.303 and non toxic

[jfr_1991]

Evening all

I’m looking for some advice. I’ve found a nice looking Lee Speed in Holts and wondered if anyone here has any experience of using non toxic ammunition in a .303. What with it being likely lead will be banned in the not so distant future, it would be nice to sleep peacefully in the knowledge that were I to buy such a rifle, I would still be able to hunt with it on occasion. I’ve heard though that the actions aren’t the strongest so I’m not sure how they would stand up to faster loads? Any thoughts or experience on this would be much appreciated.

Regards

Joe

 

[karamoja]

I am thinking of future proofing my .303 I know that Barnes and peregrine both do a 150gn. Not sure of any others experiences or where you would actually get the Barnes. Intrigued by the peregrine but have heard mixed reports on getting them to shoot under an inch??
I will be following!
K

 

[jfr_1991]

I am thinking of future proofing my .303 I know that Barnes and peregrine both do a 150gn. Not sure of any others experiences or where you would actually get the Barnes. Intrigued by the peregrine but have heard mixed reports on getting them to shoot under an inch??
I will be following!
K

How do you find your speed group with lead ammo? I’m imagining for a 100+ year old gun it’s not sub MOA?

 

[karamoja]

Hi, it's actually an early smle. Using both 174gn Hornady and 150gn Hornady, with three quick shots it will put the first two touching and the third slightly out and at 2 o'clock, producing a well under an inch group. The 174 gn is the more accurate of the two, but not by much.
I use h335 (non reach compliant) and have had the load proofed at Birmingham. Hopefully my stash of powder should last me out.
The last fallow I took with it in Sept.
Best K

 

[jfr_1991]

That’s very impressive. Thank you for sharing.

 

[enfieldspares]

Hello. First it may be the iron sights on the Lee Speed are set for the 215 grain loading? This will not be deer legal for any species that is covered by the velocity of 2,450 fps requirement.

But if set for the 174 grain bullet know that this 2,450 fps requirement was determined by the very 174 grain factory load of the .303 cartridge. Now will non lead stabilise of that weight? I think it will, yes.

 

[jfr_1991]

Is there any way of telling whether the rifle was regulated for 174gr or 215gr without physically firing it?

Also, my limited understanding of non toxic rounds is that they’re generally more effective as lighter loads travelling faster. Would this be a wise thing to attempt in a rifle of this vintage?