Since acquiring my 1903 early this year, I have tried several bullet profiles in it. The round nosed bullets definitely are the smoothest feeding of the lot, but I've had good luck with some 140 grain spire points as well as a batch of older 139 grain Norma factory loads I stumbled across. It took a little experimentation with the OAL of the reloads with the 140 grain spire points, but the Norma factory 139s fed just fine out of the box. Both do have a hitch if cycled slowly, but it is hardly noticeable if cycled crisply. Accuracy with both of the spire points is as good as the round nose reloads. The spire points certainly shoot flatter and I plan to hunt with the Norma factory stuff this season.

Our whitetail season opens in two weekends and I sincerely hope to blood the little jewel early and often. It is such a delight to carry and handle that I will likely be using it more during my mid day stalk hunting.