What do you reload for your 1903A3?

[GarandOwner]

I just got a 1903a3, and I am going to make a few batches of some reloads for it. I currently have a Garand and reload for that. My question is for you 1903 reloaders out there: What recipe do you use for making rounds for the 1903. I'd like to try a few to see what my rifle likes, but Im curious to see what others use. Thanks

 

[GRIZ22]

Why don't you try your Garand loads? That's the same ammo the 1903A3 used so you do have an established starting and maybe ending point.

The only 30-06s I have are M1s and 1903s and I found my M1 loads (got that first) work well in my 1903s. While you can bump up the velocity (and pressure) in the 1903 I like to not have to worry about getting the loads mixed up.

If you need more than a M2 ball pressure 30-06 load I'd get a bigger gun.

 

[Archie]

What Griz said.

 

[Steve in PA]

I use the same load for my 1903A3 that I do for my Garand, 150gr FMJ and IMR-4895.

 

[Slamfire]

I shoot a 168 Sierra MatchKing with 47.0 grains IMR 4895, LC cases, CCI#34 in my Garands or my M1903 or A3's. This is a close duplicate to the match loads of the sixties.

I think all the good 174 FMJBT's are gone, but if you get some they shoot well enough in a service rifle at 46.5 grains IMR 4895, LC cases, CCI#34. I have shot thousands at 47.0 grains, but I can tell it is a little stiffer than the 46.5 load.

I have loaded up several hundred rounds of 150 SMK 47.5 grains IMR4895 LC, CC#34, and that chronographs just at 2725 fps. A very close duplicate to the service ball, quite accurate, and quite mild.

There is no particular reason to hot load a M1903 if you just want to punch paper. Duplicate Ball ammo loads are easier on you, easy on the brass, and the gun. And a straight grip stock is painful enough to shoot.

If I shot anything heavier than 174's, I did not repeat the experiment. 190's and 200's need heavy barrel rifles as the recoil is stiff on a service rifle.

 

[Hutch]

Midrange loads of H4895 behind a 150gr Hornady SP shoots very well indeed. In fact, in my limited experience, I've never seen a .30-'06 that didn't like that recipe.

Chrono'd it out of 22inch bolt gun, and it was right at the mark or 2800fps, with incredibly low SD. Wish I had more of that batch of H4895...