Cartridge Sizes..British 303 & US 30-30.?..

[hansfischer]

Hi..my name is Hans Fischer and im a new member on this Forum....and have a question that probably many will think a bit "dumb"...however its best just to go ahead and get an opinion from folks that know about subjects that Im just clueless about....for years i have wanted to pick up a British Rifle Ammo Leather Bandolier....(the brown leather type they wore over their shoulders during the Boer War)..and ive found a company that sells the reproduction for these...and they look good.....my question is.....they are made for the British .303 caliber....and is the US 30-30 shell the same size...???....as I would want to use it for the 30-30 Cartidge.........Im "guessing" it is....but Im just taking a wild guess....and would rather have someones opinion that is more familiar with cartridges.....I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer.....Best Regards......Hans Fischer

 

[1KPerDay]

No, they are different cartridges. Pics on the way.

The leather bandolier MIGHT work for both, though.

 

[Sunray]

Hi, Hans. There's no such thing as a dumb or stupid question, except the one not asked.
The .303 British max OAL is 3.075". The max OAL for a .30-30 is 2.550". So the .30-30 will fit, but a half inch short. That won't matter.
There's a picture of a loaded real Boer War belt(50 rounds is a bit much to carry when hunting though. Heavy.) here. http://angloboerwarmuseum.com/Boer70y_hero26_pownall.html

 

[1KPerDay]

.30-30 on the left, .303 British on the right.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The .303 British max OAL is 3.075". The max OAL for a .30-30 is 2.550". So the .30-30 will fit, but a half inch short.

Narrower case, too. If the loops are tight, should be OK, but it's not gonna retain the .30-30 cartridges as positively as .303.

 

[Sunray]

Hi. I don't disagree, but leather loops can be made somewhat smaller by wet forming. And the flap will retain 'em.
I think Hans is more concerned with the length anyway. Fortunately, he's looking at a repro. Don't think he's going mounted infantry, but helping a guy figure out how to do daft stuff is fun. We have to help the FNG's no matter what.
Can't imagine humping 50 rounds of .30-30, myself. An M1903/M1 belt is heavy enough with 80 rounds of .30-06. LC-1 suspenders fixes that though. And I look extremely tough and warlike. Gets moreso when I add the 1911 holster and the M1 Bayonet. snicker.

 

[Robert]

If you are talking about the M1896 Infantry Bandoleer or the Bandoleer Equipment, Pattern 1903 then either should work. The M1896 has large flaps that will keep the rounds from backing out, and if you wet form the loops it should hold the rounds tighter. The Bandoleer Equipment, Pattern 1903, while not Boer War, fully encloses the rounds so they will not come out.

Can't imagine humping 50 rounds of .30-30, myself.

My P08 gear holds 150 rounds of 303 on chargers in the ammo pouches, not counting extra bandoleers.

Out of curiosity where did you find your reproduction bandoleer?

 

[hansfischer]

30-30 vs British .303 and Bandolier

Hey Guys....I want to thank you for all the great info.......Im a militaria Collector and have been since i was about 6 years old....have always been fascinated with the Boer War style Bandoliers.......got one from a dealer recently that was total junk...(off ebay)...then I found one from a Reenactor Supplier......and to really fess up.......Im not a hunter anymore.....and the Bandolier will just wind up as a decoration in my library...However....the photos that were posted of the Boer War equipment has really gotten me interested in the Boer War now......Im retired and have dozens of hobbies/interests...now it looks like Im going to start looking at/collecting Boer War "stuff"...the photos and info were Great and I appreciate it///someone asked where i saw the bandolier and it comes from a company called WHAT PRICE GLORY....and its advertised as UK BOER WAR PATTERN LEATHER BANDOLIER...and retails for $75.00...the guy gives a 100% satisfaction on anything he sells......so Ive ordered one....and as suggested probably will hot water shrink the loops a bit to hold the 30-30 rounds better...and he says its "natural leather"...Ive found that Neats Foot Oil and a small paint brush will darken leather just right......so Thanks again for all the help and I really do enjoy this Forum............Regards.....Hans Fischer

 

[NCsmitty]

Be aware that long term storage of cartridges in a leather belt can possibly discolor and sometimes corrode brass cases because of the chemicals used to treat the leather. I believe that 30-30 cartridges can be purchased with case plating that is weather and leather proof. Just food for thought.


NCsmitty