Learning cast boolits for the 03a3

[doug strong]

I have successfully done a few cast boolit experiments and want to try to work something up for my two 03a3s. I have lee mould C309-180-R and would like to work up a load for it for shooting at 100 yards paper. I can put gas checks on but I would prefer not to just for my experimenting. I have many powders including IMR 4895 which I use for my Garands and I have Alliant 2400 which I use for my M1 Carbines and I have IMR4064 which I use for my Enfields. I also have H414 which I have no use for. (It would be great to use that up.) Any suggestions?

[lonewelder]

I think?414 is the ball version of 4350.The lyman book lists 4350 in the 180-200gr loads.

[leadman]

Try 18 grs of 2400. I have shot this in my 1903a3, but with a gas check on a 311041, 175grs.
Haven't chronographed the load, but my friend spotting for me in a match could watch the bullets going to the target thru the spotting scope.

[jonk]

You're going to be hard pressed to use a plain base load with those powders I think. 2400 would be your best bet. You want to stay under 1300 fps; depending on the alloy you may have to go slower still.

The only time I shoot plain base bullets in military guns is with black powder or cat sneeze loads... 6 gr of bullseye or 9 gr of trail boss.

[mroliver77]

I agree use a gas check and go for it. H414 is a great powder! I use it for cast in 30-30, 30-40, 8X57.308 basically any medium sized case.If you look at Hodgdon web loading they list it doing well in 06. It looks to be the same as Win760. You cant beat 4895 in cast no how!
Jay

[zomby woof]

i use the same boolit out of my A3 with 20 grains of 2400 and get 1700 fps with GC. It works great at 200 yards.

[Rico1950]

I believe H414 is the W760 equivalent. If not I'm sure someone else will correct me.

[felix]

Different lots of each other. ... felix

[Larry Gibson]

As mentioned you're going to have a hard time getting any success (if any at all) with those powders using that bullet sans the GC. Put a GC on them, lube them with a good lube, size them as close to .311 or "as cast" as you can and start at 28 gr of 4895 puting a 1/2 gr dacron filler in over the powder. Work up in 1/2 gr increments until accuracy goes south which will probably be in theabove 1950 fps.

If you insist on not using GCs then get some Bullseye. Lube the bullets and leave them "as cast". Cast them of WWs + 2% tin or softer alloy. Start at 5.5 gr of Bullseye and work up again until accuracy goes south which will probably be, if you get any accuracy at all, around 1150 fps.

Test both at 100 yards since that is what you want to shoot at. Testing at a shorter range like 50 yards can give you a false sense of security.

Larry Gibson

[doug strong]

I have decided to GC the boolets. I have 1000 and will give it a go. I think I wil try the 2400 and will start at 18 gr and work up from there.

[Bob S]

With 2400, I recommend you start at 15 grains.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/BobS1/Springfield%2003s/Lee312185152400.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/BobS1/Springfield%2003s/Lee312185152400centered.jpg

Resp'y,
Bob S.