Tracers in an 03A3

I would like to load up a few (I have some bullets). Can anyone tell me what powder is best/what our military used to make sure of ignition?

I do understand about their fire hazardnessadge and will take precautions.


Thanks.



Cat

Reference "Cartridges of the World", 7th Edition, by Frank C. Barnes. On page 442 it is noted that 50 grs. of IMR4895 was used for the M1919A4/A6 machine guns and the Rifle, U.S. Cal. 30 M1. I know this doesn't note exactly the 03A3 but is the only thing I could reference to your question. Hope this helps.

Roy

Simply load by the weight of the bullet with any powder suitable for the .30-06.Unless they're really ancient bullets the tracer will ignite.

FWIW:
rule of thumb for a go to load for the M1Garand:
47 gr 4895/ 168 or 173 gr bullet. I believe this is about the Wt of the tracer bullet.
I have also loaded 49 gr of IMR 4320/168 gr or 173 gr bullet to good/accurate effect in both the
Garand and in the 03/03A3 Springfields.

And yes, I did load the 47 gr 4895/168 gr load also in both Garand and 03 and 03A3 - good accurate load.
beltfed/arnie

Thanks.


Cat

The above mentioned loads are good reference; do not that they will ignite dry grass and brush; some ranges won’t allow them; and while you can in theory shoot them over water; do not shoot them into water; I know that’s always a bad idea ; doubly bad with tracer rounds.

You can shoot them out of your 10" barreled 30-30 contender, and burn about 3 acres. Don't ask me how I know[smilie=1:

I pulled down about 150 30-06 tracers. The bullet weighed 147 grains and was over 52 grains of BLC2, the brass was berdan primed and if I remember right was Greek manufacture. Bought an ammo can of 250 rounds from Sportsman Warehouse years ago for $19.95. Still using the brass with some berdan primers I picked up at a gun show.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Catshooter

I would like to load up a few (I have some bullets). Can anyone tell me what powder is best/what our military used to make sure of ignition?
I do understand about their fire hazardnessadge and will take precautions.
Thanks.
Cat

---

You likely have a safer place to shoot them and are not a nitwit like these two....


https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/0...rson-suspects/


"Felony arrest warrants have been issued against a man and a woman who allegedly ignited the Lake Christine fire with tracer bullets, district attorney says."

Yes I do Chill. And I usually try my best to avoid felony arrest warrants. Crimps my style, don't you know.

Thanks all, I have both IMR 4895 & BL(C)2, so I'm good to go. I'll probably be shooting into snow banks at ten below, so fire shouldn't be too much of a worry. :)


Cat

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Catshooter

Yes I do Chill. And I usually try my best to avoid felony arrest warrants. Crimps my style, don't you know.

Thanks all, I have both IMR 4895 & BL(C)2, so I'm good to go. I'll probably be shooting into snow banks at ten below, so fire shouldn't be too much of a worry. :)


Cat

---

Don’t be wishing on winter so soon, I still need to get my vacation in before the temps start to drop!

You'd best get a move on . . .

if you have nice open place take a gal paint thinner can and put about a cup full of gas. put in a very SAFE place . makes a nice boom