1903 Springfield

[Rooster931]

What mold are you guys using to cast for the 03 Springfield. Looking to buy mold for this rifle all comments helpfull. Gas check no gas check and what weight etc. Thanks.

[nhrifle]

My 1903A3 has upset alot of other shooters on the 200 yard Highpower firing line when shooting either the 311299 or the 314299. My moulds are from Lyman, but NOE also offers them and their moulds are top of the line.

[fouronesix]

314299 for my 03 4 groove and 03A3 4 groove. Sized to 309-310, BHN about 12-13, 5744 with dacron fill to about 1500 fps is the best accuracy I've found for these.

[Rooster931]

Thank you for the replies I have a line on a Lyman 311299 locally so that was reassuring.

[HiVelocity]

Before I would spend the money, I'd try a handful of everything and see what your particular rifle like to digest. Ask around for samples, many on this forum will send you various samples for the postage. To start, I'd try the Lee 150 and 180 grain molds and see how they perform. Just food for thought.

HV

[tbierley]

I have a Remington Model 1903 that loves Lee 150 gas checked with 18grs of 2400

[burr7870]

My 03's & o3a3's and even garands like the lee 180 gr w/gc. In 03's 16.5 gr 10B101, in garand 35 gr 4895.

[Ecramer]

Where can I buy a 311299? I've been looking for one everywhere, and they seem to be backordered through at least June no matter where I go.

[avogunner]

03's love cast!!! I shoot the Lyman 311299 like others here, but I got that mold specifically for the Garand. My 03 likes it fine but my go-to is the Lee 170 FP. That boolit (sized .310) over 3031, can shoot 1.5-2.00 all day. Sometime even a little smaller when my eyes are having a good day.

[fouronesix]

Where can I buy a 311299? I've been looking for one everywhere, and they seem to be backordered through at least June no matter where I go.

You might slug or chamber cast your rifle before ordering. Since both the 311299 and 314299 are bore riders, it's critical that the nose rides the bore. In your rifle if you determine that the bore (land to land) diameter just in front of the throat is larger than the nose diameter of the 311299 then you may be disappointed with that bullet. The 314299 has a nose diameter of about .301-.303 and the shank is easily sized down to .310.

Just a thought about a possible alternative in your search for the 311299.

[Ecramer]

You might slug or chamber cast your rifle before ordering. Since both the 311299 and 314299 are bore riders, it's critical that the nose rides the bore. In your rifle if you determine that the bore (land to land) diameter just in front of the throat is larger than the nose diameter of the 311299 then you may be disappointed with that bullet. The 314299 has a nose diameter of about .301-.303 and the shank is easily sized down to .310.

Just a thought about a possible alternative in your search for the 311299.

I appreciate the thought. My Krag is fairly "tight" and the 311299 would be perfect for it and an '03 that I have. I could use the 314299 for a Mosin carbine, though. The real deal is that everywhere I've gone both are backordered at least two months.

[fouronesix]

I appreciate the thought. My Krag is fairly "tight" and the 311299 would be perfect for it and an '03 that I have. I could use the 314299 for a Mosin carbine, though. The real deal is that everywhere I've gone both are backordered at least two months.

Look here for the 314299. Shows "in stock".
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000152660299

[Ecramer]

Look here for the 314299. Shows "in stock".
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000152660299

Thanks. Apparently I'm one day too late -- it's shown as back-ordered now.

[fouronesix]

Ya, maybe others were watching :) And, I just checked and it shows "Low Stock" so you might call and see.

[Seabee1960]

I recommend the RCBS 30-180-FN- and load of 32 grains of AA2230 you will get groups like those shown in target 4 in the attached photo. There is nothing special about this rifle. 1903 Springfield 600,XXX Range SN ( I know I know but I have been shooting it for 30 years…) with 7-42 SA barrel. Group is 1.5” wide and about .80” wide. No snake oil. Off the shelf lube, Lyman gas check, sized to .310 and loaded to an overall length of 3.115. Muzzel velocity right at 2050 FPS. 66459

[Seabee1960]

Rooster,

I don't know if you have read this but it is important gouge for all 1903 Springfield shooters...
http://m1903.com/03rcvrfail/

Some Observations On The Failure
Of U.S. Model 1903 Rifle Receivers
Joseph L. Lyon, M.D., M.P.H.

[Harter66]

Thank you SeaBee,
That read enforces the theory that a "lemon" will occasionally slip through the system . 63/1,000,000+ rifles had major failures and at least 1 of those was an 8x57 in an 06'. Several others being case failure ,which I suppose could be blamed on a soft case and head space issues in a combat issued rifle.
All in all it seems to me an 03' is statisically perfectly safe to shoot cast in for as long as you care to . Nevermind that we are probably way,way outside of both the years of service but also anything that may have been lifespan by round count in even the very last 1 built. Maybe not its probably hanging on a wall someplace now along w/a couple dozen presentation rifles.

[Char-Gar]

The 1903 Springfield and the 03A3 is a forgiving rifle with cast bullets and many designs will shoot well. The problem is not finding a good design, it is finding a mold that fits your particular rifle. Individual rifles have different specs and different amounts of wear before they fall into our hands. Mold designs will change specs over the years and individual runs will also be different. The bottom line is there is no guarantee any particular mold design will be the very best for any particular rifle. Throw in the fact that alloy and casting temperature will also effect the final bullet as cast.

Therefore, just because a particular design has worked for somebody else, does not mean it will work for you. Know your rifle specs and then buy a proven design. Then the fun begins!

[zomby woof]

Don't forget the 311284

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I have had good results using 311284 in both of my 03's and in my Garands as well. Medium powders and medium MV-around 1900 fps for the Springfields and pretty much the same for the M-1's after getting a minimum for functioning. No leading or unburned powder. LLS

[GOPHER SLAYER]

Did anyone mention the 311291? My 30 calibers love it. If the rifle will not shoot that bullet it will probably not shoot anything.

[saintdel]

311284 in my '03 and '03a3 has produced the most accurate cb loads I've shot in any rifle.