Loading .303 Brit using NOS cases and primers

[truck1]

I have a large quantity of .303 British 1950's vintage ammo that I shoot through a MK. 4 enfield rifle.This ammo must be loaded with cordite,because I've noticed the primers flow back around the firing pin which exhibits excessive pressure.This ammo is very clean and packaged in original boxes.I guess the cordite has destabilized over time.The headstamps are all British, NOT Pakistani.My question is should I continue to shoot it or can I pull the bullets and discard the powder and reload with IMR4895 or the equivelant powder.Many thanks for any safe advice.

 

[john traveler]

What are the headstamp markings? If Mk VII with a "z" it is loaded using nitrocelluose. If loaded with cordite, it was inserted as strands into the case, necked, and then loaded with the bullet.

At any rate, it is safe to pull the bullets and remove one strand of cordite, or say, 5% of the powder charge if nitrocelluose and reseating the bullet. This is commonly done with surplus ammunition loaded and stored in tropical climates and the powder/cordite has deteriorated causing excessive pressures. For all practical purposes (taget shooting, plinking, etc there will be little change in impact or recoil, but you will notice lower chamber pressures.

 

[truck1]

Thanks John.The headstamp is RL 52 7.So it must be Mark 7 manufactured in 1952 loaded with cordite.The case neck is crimped in the military style.Can I pull the bullet and resize the neck then replace the bullet and recrimp using a standard RCBS seating crimp die after removing 5% of the cordite?

 

[john traveler]

Yes. You want to be carefull and do slow fire when shooting that stuff. Because of die dimensional differences and inability to expand the case neck, bullet fit may not be optimum. If a bit loose, it is real easy to chamber a round and leave the bullet stuck in the leade and follow up with another cartridge, setting the scene for a disaster.

My suggestion is to remove ONE strand of cordite, and recork the bullet. As I recall, the necked case holds about 20 strands of the propellent, and removing one strand should be that 5% reduction you want. Or, you could go to the trouble of counting and weighing your strands. They should be the same length though.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Does the different Models SMLE take different types powders/bullet weights?
Thanks,
Jimmy

 

[john traveler]

I believe the all .303 SMLE rifles starting with the WWI model Mk III through the last WWII model No. 4 was standardized for the MkVII load using A 174 grain FMJ bullet at about 2440 fps.

Prior to WWII a "z" (nitrocelluose) load was developed to supplement the standard Cordite propellant. These were the standard loads until replacement of the SMLE by the FN FAL design in the late 1950's.

 

[Jebus35745]

Interesting. I just got into Enfields due to someone needing money in hard times. John, I have one rifle made in England. How can I tell which manuf. made the gun? You seem to know Enfields. Hope its BSA cause I have some BSA martini's and love them. Larry

 

[john traveler]

Examine the receiver carefully for manufacturer's marks, proofmarks, and acceptance stamps. The wrist of the stock (receiver socket which accepts the buttstock) should be stamped with the manufacturer. Unless the markings have been polished off in refinishing, they should easily identify which arsenal/manufacturer they came from. Also, there are websites for SMLE enthusiasts, and they give much more info than I can on these short postings.

 

[RON in PA]

Be aware, if you already don't know, that the ammo is corrosive primed and requires immediate cleaning with hot sudsy water, windex or a commercial powder solvent that will dissolve the primer residue.

I do have a question, why do you think that powder deteriation would cause excess pressure? I would think the opposite. Also judging pressure by primer appearance can be voodoo.