Lil info on lead bullets 303brit, 30-06, 8mm mauser.

Good morning
For low velocity (low pressure) loads you do not need gas checks.
But you absolutely must have bullets fat enough to fill the throat (lead) area of the chamber. To narrow a bullet means the bullet has room to tip and there goes accuracy.
Also you do not need so called "hard cast". I use range scrap for my rifle bullets under 1400 fps and no gas check. Once again bullet diameter is the biggest issue. If this is all new to you go to Castboolits\Gunloads.com and do some basic reading. Learn before you get frustrated. Cast boolits are very accurate but proper diameter is essential.
Mike in Peru

Lyman's has a booklet style issue titled "Historic Military Rifles", or something like that.

It has all three of the cartridges you're seeking (I'm quite sure the British 303 is in there). Data for both jacketed and lead bullets.

I purchased from a place called Moyers out of Pa. They look to be quality gas-checked bullets. I haven't shot any of them yet. But in Mauser with a 190 gr. bullet, I should be looking at 1500- 2100 fps.

There is also a good write up about these old military rifles and lead bullets. I will post the link later this afternoon.

"...need to buy bullets with gas checks?..." Likely, but not all cast bullet use 'em.
There's some 180 grain approximately 2000 fps cast bullet data on .303british.com using IMR4064 and IMR4895. Fair bit on Reloader's Nest too. Mostly using Accurate powders.
Doubt it'll make much, if any, difference in felt recoil though. A lot depends on what's wrong with your shoulder.
There's buckets of cast .30-06 data in my old Lyman book. 120 to 220 grains. Should be in any manual too.
Ditto for the 8mm, but not as many weights. 115, 168 and 246. 115's are without gas checks.
Let me know if you want any of this data.

Here is that link, "Cast Bullet Loads for Military Rifles". It might give you some ideas on where to start.

http://home.comcast.net/~gavinsw/guns/castbulletmilitaryrifle.pdf

And the title for Lyman's booklet is, "Historic Military Calibers". And it does have 303 British data.

I think it was C.E. Harris who published "the load" for these military type rifles using cast bullets, It was 13 grains of Unique, IIRC. I shoot about 14 grains of 4227 in my 32-40 and recoil is nothing to mention, and plenty accurate out to 200 yards. It's going so slow you could probably catch it in your teeth, but due to lack of skill I won't try it.

stubbicatt said:

I think it was C.E. Harris who published "the load" for these military type rifles using cast bullets, It was 13 grains of Unique, IIRC. I shoot about 14 grains of 4227 in my 32-40 and recoil is nothing to mention, and plenty accurate out to 200 yards. It's going so slow you could probably catch it in your teeth, but due to lack of skill I won't try it.

Click to expand...

C. E. Harris it is.

Link is in post #5.

Psst...

A Lee 155gr gc over 37g 4895 will cycle the Garand action and run about 2100fps.

If you are looking for bullets check out Missouri Bullet Company. (MBC)
Also on occasion Rocky Mountain Reloading has pulled bullets from a really good price. (RMR)

Both offer THR members a 5% discount.

The 303 Brit might be a bit tricky if you looking to purchase cast bullets. Throat and bore dimensions can be all over the place. Slugging the throat (forget the bore) will tell you size bullet you need.

There is a way around it though and that is to paper patch a standard 30 cal bullet. That will only be doable if you can get them sans gas check and un-lubed. Then you need the patience to do the paper patching but those who do paper patch find it a rather addicting hobby. Recoil may be too much for you although lower velocity loads can work too. Just a thought - it may not be for you.

http://home.comcast.net/~gavinsw/gun...itaryrifle.pdf

I don't agree with the statement that fillers should not be used. Dacron 'filler' is most likely beneficial. Dacron is not actually a filler but rather, it is a powder positioner (if used correctly). Some powders might even be dangerous if used without a filler under some conditions. Chamber ringing is thought to be caused by a wad over the powder with an air-gap between powder and boolit. The use of fast pistol or shotgun powders may be involved.

Missouri Bullets has a good 165gr .309" bullet you can use. They also have a coated .309" bullet but you won't need to use those at the pressures you are going to generate.
http://missouribullet.com/results.php?category=6&secondary=35

I would use H4895 in all 3 cartridges, it's a good choice IMO.
Don't forget to come back and give us a range report...