Paul Barber
New Member
Hello everyone I am new to the forum today.
I was wondering if anyone has experience of loading Lee Metford .303 rifles with lead bullets? My rifle has the original Metford rifled barrel whih is in great shape. The bore dia slugs out to about .311 so is very tight still. But unlike my Long Lee Enfield it will not stabalize bore riding .312 - .314 bullets. They just tumble made from wheel weights and solder gas checked and hardened in water at only moderate velocities. .311" 180 grain jacketed round nose soft point bullets work just fine and do not tubble but being and old gun in mint condition I would rather shoot lead alloy gas check bullets if possible to find a design that will stabalize properly with the shallow Metford rifling.
I was thinking that a bullet design at between 210 and 220 gns that is parralel rather than bore riding might be the answer. Has anyone experienced the same issues that I have and ant thoughts and rtercommendations on bullet type / design and powders / charges that work for you.
Many thanks
I was wondering if anyone has experience of loading Lee Metford .303 rifles with lead bullets? My rifle has the original Metford rifled barrel whih is in great shape. The bore dia slugs out to about .311 so is very tight still. But unlike my Long Lee Enfield it will not stabalize bore riding .312 - .314 bullets. They just tumble made from wheel weights and solder gas checked and hardened in water at only moderate velocities. .311" 180 grain jacketed round nose soft point bullets work just fine and do not tubble but being and old gun in mint condition I would rather shoot lead alloy gas check bullets if possible to find a design that will stabalize properly with the shallow Metford rifling.
I was thinking that a bullet design at between 210 and 220 gns that is parralel rather than bore riding might be the answer. Has anyone experienced the same issues that I have and ant thoughts and rtercommendations on bullet type / design and powders / charges that work for you.
Many thanks
Last edited: