Help w/ 1903 Springfield & 311-165-RF

[NyFirefighter357]

I have a low number 1903 Springfield 1910-1911 production year with a 4 groove barrel marked 6-18. I slugged the barrel today it's about .3105. I'm looking to shoot light load for plinking mostly paper but maybe some steel out to 100yrds. I'm looking at the 311-165-RF PB it drops at 172gr. I'm looking to keep them at about 20,000 psi - 25,000 psi 1,600-1,800 fps.
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product...oducts_id=1254
I can also get this mold for G/C which drops at 169gr but I'd prefer not to. I'd also prefer PC or tumble lubed but can get a lube/sizer. Any suggestions or thoughts? Recommendations for a different bullet? I'm open to all advice, Jason

[Ben]

I'm a bit confused when you say " with / without gas check.

Are you considering buying a plain base mould.
Or......
Are you thinking about buying a g/c mould design and simply not using the g/c ?

If your answer is the later.........you'll not get very good accuracy. If the bullet is designed for a gas check, best accuracy will occur with the use of a g/c.

[Ben]

This load data is for a 170 gr. cast bullet in the 30-06.
Using a 160 - 165 gr. cast bullet would just build slightly less pressure.

170 Cast #31141 gas check Alliant Unique 12.0 grs. 1504 fps
Remarks: sug. start load; 24,000 cup

11.0 grs. of Unique is a fine load in the 30-06 with a gas checked bullet.

In a low numbered rifle, it should not strain anything.

[NyFirefighter357]

I've edited the post to clarify, TY Ben.

[SSGOldfart]

You might want to try 14 gr. IMR4227 with or without the GC my 1903- A3 loves it. Ben's load is another good one as well. You can start at 10 grs. And work up from there with either load. Try the light 311316 with IMR4227,you'll find it's almost recoil free.( old gallery load) very good small game load too.

[Ben]

Good advice offered.

Ben

[jerry6stl]

My experience is that plain base .30 caliber rifle bullets do well up to about 1,100 fps. If the velocity is much higher, the gas check version are more accurate.

Since it is a low-number early Springfield, I wouldn't push it...