First shots with starting loads for my MSch M1903...

IMR4350 x 37gns, 160gn Hornady RN in brand new Norma cases proved a better load than 37.3gns of the same propellant. It's only the start though and the initial zero'd group is approx. 1" MOA.

There were no pressure signs at all on the primer or case, so this load is quite safe in my rifle as it stands.
(Not even any marking or signs at 37.3 gns. Although I was confused by the POI's.
The first two shots printed within 1/2" of each other & third and fourth shots 3" low, 2" right of the first two. ??? I know the ammunition was absolutely spot on and as two of us shot four rounds each with almost identical POI pattern, I have dismissed the load).

No idea yet of MV as no chronographing was done.

It's a good start though, next I'll see what correctly headspace sized brass does for the load.

New brass is to SAAMI dimension & headspace measures 1.699" - my fired case headspace dimension is 1.705" - a figure representing 80% of the twenty rounds fired today, with the remainder +/- .001"

All considered, I'm sure I can get an improvement, but don't really ever expect this old rifle to do better than 1/2" MOA ' 100yds.