1903a3 ammo
- Thread starter SOTJD
- Start date
Mike Irwin
Staff
"Whats the best ammo to use w/ it?"
The ammo that shoots best in it. In order to find that, you'll need to do some trial and error shooting.
"Would modern 30-06 ammo be too high-pressure?"
No. Modern ammo is fine.
I shoot modern .30-06 ammo through both of my 1903A3s.
The ammo that shoots best in it. In order to find that, you'll need to do some trial and error shooting.
"Would modern 30-06 ammo be too high-pressure?"
No. Modern ammo is fine.
I shoot modern .30-06 ammo through both of my 1903A3s.
Best ammo for the 'A3 is the same as the best ammo for any rifle, its the reloaded ammo tailored for that gun.
If you don't reload, then it depends on what you do with the rifle. If you're plinking and want "good" quality yet inexpensive ammo the the Surplus Ammo from the CMP is the way to go. Good enough for the CMP GSM Matches that are shoot to 200 yards.
If you want quality target ammo, Hornady makes Match '06 for the Garand that also works great in the '03s. (Also sold through DCM).
If you want hunting ammo, then just about any of the commerical stuff you find will work. As mention, get a box of each and try them.
People talk about low pressure '06 ammo, that is because of the gas system of the Garand. The "03's don't have that problem, they will handle any of the commerical stuff out there.
Personally I like my reloaded stuff the most, I don't hunt with my SC 'A3. Its for the GSM matches. I load 110 Hornady bullets, quite mild, easy to shoot, inexpensive, and supper accurate in my 1903a3. (also works the action in my Garand).
I even use cast bullets for cheap practice shooting offhand at NRA 50 ft small bore targets.
If you don't reload, then it depends on what you do with the rifle. If you're plinking and want "good" quality yet inexpensive ammo the the Surplus Ammo from the CMP is the way to go. Good enough for the CMP GSM Matches that are shoot to 200 yards.
If you want quality target ammo, Hornady makes Match '06 for the Garand that also works great in the '03s. (Also sold through DCM).
If you want hunting ammo, then just about any of the commerical stuff you find will work. As mention, get a box of each and try them.
People talk about low pressure '06 ammo, that is because of the gas system of the Garand. The "03's don't have that problem, they will handle any of the commerical stuff out there.
Personally I like my reloaded stuff the most, I don't hunt with my SC 'A3. Its for the GSM matches. I load 110 Hornady bullets, quite mild, easy to shoot, inexpensive, and supper accurate in my 1903a3. (also works the action in my Garand).
I even use cast bullets for cheap practice shooting offhand at NRA 50 ft small bore targets.
Your A3 was made of 8620 steel, made during WW2 when metallurgy was a mature science. These receivers were propered forged, heat treated and they are at lest 25% stronger by material properties alone than the early plain carbon steel receivers.
Your receiver is fine to shoot with any commercial ammunition.
You will find that it shoots best with loads with are close to the issue military ammunition.
In local matches I shoot a 168 SMK 47.0 grs IMR 4895 LC, any primer
A load that is close to ball is a 150 gr 47.5 grains IMR 4895, LC, any primer.
If yours is a two groove barrel, it will shoot better with cast bullets than the four groove.
Your receiver is fine to shoot with any commercial ammunition.
You will find that it shoots best with loads with are close to the issue military ammunition.
In local matches I shoot a 168 SMK 47.0 grs IMR 4895 LC, any primer
A load that is close to ball is a 150 gr 47.5 grains IMR 4895, LC, any primer.
If yours is a two groove barrel, it will shoot better with cast bullets than the four groove.
Code:
[SIZE="3"]M1903A3 Remington two groove barrel
205 gr .310" sized Lyman 311299 mold Gas Checked
25.0 grs AA5744 WLR PS74 OAL 3.290"
11-Sep-06 T = 90 °F
Ave Vel =1738
Std Dev =21
ES = 59
High = 1770
Low = 1711
N = 10
[/SIZE]