Reloading .303 British : Sierra Matchking

 

I thought a bit more about this today and I would summarize it this way:

 

1.  The rare outstanding match prepared No. 4 (service weight barrel) will hold 1.5 MOA for 10 shots on the bench with a match grade bullet handload, using a scope as an aid to consistent aim (some shooters with keen eyesight and a target grade aperture sight may also be able to hold close to 1.5 MOA).   

 

2.  The typical No. 4 service rifle as issued will hold 2.5 to 4 MOA for 10 shots with a good quality bullet handload, or quality commercial ammunition or quality surplus military .303 ammunition.  This should be achievable for shooters with good eyesight and experience with the aperture sight.    

 

Don't expect a No. 4 rifle that has lost it's muzzle bearing pressure, has a shot out barrel, warped forend, or numerous other issues to hold 2.5 to 4 MOA.  There is a very wide range of performance out of surplus military MK VII ball; don't expect it all to hold 3 MOA.  Some will do better, most will do worse.  I still have about 500 rounds of DAC '51 7z that was used for several years in the DCRA matches because of it's outstanding accuracy, and I get about 2 MOA from it in my Fulton Centre Bedded No. 4. 

 

We have to be realistic about what the limitations are and not fool ourselves into believing we can make these service rifles shoot as well as modern heavy barreled single shot Olympic Winning F Class rifles.