From: Honey badger Sent: 12/19/2002 11:04 PM
Good report SH. Is your SMLE standard (apart from the scope) or is it a sporterized model?

I think the .303's poor reputation as a hunting rifle stems from people using miltary FMJ ammo which is far from ideal but, properly loaded, a .303 can still cut the mustard - as you've proved. JH Patterson used one to kill the man eating lions of Tsavo.

A .303 No 4 was the first full bore rifle I ever fired, as a skinny little thirteen year old army cadet, and I've still got a soft spot for the rifles, and the calibre in general. There's still plenty of them kicking about, which means that they're good value, too. I think I might invest in one or two when I'm posted back to the UK.