Thread: SMLE 303

I dont have any mates that reload , but im sure i will keep this gun for years as i dont part with things easily lol .

I will buy a 308 eventually but needed something to go hunting with the brother in law as he reckons two guns on a deer hunt is better than one so ill make this old girl work.

He wont be happy with what I brought though but it will be me shooting it not him. He has a tikka 308 and has been hunting for a few years where as its basically I have not shot a deer yet but been out a few times with him. I have done lots of rabbit shooting so know how to handle a rifle though.

Originally Posted by Jusepy

I dont have any mates that reload , but im sure i will keep this gun for years as i dont part with things easily lol .
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Good on ya, for $151 what the heck.. what it's crying out for is a Lee Loader for back to basics simple handloading. $65-$75 for a complete reloading kit..what I started with 44 years ago, still have and still love to use. May be hard to find new at the mo but they come up on TM from time to time or someone on here might sell you one.

Get a tub of IMR3031, there's still some around, and some 175-180gn flatbased soft point projectiles.

If you flare the case mouth you could try some of Rob Walkers excellent cast boolits.

If you need someone to yarn about it for basics PM me.

Also check out JeffinNZ posts on the Cast Bullet Association Website. Knows more about loading and shooting 303B than most.

Originally Posted by Jusepy

I dont have any mates that reload , but im sure i will keep this gun for years as i dont part with things easily lol .

I will buy a 308 eventually but needed something to go hunting with the brother in law as he reckons two guns on a deer hunt is better than one so ill make this old girl work.

He wont be happy with what I brought though but it will be me shooting it not him. He has a tikka 308 and has been hunting for a few years where as its basically I have not shot a deer yet but been out a few times with him. I have done lots of rabbit shooting so know how to handle a rifle though.

Congrats Jusepy,
That side mount for the scope will eliminate problems from a loose bridge (they are riveted on) that I think my original No 1 had. They usually shoot well even if the barrel is a bit pitted provided the crown is not damaged. As mentioned above the heavy projectiles often shoot best, 174 or 180 grain round nose are good. Also as above keep all your cases and don't shoot any of the military rounds. The Greek stuff currently available can be OK but the soft point is best for hunting. .303 rifles often shoot different loads to completely different places so you need to zero with your hunting rounds.
You can load light loads with a Lee Loader, as I do, but you will probably need someone to help you set it up and do an initial prep on your fired cases. This could save a lot of frustration along the way. I am not far away from the Manawatu and am happy to do some coaching if needed.
Enjoy the journey Grandpamac.