303 British Ammo Canada

If you are a gun enthusiast in Canada, you might be familiar with the 303 British ammo. This popular ammunition has been around for over a century and is still a favorite among many hunters and shooters.

What is 303 British ammo?

303 British ammo, also known as .303, is a type of rifle cartridge that was developed in the United Kingdom in 1888. It was the standard British military rifle cartridge until it was replaced in 1957. The cartridge is rimmed, centerfire, and has a bullet diameter of .311 inches.

how to reload .303 british ammo

Reloading .303 British ammunition can be a rewarding process for shooters who want to tailor their loads to specific needs or to revive old or surplus brass. Below are 10 steps involved in reloading .303 British ammo:

1. Gather reloading components: Obtain the necessary components, including .303 British brass cases, bullets, primers, and powder. Ensure that you have appropriate reloading manuals and load data specific to the .303 British cartridge.

2. Inspect and clean brass: Inspect each brass case for signs of damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Clean the cases using a tumbler or other suitable method to remove dirt, debris, and oxidation.

3. Resize and deprime: Use a resizing die to resize the brass cases to their proper dimensions. This step also involves removing the spent primer from the case (depriming). Follow the instructions provided with your reloading die set.

4. Trim and chamfer: Check the brass cases for length using a case trimmer, and trim them if necessary to ensure uniformity. After trimming, use a chamfering tool to remove any burrs or sharp edges from the case mouth.

5. Prime the cases: Insert new primers into the primer pockets of the resized and cleaned brass cases. A priming tool or press can be used for this task. Ensure that the primers are seated properly and fully.

6. Measure and charge powder: Use a powder scale and measure the appropriate amount of powder according to the load data you are using. Be precise and consistent in your measurements. Transfer the measured powder charge into each case.

7. Seat the bullet: Use a bullet seating die to seat the bullet to the desired depth. Follow the load data for the recommended bullet seating depth. Ensure that the bullet is seated straight and securely in the case.

8. Crimp (if desired): Depending on your preferences and the specific load recipe, you may choose to apply a crimp to the case mouth using a separate crimping die. This step helps secure the bullet in place.

9. Final inspection: Inspect each reloaded cartridge for any defects or anomalies. Confirm that the powder charge is correct, the bullet is seated properly, and there are no visible issues.

10. Testing and development: Start with conservative loads and work your way up, paying close attention to pressure signs and accuracy. Use a chronograph to measure velocities. Record your results and adjust your load development accordingly.

how to remove berdan primers from 303 british ammo?

To remove Berdan primers from .303 British ammo, you will need a special Berdan primer removal tool. This tool will allow you to push the primer out from the bottom of the cartridge. Once the primer is removed, you can then reload the cartridge with a new primer. It is important to be careful and follow safety precautions when handling primers. Follow these 7 steps below to remove berdan primers from 303 british ammo

1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need specialized Berdan decapping tools, a small hammer or mallet, a sturdy work surface, and safety glasses.
2. Deactivate the primer: Berdan primers typically contain corrosive compounds. Before attempting primer removal, it’s essential to deactivate the primer by soaking the ammunition in a solution designed to neutralize the corrosive elements. A popular choice is a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar. Allow the ammunition to soak in the solution for several hours, then rinse and dry the cases thoroughly.
3. Secure the brass: Place a piece of flat hardwood or a specialized Berdan decapping block on a sturdy work surface. Insert the .303 British brass case into the decapping block or hold it firmly against the hardwood.
4. Position the decapping tool: Select a Berdan decapping tool that matches the size of the primer pocket on the .303 British brass. Place the decapping tool over the primer pocket, ensuring proper alignment with the flash holes.
5. Apply force: Using a small hammer or mallet, tap the decapping tool firmly and squarely. The force should be sufficient to drive the decapping pin through the primer and push it out of the case. Be cautious not to strike too hard to avoid damaging the brass.
6. Check and repeat: After each strike, inspect the primer pocket to see if the primer has been successfully removed. If the primer remains in place, reposition the decapping tool, align it properly, and tap again. Repeat this process for each Berdan primer.
7. Clean and inspect: Once all the Berdan primers have been removed, thoroughly clean the cases to remove any residue or debris. Inspect the cases for any signs of damage and ensure they are in suitable condition for reloading.

is 303 british ammo hard to find?

303 British ammo can be somewhat difficult to find as it is not as widely used as other calibers. However, it is still produced by some major ammunition manufacturers and can also be found at specialty gun stores or online retailers such as canadaarmament.com.

what gun shoots 303 british ammo

303 British ammo is primarily used in the Lee-Enfield rifle and variants, such as the SMLE and No.4 MkI. It is also used in some other rifles and machine guns, such as the Bren and Lewis guns.

History of 303 British ammo in Canada

303 British ammo has a rich history in Canada. It was used extensively by Canadian soldiers during the First and Second World Wars. The Canadian military used the Lee-Enfield rifle, which fired the 303 British ammo. After the wars, surplus 303 British ammo and rifles flooded the Canadian market, making it popular among civilian hunters and shooters.

Popularity of 303 British ammo in Canada

303 British ammo is still popular among hunters and shooters in Canada. It is a powerful round that is suitable for hunting medium to large-sized game. The availability of surplus ammo makes it an affordable option for those on a budget. The cartridge is also reloadable, which is an attractive feature for those who like to reload their own ammunition.

Specifications of 303 British ammo

303 British ammo is a rimmed, bottlenecked cartridge that uses a .311 diameter bullet. The cartridge has a case length of 2.22 inches and an overall length of 3.17 inches. The standard bullet weight is 174 grains, and the muzzle velocity is around 2,400 feet per second.

Where to buy 303 British ammo in Canada

303 British ammo is widely available in Canada. You can find it at most gun stores and online retailers. Some popular brands of 303 British ammo in Canada include Sellier & Bellot, Prvi Partizan, and Winchester. It is essential to check the legality of purchasing and owning ammunition in your province before making a purchase.

Benefits of using 303 British ammo

303 British ammo has several benefits, which include:

• It is a powerful round that is suitable for hunting medium to large-sized game.
• The availability of surplus ammo makes it an affordable option.
• The cartridge is reloadable, which is an attractive feature for those who like to reload their own ammunition.
• The cartridge has a long and rich history in Canada.

Drawbacks of using 303 British ammo

303 British ammo has a few drawbacks, which include:

• The cartridge is not as widely available as some other calibers.
• The recoil can be heavy, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
• The rimmed design of the cartridge can cause feeding issues in some firearms.

Tips for using 303 British ammo

If you plan on using 303 British ammo, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure that the ammunition you are using is safe and legal to own in your province.
• Always follow proper gun safety procedures when handling firearms and ammunition.
• Use a suitable firearm that is designed to handle the 303 British cartridge.
• Consider the recoil and choose a firearm that is comfortable for you to shoot.
• If you are reloading your own ammunition, follow proper reloading procedures and safety protocols.

Conclusion

303 British ammo is a popular and powerful cartridge that has a long and rich history in Canada. It is suitable for hunting medium to large-sized game and is an affordable option for those on a budget. If you plan on using