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Thread: Tracers in an 03A3

  1. #1
    Boolit Master


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    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
    Cogito, ergo armatum sum.

    (I think, therefore I'm armed.)

  2. #2
    Boolit Bub
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    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

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    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.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
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    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.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    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

  6. #6
    Boolit Master


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    Thanks.


    Cat
    Cogito, ergo armatum sum.

    (I think, therefore I'm armed.)

  7. #7
    Boolit Master


    nagantguy's Avatar
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    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.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master



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

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    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.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Catshooter View Post
    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."
    Last edited by Chill Wills; 07-14-2018 at 12:08 AM.
    Chill Wills

  11. #11
    Boolit Master


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    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
    Cogito, ergo armatum sum.

    (I think, therefore I'm armed.)

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by Catshooter View Post
    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!

  13. #13
    Boolit Master


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    You'd best get a move on . . .
    Cogito, ergo armatum sum.

    (I think, therefore I'm armed.)

  14. #14
    Boolit Master
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    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

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check