Reload for a 1903A3

[ping]

I just got my A3 from CMP and would like to start reloading for it. I currently have a Garand that I reload for and was wondering if there is as much caution needed as the Garand. I currently use IMR 4895 for the Garand.

Since the A3 is bolt action does that mean I dont need to worry as much. I know the op rod on the garand is the critical piece on that rifle. Also wondering if you can use modern ammunition with the A3 if you dont decide to reload.

It is unbelievable how accurate that rifle is with LakeCity ammo so I am hoping with reloads it will be even better. If anyone has starter reloads let me know. Plan on use 168 GR sierra HPBT bullets. Would like to keep as much in common with the Garand as possible to keep from having 10 different powerders etc for all my rifles.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jim Watson]

Then just make up a handbook load with 4895 and that weight bullet.
If you want more zip (Why?) you could use 4350 as is not recommended for the M1.
Back in those days a .30-06 was a .30-06 and none of the current internet hype about the difference between a .308 and a 7.62 NATO.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The 03A3 will take any .30-06 ammo made -- it's a fine, strong rifle. I have two of them (one Remington and one Smith-Corona) and mostly shoot cast bullet loads in them.

 

[USSR]

If anyone has starter reloads let me know. Plan on use 168 GR sierra HPBT bullets. Would like to keep as much in common with the Garand as possible to keep from having 10 different powerders etc for all my rifles.

ping,

Lake City brass
168gr HPBT bullets
46.5gr IMR4895 powder
Winchester WLR primers

This load is interchangeable between the 03-A3 and the Garand.

Don

 

[ReloaderFred]

All of my 1903's and 1903A3's have short chambers, whereas my Garands all have long chambers. The Garands measure an average of .008" over SAAMI minimum, and the 03's and A3's all average .000" - .001". You may want to check the headspace and see just what yours does measure.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Steve in PA]

I use the same recipe for my 1903A3 that I do for my M1 Garand.

150gr bullets and IMR-4895.

 

[ping]

Thanks everyone for the info. I guess I will start with my Garand load and probably go up somewhat in increments of .5 grains and see how it goes. I am using Lake City brass so that is good. Got some greek also that seems to shoot pretty good in my Garand when not using reloads.

Got a Vintage rifle match in Jacksonville, FL and sure would like to do well.

Got one more question. Will the A3 shoot as well as the Garand. Just wondering. Thanks

 

[USSR]

Will the A3 shoot as well as the Garand.

Oh yeah, and then some.

Don

 

[ReloaderFred]

The 1903 and 1903A3 are basically target rifles put into military stocks. You're probably going to be surprised at how accurate that old rifle can be. It may take some tinkering with loads to find the one it likes, but all mine are very good shooters.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Hobie]

I'm for making it easy on yourself and using the same load. They did once upon a time, too.

 

[Steve in PA]

As the other poster said, the '03A3 is one accurate rifle. If my CMP '03A3 wasn't in such good shape, or I had another one just as accurate I'd be turning one into a sniper version ('03A4). Not to try and pass it off as an original, but just to have and hold

 

[Zeke/PA]

I use reloads exclusively in my 03-A3.
I really like 150 gr. Sierra's and Hodgdon BL-C.
I tried the Lake City stuff awhile back but my rifle does not like it.
From a bench, 1&1/4 inch groups are not uncommon with my rifle which I purchased from the D.C.M. in the early sixties for $15.00.
Incedentally, my rifle was a brand new, unissued Remington.
Respectfully, Zeke

 

[Sunray]

You're going to have to work up a load for each rifle. However, 165 grain hunting bullets and 168 grain match bullets with IMR4064 and regular large rifle primers will be fine for both rifles. IMR4895 will do, but IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy. If you will be shooting past 600 yards, 175 grain Matchkings with IMR4064 will be better past 600 than a 168 grain match bullet for both rifles.
Both rifles used the same 'Service ammo' when they were in service. The M1 was designed to use .30 M1 ammo with its 174.5 grain bullet at 2640fps. Not .30 M2 with its 152 grain bullet at 2700fps(later raised to 2800fps to match the ballistics of the .30 AP's 168 grain bullet).

 

[wanderinwalker]

Got one more question. Will the A3 shoot as well as the Garand. Just wondering. Thanks

Oh yeah. With ease. I used to shoot my dad's 03A3 at the local 300-yard prone league, just for fun, and it would really shoot. My load of choice was a stout (but not max) charge of H4350 and a 168gr Nosler J4 (similar to a Sierra Matchking) in Lake City cases. Pretty accurate, and I was pretty recoil-proof by the end of that summer.

But if you have a Garand around also, I'd suggest sticking to just the 4895 or 4064. Varget might be worth looking at also; I know the 03 likes it with the 168s, and I *think* it's Garand-safe. Or, if you end up using a slower powder, go with two-different colored ammo boxes to differentiate the loads.

 

[Khornet]

Varget is safe for Garands

and does very well in them.

My 03A3 is a Remington and has just 2 wide grooves in the barrel. Really looks strange. Made in 1943. Shoots sub-MOA with 4054, 50 or 51 gr, 150 gr Hornady spire point hunting bullet, CCI large rifle primer. Doesn't like 165 gr bullets at all. Shoots 168 gr match bullets 1/2 MOA. Great rifle.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Now let us put to rest the theory that 2-groove barrels aren't accurate.