Saeco 305 Possibliities?

[101VooDoo]

There’s a Saeco 305 headed my way, and I was looking for input on some sizing dies from anyone who has one. Currently my only .30 cal die is .314 for use with a .32 H&R mag.

Looking at the dimensions, I’m hoping to use it in several different Milsurps depending on how it actually casts.

I’ve got a couple of No. 4 MKII Enfields with pristine bores, one’s a Faz 1950 that looks like it’s barely been fired, barrel cleaned up in one session, no copper fouling at all. The other is a U55 RAF contract rifle that’s had less than 40 rounds through it since being unwrapped. I was thinking if the 305 drops at the high side of .313 I would be able to crimp a gas check and lube in my .314 die for these rifles?

Also, I have a M1917 with an original barrel, dark but with strong lands. If I can ever get the copper out of it I thought I might be able to size to .312 for this one and a maybe couple Mosins?

Finally, for a SC 03A3, can I size the 305 down to .310 or .309?

Thanks,

[Char-Gar]

I have a SAECO 305. I bought it for a LongBranch MK4 and it proved to be too small and very inaccurate.

The 305 is nothing more than their 170 grain 30-30 bullet fattened up.

I sized the bullet .311 and it is most accurate bullet I have fired out of my Marlin 336 MG barrel 30-30s. It is a real world beater for the Microgroove 30-30s.

I see no reason you could not size the bullet body down to .310 for an 03A3. The only issue might be the nose. It could be a little large, but probably not. Load up a dummy round and chamber it in your rifle and see.

It would also be a great "fat 30" bullet for Mosins and Argentine Mausers.

A few years back, we had a rash of "fat, fater and fattest 30" mold group buys. One had a tapered nose and body that ran .316. I used my Longbranch Enfield to spec the bullet. It hasn't worked worth a hoot in any other rifle, but in that Enfield it is a tack driver.

I don't remember the name, but there is a mold maker in Australia who makes a wide assort of molds just for the .303 Brit. That is where I would look if I needed a .303 Brit mold.

[101VooDoo]

Mold arrived, and with Lyman #2 it drops a bit over .314 at the seam but only just a bit larger than .312 opposite of of the seam. The nose won't enter in any of the No. 4 muzzles, but slides right into the No. I.

I broke down and slugged the Enfields, using the .002 feeler gauge wrap and guess method and they came out at:

BSA 1915 (re-barreled in Australia 1935 re-arsenaled 6/44) - .313
Long Branch 1950 - .311
Faz 1950 - .311
Faz 1955 - .311

I had figured the bores on the 50's Faz's were in real good shape, but the LB surprised me. Its a mix-master of Canadian parts, the though the bore looks really good I had figured it would be bit more worn. Who knew.

Looks as if the 305 will work in No.4s, but I'll need something else for the No.I -

[101VooDoo]

Thanks Char-Gar, if it doesn't work in the No.4s, I'll use what ever I end up getting for the No. I instead.

What year is your Long Branch?