Reloading .303 British - Actual Cartridge Specifications

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Actual Cartridge Specifications

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Category: Reloading
Forum Name: Reloading .303 British
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Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 7:18pm
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Topic: Actual Cartridge Specifications

Posted By: Col. Faulkner
Subject: Actual Cartridge Specifications
Date Posted: November 24 2009 at 4:35am

Here's a bit of info. I found out when I examined 5 cartridges that were click-no bangers at the range this past weekend:

5 cart. GB42 (Greenwood & Batley) mfg #VII ball.

projectile diameters were .3110, .3110, .3105, .311 and .311. We remeasured the deviant twice on two different instruments and came up with the .3105 again and again.

projectile mass (in grains): 173.1, 172.5, 173, 174, 171.5 respectively. 2.5gr. extreme spread.

cordite charge mass (in grains): 36.4, 36.7, 36.3, 36.0 and 36.3. 0.7gr. extreme spread.

colour of the cordite charges: medium to light brown, medium brown, medium to dark brown

medium to dark brown, medium to light brown.

An examination of the cordite revealed no charring on the base of any of the strands. An examination of the berdan flash holes and inside base of the case revealed that the primers had not ignited.

The wad between the base of the projectiles and top of the cordite charge is actually

made up of a number of paper discs compressed together. I don't know what the composition of the discs is or if some sort of resin or glue originally held them together.

The projectiles are non magnetic, seem to have a lead core and a bright silver outer case. It could be nickle, zinc or some other metal of that sort-plating a possibility also.

Despite the extreme spreads listed above, on a rest we can hit a 1lb. coffee can size metal plate at 300yds. 4 out of 10 times with my 1918mfg. RSAF and Lithgow #1's Mk III rifles.