest differences really come down to barrels and age.
most 308 rifles will be far more modern than an SMLE and not only newer technology when it comes to rifling etc, but less wear and no barrel or throat corrosion etc.
That being said, just look out for a good rifle, they can still be found for cheap if you know your stuff.
There are plenty of helpful older people in the clubs that will give advice or point you to someone who has a rifle for sale.

Originally Posted by csmiffy

It's a tough one. Cheap 303s don't necessarily mean a good rifle. Big difference nowadays is there is bugger all cheap ammo about. Even winchester 180gr powerpoint is 80 nicker a packet. Not a lot to pick from. 30.years back it was a biggish jump to a second hand centerfire that was anywhere close price wise.
Nowadays not so much. Obsolete? Definitely not.
Cost effective, yeah well....

Ammo is still found for cheap, the guy in our store says even the HXP ammo will take down a deer happily, although soft point is ideally better.
As others say, reloading is the way to go if you plan on shooting alot.
I think the whole market for hunting ammo is a total ripoff anyway.
Just looking at whats available at gun city, there is a far wider range of 308 available compared to 303, however, while a pack of winchester super-X will set you back about $100, the overall average price is less than what 308 would cost.
For example you can get PPU 180grain for only $65, the cheapest soft point 308 offering(PMC) at GC is essentially $60
You also have the added bonus of reusing the brass for reloading, PPU is the best available on the market today.
I see hornady do 303 too, but not sure if they make the brass anymore.
The main advantage with 308 ammo selection that i can see is the wide range available, polymer tips, etc.
But if you reload, you have these options at your disposal.