Next powder for .303 British p14 enfield

[PonyKiller]

I have settled in on a load pops P14 Enfield (circa late 1915 eddystone built) likes. Current load is 43.7 gr blc(2) behind 180gr sierra pro hunter velocity avgs 2460 fps. It's putting out 1- 1.5" groups at 100 yds. Very happy with the results thus far, easily shoots these much better than any factory loads. I'm going to load 50 of these in the "sweet spot"

Looking to develop the next load for it. Options are, imr4064 which I just broke the seal on, imr4895, and norma 202. Any softballs here from these experienced with the p14 or just pick one and go. She is a 105 year old battle rifle living out retirement with a life of ease.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Either of the two imr powders are a good choice. I don't have experience with the other one.
My Krag likes 4064 with a 168 gr bullet. It's very similar in case capacity to your 303.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Either of the two imr powders are a good choice. I don't have experience with the other one.
My Krag likes 4064 with a 168 gr bullet. It's very similar in case capacity to your 303.

I agree I used imr4064 back in the late 80' but haven't loaded for 303 since.

 

[Duster340]

I use IMR 4895 in my 303 loads and found it to work well. Though I've settled on IMR 3031 as my go to. It consistently groups a hair better in my short barreled, 2 grooved Bubba'd No4 Mk1.

 

[the Black Spot]

Varget works fairly well

 

[swg1]

In general, IMR4064 would bubble to the top when I was reloading for my old military rifles accuracy wise. Didn't care or check velocity. Kinda crunchy in a manual powder measure, but fine in an auto measure. Good luck

 

[Swampman]

IMR 4064 was always my favorite Pattern 14 powder.

I recommend sticking with flat base bullets, I never got good accuracy with boattails.

I also suggest only enough sizing to ensure easy chambering, if you set the shellholder to touch the die when resizing it'll shorten brass life considerably.

 

[PonyKiller]

Thanks for the advice, I was wondering what the case life score is on there. The only other chamber I have a good realm of time reloading is my 30/30 for my 94 winchester, I'm on my 5th load with some of that brass.
For the P14 the current loads I'm focusing on are between. 43.2-43.7 gr of blc(2) it's averaging below 2" in there, going to break out the chronograph again , velocity was in the 2440 fps range , will check for consitency.

Having a trouble finding blc(2) locally as of late, no surprise I'm sure. I reload for 30/30, 303 , and 308. Trying to find 2 powders that will do them all. The 308 I'm just starting with, my go to for the 30/30 was norma 201, which is discontinued, so back to the drawing board.

 

[Dudedog]

Cordite

 

[Swampman]

Why two powders?

Either of the 4895's or IMR 4064 will fill all your needs nicely.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I also use BLC2 for the .303Enfield.
The next best powder is RL15. Varget is close, also.
Lately, I’ve been using some Shooters World powders. Not in the .303 yet though.
I’ve got Match rifle, which is said to be Accurate #2520, which is very close to BLC2. I’ve also got some Precision Rifle which is VERY close to Varget. It too should be good in the Enfield. These powders ran me about $20lb in 8lb kegs. Both MidSouthShootersSupply and GRAFS carry the powders.

My accuracy load for my .303 (Fazerkerly ‘43 No4Mk1) is the Hornady .312” 174gr BTHPT (Grafs exclusive) over 44.0gr of BLC2 in PrviPartisan brass and CCI Lr primers. Also gets ~2,440fps. Not a max load, but duplicates MkVII ball. Shoots remarkably close to sight regulation. My gun prefers a .312” bullet. Hornady 150’s over 47.0gr of BLC2 is also good.
My other Enfield is a P17...What a brute of a gun! I love to shoot it.
But the No4mk1 is my favorite.

 

[KY DAN]

I used h4831 powder for 10ish years with speer hot core bullet and hornady oversized bullets. I was content to have 3 shots touching at 50 yards.

I have now sold those neat indestructible rifles, yet in my high school years shooting the mad minute and other goofing off I was never let down. Call it tooting my own horn but I could clear 6 medicine bottles at 60ish yards in around 7 seconds. Not lighting but I was happy with myself.

 

[PonyKiller]

Why two powders?

Either of the 4895's or IMR 4064 will fill all your needs nicely.

Mainly for redundancy, with the scarcity of things. If one performs well in all I'll load up on that, never hurts to have another pony in the stable

 

[Swampman]

@PonyKiller
Your last post reminded me of another powder. I worked up a load with Ramsbot TAC as a backup in case I ever got low on 4064.

The TAC load turned out to be about as accurate as 4064 and velocities were comparable. It was a lot quicker to load since TAC flows through my Uniflow like water.

I ended up staying with 4064 since I figured the lower flame temperature of a single base powder would be easier on the bore.

 

[Jim Watson]

Trivia: Original Ball C powder was surplus from .303 contract ammo.