Range report -

I ended up scoping the Rifle with my Tasco 2 - 7 x 32 and a set of Arctic Fox quick release rings

I still plan on upgrading this scope to a 1 - 5 or fixed power compact scope along the lines of the Nikon African http://theopticzone.com/default.aspx?act=pro&opt=detail&id=2789 as I did have this built as a Scrub Rifle

I loaded up my test loads in batches of 9 so I can shoot 3 x 3 shot groups , monitor the signs and also to run the barrel in before real fine tuning begins. The fireformed cases will behave differently to the necked up unfired .303 Brit also so no use getting ahead of myself. I have always been one to run in my barrels also, I think it does help, many say it does not.

I had to go to crowded Belmont Rifle range today and as a result of the strict rules, fun police and range officials running a tight ship it took me 3 hours to shoot 16 cartridges. Admittedly I was cleaning every shot for the first dozen, as it was not fouling I decided every 2nd , talk about a smooth bore right up - I got one patch that had the tinniest amount of copper fouling. I just ran 4 more copper solvent soaked patches and a bore brush after each patch , and not one bit of copper fouling was evident on the dry patches.

First string was - CCI200 primers, 225 gr Sierra Gameking's and 41 gr of ADI AR2208, which is rebadged as Varget and sold cheaper in the USA than we can buy it even though it's made in Australia - go figure ??? It proved a very light load, recoiled like my 44 mag Lever and as I was fine tuning the scope settings I did not record any groups. It was also what I'd call a dirty load, lots of soot

I ran out of time and only got to shoot 7 rounds loaded with 42 grains. It was not as dirty a load, recoil increased slightly but it still quite pleasant. Straight up this load shot nice round groups. I can not reliably say as the barrel is still running in and loads being developed but I think this .358SMLE will shoot better than I can hold it. Certainly in the vicinity of 1 MOA

The cases fireformed with the shoulder slightly moved forward and much sharper than the standard .303 British. It also blew out with a slightly shorter neck and decreased case taper. I will be neck sizing only and full length resize only if required. I have a feeling that the 35.303 will be happiest with something around 44 grs of AR2208, time will tell though.

Here's a comparison pic of a dummy round next to a fire formed case.

I'll have to wait until next weekend and go back to Belmont to finish running in the barrel and hopefully I'll have time to make a few reloads while out there and start getting Anal about my loads

regards Jacko