#1 303 British accuracy

[RJ556]

I am contemplating a #1 in 303 British. For those of you that have them and have shot them, what kind of accuracy are you getting? With what ammo? Thanks, RJ

 

[hammie]

I can usually keep a three shot group under 3 inches at 100 yds with a cold barrel. But that's not necessarily the rifle's fault. Perhaps the load could be better, and certainly the shooter could be better. The rifle is fairly light with a slim barrel and I didn't expect bench rest accuracy. I bought it because I love the history and nostalgic charm of the .303 british cartridge. Plus I got tired of my #4 SMLE eating brass.

As for loads, the only bullet I've tried so far is a 150 grain sierra. I'm not sure how the rifle is throated, and it might do better if the 150 grain were seated further out or if a heavier bullet were used (The rifle might have a long throat to accomodate longer and heavier military bullets). Or I might need to try a little faster powder (4895 instead of H414).

In any case I love the rifle and it always evokes thoughts of kenya and Robert Ruark. So go get your .303! If I had wanted a tack driver, I probably would have started with a #1V in 6.5 Creedmore instead. Although on reflection, I'm thinking that the creedmore would also fill a nice spot in my collection.

 

[mrbumps]

I was reading on another forum a while back (Greybeards I think) that the rifle performs much better with .312 bullets, rather than .311. I guess Hornady and Woodleigh make .312 diameter bullets.

 

[hammie]

@mrbumps: You're right. The sierra's are .311 and the hornady's are .312. That's a good suggestion. Thanks! I need to do more load development. For nostalgia, the 215 grain round nose woodleigh's might be fun to try.

 

[Sugar River]

I slugged mine and got readings from .3134 to .3139 depending on which "groove" I was miking.
So the 313 bullets should be the ticket.

Pete

 

[gunners]

You could also try the Sellier & Bellot ammo some guys get some pretty good accuracy from them with their SMLE's as a bench mark.

 

[mrbumps]

I slugged mine and got readings from .3134 to .3139 depending on which "groove" I was miking.
So the 313 bullets should be the ticket.

Pete

Actually, on the Greybeard thread I referenced, one person contacted Ruger and was told the barrels are bored .314 to .316, which seamed unbelievable to me.

The only bullets I have found in .313 suitable for the .303 british were cast bullets from Beartooth. They had a few different weights, all with gas checks. May be worth a try.

 

[RJ556]

Gentlemen, I thank you all for your input. It sounds like these rifles are made with a long throat and less than optimum bore size. Being limited only to foreign factory offerings in that caliber, I could end up dis-satisfied with the rifles performance. I think I am going to pass on the 303 and look for something else. Thank you all again.

 

[federali]

You're on the right track. And, I think the 313 diameter bullet is the way to go. Also, Ruger #1s often need a gunsmith's attention on the forend hanger.

 

[mrbumps]

The new issue of Handloader magazine has an article on reloading for the .303 British and one of the guns they used was the No. 1.

They didn't have any loads group over 2". The only factory load they used was Federal 180 gr which gave a group of 1.26.

Best 150 gr handload was with Barnes TSX and Big Game powder at just under 1". The Sierra 150 gr Prohunter and Varget was close.

Best overall groups were with the Sierra 180 gr Prohunter and H-4350 which gave a group of 0.79

They commented that they were "astonished" at how well the No 1 grouped with it's best loads.

I believe all those bullets are .311. May have to give them a try.