KHornet
Well-Known Member
The April issue of Handloader has an article by Ventarino(sp probably) that covers a comparison between 303 SMLE's and 303 P14's. He pretty much says that accuracy in the SMLE's is poor to non existant by his standards. He likes the P14 (which is basically the 1917 Enfield but in 303), because its a strong action with peep sight. A couple of months ago I traded something for an ugly old war horse P14 that had the long range gizmo on the left side ground off, (done for WWII) was used for volley fire in WWI according to what I looked up. Any how, I loaded up a bunch of Ranch Dog 165 gr .314, 2 coats of BLL over 16gr, 17gr, and 17.5 gr. of 2400, and some 314198 (NOE) GC
.314's with 17 1/2 2400, with BR, BLL, and headed for the 50 yd range. I used Jim's round circle with a large white triangle point down target, which is most excellent for old eyes and open sights. All of them shot better than I expected, with the 17 1/2 gr loads shooting tightest, and all more than acceptable for gong type shooting out to probably 100. The 198 produced the best grouping with one 50 yd 5 shot going into 2.6" at 50, but 4 of the 5 going into just a smidge over an inch, which was obviously
me on the 5th. Think I will cast up batch of the 198's and get a bit more serious about the 17.5 gr. of 2400 load.
As to the Handloader article, loading similar loads in my MK III SMLE, a cobbled together, well beat up version, ugly as a bucket of snot, it is fun to shoot but not as accurate as the P14. Both rifles I am sure saw appreciable action, who knows where, but most likely in the hands of grunt infantrymen, and probable not serious riflemen.
I believe that the 17 Enfield was Sgt. Alvin York's rifle, and I think of that when I shoot. Would really like to get a copy of both rifles in pristine condition, but being old and
cheap, will probably never happen, so will be content with what I have. I believe the Brit standard for the 303 SMLE was 4 MOA. Mine might do that. Would expect better from the P14.
Paul
.314's with 17 1/2 2400, with BR, BLL, and headed for the 50 yd range. I used Jim's round circle with a large white triangle point down target, which is most excellent for old eyes and open sights. All of them shot better than I expected, with the 17 1/2 gr loads shooting tightest, and all more than acceptable for gong type shooting out to probably 100. The 198 produced the best grouping with one 50 yd 5 shot going into 2.6" at 50, but 4 of the 5 going into just a smidge over an inch, which was obviously
me on the 5th. Think I will cast up batch of the 198's and get a bit more serious about the 17.5 gr. of 2400 load.
As to the Handloader article, loading similar loads in my MK III SMLE, a cobbled together, well beat up version, ugly as a bucket of snot, it is fun to shoot but not as accurate as the P14. Both rifles I am sure saw appreciable action, who knows where, but most likely in the hands of grunt infantrymen, and probable not serious riflemen.
I believe that the 17 Enfield was Sgt. Alvin York's rifle, and I think of that when I shoot. Would really like to get a copy of both rifles in pristine condition, but being old and
cheap, will probably never happen, so will be content with what I have. I believe the Brit standard for the 303 SMLE was 4 MOA. Mine might do that. Would expect better from the P14.
Paul
Last edited: