I know this topic has been beat to death. It seems everyone has an opinion. I thought I would throw my experience with mine personal 1903. I have a 170xxx number that was rebarreled in 1942 with a sedgley barrel. My barrel has very good rifling with no indication of being bent and restraitened.
I have read Hatcher’s book and countless articles on these low numbers. Several old reloaders I’ve spoke to as well. I wanted to shoot mine and see what she was capable of. I take full responsibility of my actions and just felt like there was so many issues that wasn’t directly related to the rifle. Ammo being one of them.
My choice of powder was Hodgdon 4895. Nosler 150 grain spitzer bullet in a Hornady case. CCI large rifle were my primer choice. H4895 is able to be reduced by 60% with the cartridge. I am using 34 grains or the 2.5cc Lee scooper.
I can honestly say that this rifle is a very good shooter. I’m able to consistently shoot 1+ inch groups at a 100yds. I’m getting around 2150 - 2200fps for at the muzzle. I’ve fired several hundred rounds through this gun and am very pleased. I know there are people that will say I’m crazy for shooting these “exploding guns”. But as I said earlier, I have studied and researched and take full responsibility. I just thought this information would be useful to anyone wanting to fire these fine rifles.