CTKIDI

Your rifles' Serial No. 17511 puts it's date of manufacture at about 1898 - 1894 starting with Gun No. 17255, and 1905 finishing with No. 18000.

Rifleite was a granular propellant made by "The Smokeless Powder Company" who enjoyed a brief commercial life between 1889 until the late 1890's when it amalamated with the Schultze Powder Company. Rifleite development preceded Cordite and was Eley's preferred propellant for a period; also being used as Proof House Powder. The 38 grain load was a standard proof load for .303 British, but more often, I believe 37 grains was used.

Since the original 215 grain load continued through to the Mark V1 which was loaded until January, 1904, your rifle would almost certainly be regulated for that projectile weight.

Opininions differ as to what the Muzzle velocity of this round was, but 2000 fps would be about right.

The loads I use for 215 grain Woodleighs AND Taipans are 45 gr IMR-4831 and 43 gr IMR-4350, with a Rem. 91/2 primer. These give MV's of about 2050 fps with seemingly moderate pressures.

But, don't fall for this old furphy about .303 doubles ONLY shooting their reguation load! I have got a range of them shooting everything from 125 - 215 grains!

A lot will depend on the condition of the bore!