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Thread: Low # RIA 1903 shooting mild cast loads?

  1. #41
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    Post deleted by Sven.
    Last edited by SvenLindquist; 03-02-2019 at 08:24 PM.

  2. #42
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    Well, I did not and do not intend to divulge the gun writer's name, as I do not wish to ridicule or embarrass him in any way. However, since you seem to doubt my word, which is somewhat insulting, you can peruse through the 2017 issues of Guns Magazine. Read one about Remington-made
    1903s carefully. Then, I'll accept your apology.

    Very interesting information you posted about National Ordnance Springfields, but after re-reading this entire thread I can't find where the subject was brought up or is on point.

    You, Sir, remind me of a former member named "Mr. Humble". You didn't by chance reincarnate yourself? The similarities are uncanny. He also was a vociferous advocate of collecting and shooting low number Springfields, and rather discourteous.

  3. #43
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    The only rifle specialist listed on the Guns Magazine website is the late David Anderson. In searching that site I can find no articles on 03s'. If you could share the specific issue and author I might be able to find the story. As an aside, no Remington made 03s or 03A3s fall into the "low number" category. Pls PM me that info.

    Since there will be no examples of low number 03s with correct headspace, shooting post WWII ammo blowing up to be found, I think I'll move along to other subjects.

  4. #44
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    SvenLindquist, Der Gebirgsjager, et al: I feel privileged to get such succinct and clearly most knowledgeable comments! Thank you! While I have a few moulds for .30, I have none made to drop 173 grain bullets. Perhaps my closest is the 311-466, a 157 grain spire point gas checked one. Might you recall, and hopefully share with me the actual mould you employed? (I'm hoping, perhaps, Lyman continued its production).
    Re the export / re-import, this is new information to me I'd never before heard, which I really appreciate.
    Thank you, again!

  5. #45
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    Almost any mold from 150-200gr that is not an extreme design, will give satisfactory results in an 03'.

    This is the NEI mold I use. Not shown is the front driving (throat locating) band mine has.


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    Attachment 237255 Attachment 237256

    George -- I actually found it! You seemed....skeptical?....about it throwing a 173 gr. boolit. I don't know that it is particularly designed to do so -- probably depends on the metal/alloy you're using. If I remember correctly this was straight wheel weight metal, but the composition of wheel weights varies. But 174 gr. is a pretty common .30 cal. weight, especially in 7.62mm NATO or .308 Win. Next question might be, since it is designed for .311", why did I size to .308"?
    Because I wasn't born knowing everything (still don't!) and had to start at the beginning like everyone else. Like I explained, the rifle barrel was brand new surplus and it slugged .308", and these were likely the very first boolits that ever passed through the bore, so I thought I'd go with .308" and see what happened. It worked out fine for 50 yds., but might not have at greater distance. If I ever get back to it I'll likely try the .311" diameter as in subsequent casting for other guns I've found that .002" over the bore measurement is a good place to start. Good luck with your "shoot the RIA" project.

    Tried to get rid of the 3rd photo as it was a less clear version of the other similar photo, but it's hanging for some reason!
    Last edited by Der Gebirgsjager; 03-03-2019 at 05:28 PM.

  7. #47
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    Der Gebirgsjager -- THANK YOU!!!! Fwiw (for what it's worth), I was not in any way "skeptical". Ignorant seems a more fitting term. Through my roughly half-century of casting, I've accumulated perhaps more moulds than any sane person might have (no disrespect intended or implied to Mr. Magnet, who, I'd guess, may have a collection of biblical proportion ), which include twenty moulds made by Ideal. Much to my most pleasant surprise, I do indeed have an Ideal 311-413 mould in single cavity; and, the #413 top punch which complements it!
    One hundred fifteen years since my RIA came off the assembly line, I'd wager it was a Great War issue with post war Arsenal refurbishment. From its furniture, it appears to NOT had been a "dust collector" during war-time; perhaps its re-barreling as further evidence to this thought. When warm weather seems imminent, I now do plan on casting a coffee-can of this bullet; micrometer-measure a few (I squesh them a teeny bit in a vise to make them "fatter"), tap-tap-taping through the barrel with a brass rod to measure the diameter I have. (I do have a bad memory of one rifle, years back, where the fattened bullet dropped through -- here's hoping this shan't be the case with this one!) Regardless, then the fun of lub & size; load; and shoot!
    ...Another thing to look forwards to... but a month and one-half to two months left...
    THANK YOU AGAIN!!! I've printed your posts, and will place them with the rifle so I do not "lose" the valuable info you most kindly provided.
    geo

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    You are most welcome, George. Sure hope you eventually post your results. Photos are nice!

    DG

  9. #49
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    I have a SA 1903, low number S.N. w/11-17 brl; load is 170 gr. Lee 308-170, and 17 grs. of 2400. From the bench, no problem to hit a clay pigeon at 100 yds. A great plinking load in my experience.

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    Wow, TN/TX99, did you dig up an old thread to comment on, or what?! Got to warn you, this is one of those "can of worms" subjects, as there are those who think the Low Number Springfields shouldn't be fired at all. I like your load--it is a nice, comfortable plinking load that I wouldn't hesitate to fire in either of my Low Number rifles.

    DG

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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