1903

[tbierley]

I went to the new CMP today and started to get new loads worked out for the up coming CMP shoots. I shot my Remington 1903. First the gun likes heavy bullets cast or jacketed. All I had today was some Lee 185 cast powder coated sized 309 loaded with 38grs of IMR4895 and some pulled Russian 185 heavy ball ammo sized down to 308 loaded with 45grs H4064. This was shot at 200yds. I drilled the rear peep sight out to .110. And this helps 52 year old eyes.The first pic is jacketed and the next pic is cast. The range was 200 yards. I little more work.143459143460

[Scharfschuetze]

Looks good to me Tbierley. What is the MOA dimension of the bull your are shooting at? The black on the NRA or CMP high power target (SR-2) at 200 yards is right at 6 MOA with the 10 ring at about 4 MOA. If you can get that cast load down to about 3 MOA at 200 yards you'll be firing on all cylinders with an old war horse like your 1903.

[tbierley]

I am going to try to drop the load down to 35grs of IMR 4895. And I think a heavier bullet will help.

[kysunfish]

If your 03 has a two groove barrel it will be hard to improve the results you are getting. They like flat base J word bullets. Good shooting regardless

[tbierley]

No it has a 4 groove barrel. I think I am pushing a little to fast. Go to try to drop the speed to 1800-2000fps.

[pworley1]

Don't you just love the '03s.

[tbierley]

The 03 that I have was one of the last Remington 1903 made before they went to the 03A3. You got to love the rear sight it not a combat sight it is a target sight. After I drill the peep sight out to .100 it makes it easier to pick up the front sight. I loves heavy bullets 180-185 that all I have at the time I am wanting to try some 200-220 cast. I powder coat them and it shoots good. Thanks

[Scharfschuetze]

My best loads in my 1903 and 1903A3 (two and four goove barrels) use a Lyman 311334 (193 grains) or the 311299 (208 grains) over SR4759 powder. When both loads are shot at 1,850 fps they are quite accurate at 200 yards and further. They'll often hold 2 MOA on a calm day, but generally will do 3 MOA at 200 yards in the "as issued" Springfields with their iron sights for 10 shots.