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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Lee Speed Forum & Archive

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303
#180685 - 04/05/11 04:57 AM

Just aquired my first Lee Speed 303 rifle .Would like to use it to hunt with occasionaly and want some input on reloading for it .Thanks for your time!

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darwinmauser
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#180792 - 05/05/11 08:16 AM

The loads for a Lee Speed are the same as for any rifle chambered for 303 Brit , Your loads would depend on what components you have available to you so... tell us what powder and projectiles you have or can get a hold of and we can go from there.

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Huvius
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#180846 - 05/05/11 10:59 PM

Quote:

The loads for a Lee Speed are the same as for any rifle chambered for 303 Brit

Yep, nothing special as far as loading goes.
My Speed has an uncanny ability to shoot anything I have put through it with remarkable accuracy.

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He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Huvius]
#180883 - 06/05/11 08:04 AM

I have many powders and bullets available to me .I was looking more to duplicate the original hunting bullet weight and velocity of original Lee Speed loadings.Also any other loads that Lee Speed users have found rewarding.

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Sarg
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#180928 - 06/05/11 06:46 PM

I suppose you mean a load using the 215Gr slug or what ever your express sights were regulated with ?

Be great to see some pic's & hear some details of your rifle D_V !

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#181028 - 08/05/11 04:44 AM

Any tried and accomplished loads will help .

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CptCurl
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181411 - 12/05/11 09:18 PM

Maybe this will help:

I posted this scan on the thread about my Purdey .303. This old Lyman manual has some of the great classic loads.

Curl

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: CptCurl]
#181412 - 12/05/11 10:00 PM

Thanks ! It looks as 4895 powder works very well in the 180-215 grain loadings.I will attempt to regulate the sights with the larger bullets .The Lee speed is an earlier action with the dust jacket ect. so I am fairly sure the larger bullets will match up .Looks like a trip to the bush in the Land Rover will soon be in order!

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DarylS
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181421 - 13/05/11 01:20 AM

This Lyman #45 Manual also has data on many of the older, obsolete NAmerican rounds.

--------------------
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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CptCurl
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: DarylS]
#181445 - 13/05/11 10:39 AM

Daryl,

You are showing your age now. However, you are just off the mark. The scan is from the Lyman 44th Edition, 1967, which was my first loading manual. It still ranks with the best.

Curl

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DarylS
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: CptCurl]
#181457 - 13/05/11 12:02 PM

Yes it is - I checked mine as well and #44. When I got the Lyman #44 from my cousin in his estate books, I gave my Lyman #45 (must have been 68 or 69) and in better shape, to my brother - memories - fleeting at best - sometimes.

He still has 1/2 pound of #5 pistol powder that I gave him to load in his .45 Colt, Reminton 1885 HA!

--------------------
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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Bindi2
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: DarylS]
#181479 - 13/05/11 10:02 PM

ADI 2208 known as Varget is the best powder for the 303

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Bindi2]
#181612 - 15/05/11 01:56 AM

My cape sight also is missing the long range slide bar and tiny set screw on top . Took it to a local gunsmith and showed him some original pictures and he said no problem in making it .The flip up front sight hood is really nice

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181826 - 17/05/11 11:35 PM

Well it was all for naught.a trip to the range showed me the barrel is totally gone.Everything I tried keyholed and groups were all over the place. No problem!Looks like a reboring project .Any suggestions on the caliber.I am looking at 338/303 .Any suggestions?I would hate to rebarrel as I would lose all the commercial markings on the barrel

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Huvius
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181844 - 18/05/11 04:17 AM

Just throwing this out...
I know some of the early 303s were Metford rifled but I suspect this was done prior to the advent of the Lee Speed.
I have heared more than one story of a rifle sold with a " worn out bore" which actually has Metford rifling.
Is the rifling visibly worn out?

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Huvius]
#181907 - 18/05/11 10:17 PM

The rifling is almost totally gone from shooting : a .303 /.312 diameter bullet will drop right down the barrel . The rifle was owned by an old Boer and was given to me by his family . It has been immaculately kept but the bore has been shot out . I plan to have it rebored and chambered to 338/303 unless someone has a better idea . I can use my .303 resizing die with a 338 expander ball . I want to retain all the BSA proofs on the barrel . I plan to rechecker the grip as the original is almost totally worn off . Bolt and trigger work well and headspace is still good. Any sugestions greatly apprieciated!

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Sarg
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181913 - 19/05/11 12:24 AM

Here is some thing you could try , I have a old Lee Speed/BSA sporter , the barrel is shot out & bullets tumbled badly at 25yds , I also had a Cape Gun - 303X12Ga SXS , it's barrel was shot/rusted out , I was going to rebore to 9.3X74 or 375 of some kind , any way some one on one of these forums said to try 8mm/318 bullets in that , I got some , but the Cape gun was too buggered all over so I shelved the slugs.

On shooting the Lee Speed & seeing the massive group/pattern of Key holed bullets I remembered the 318 bullets , made sure the were a loss fit in a fired case (so neck can release bullet in chamber when fired) loaded them up and shot this group below !

You will want some thing better no doubt , but you can try this to get the old girl hunting again ?

Cheers !

Oh! Could you share some photos of her please ?

Edited by CptCurl (30/06/11 11:35 AM)

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Huvius
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#181920 - 19/05/11 12:51 AM

Wow Sarg! What a difference!
Definitely that is what I would try first - rebores are not cheap you know...

If the rebore route is the only way, I would go with a .375 if there is enough meat in the barrel just to keep it in an originally offered chambering.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Huvius]
#181922 - 19/05/11 01:06 AM

.375 ??? Which one ?

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lancaster
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181941 - 19/05/11 03:34 AM

375 NE 2 1/2 flanged

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Edited by CptCurl (30/06/11 11:35 AM)

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Oldbrit
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#181942 - 19/05/11 03:36 AM

Try .375 X 2 1/2" for an authentic calibre in which Lee Speeds were originally chambered. 270 grs at just short of 2,000 fps. You can get cases from Bertram and Horneber. Yes, I know Horneber doesn't list them but he does draw them, just make sure he has them in stock because mine took two years to arrive.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Oldbrit]
#181949 - 19/05/11 05:47 AM

Very nice and Vielen Dank! My only question would be fitting that round into the .303 box magazine and also feeding modifications

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lancaster
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182011 - 20/05/11 03:03 AM

something the lee speed experts have to answer. new kynoch ammo is 2 mm to long to fit into the magazin of my Mannlicher so I must handload. Kynoch told me that they use the common oal for this round from old times but there must have been also a special load for Mannlicher rifles then.
because the 375 flanged have the same basic diameter as the 303 service cartridge I understand that it works into the magazin without problems.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: lancaster]
#182020 - 20/05/11 06:03 AM

I have an old edition of Cartridges of the world and it lists the OAL of the .375 2-1/2" Flanged Nitro Express at 3.10" and the .303 British round at 3.07" Is this correct?

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Sarg
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182033 - 20/05/11 11:19 AM

I will be making one of mine into a 375 2 1/2 & from what I have seen , the 375 Lee Speeds had a different mag shape ?

8mm was also a Lee Speed Cal , you could try I think 8X57 Rimmed , I was going to try that to , I think that would feed from mag ?

I will be looking into it more .

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#182089 - 21/05/11 07:52 AM

Yes ,I have even thought about an 8mm/303 but even that (323) bullet went 3/4 of the way down into the barrel and I did not want to take the risk.I settled on a 338/303 and all i will need is a 338 expander ball in my 303 dies.338 have bullets in the 165 to 250 range in large quantities.The rifle will look the same on the outside but I will have a brand new 338/303 barrel inside.headspace will be exactly the same .And I can get it done for under $250 !

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darwinmauser
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182099 - 21/05/11 02:45 PM

Sarg, I have the 375 reamer, it resides with a gunsmith in Adelaide. I have a 375 Lee Speed in build at the moment ,just have to get down to Adelaide to pick it up, the barrel came from this mob;

http://www.shooters.com.au/product.asp?pID=14314&cID=7585 had to wait a while, but for that price, yep I waited.

Cheers
Pete

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#182407 - 24/05/11 11:17 PM

looks like the Redding "S" neck sizing die with a .365 bushing is going to be the ticket for resizing the 338/303 cases ;.366 chamber neck size and .365 outside diameter of the neck of a loaded 338/303 round .I will cast the chamber when the rifle returns to make sure but .364 ,.363 bushings are available if needed

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#182721 - 29/05/11 05:31 AM

Received the Lee Speed back from reboring today -really fast!New rifle now inside. The 338/303 is a perfect cartridge for this rifle .Fed some reloaded rounds from the magazing and was slick as a greased Buffalo.The gunsmith inclued some fire formed cases and the bullets after test firing .The 338 is an awsome game bullet.Will start with 338 Federal (338x308 winchester) starting loads and go from there after fireforming. The Speed will soon be ready to hunt.I will try to upload some pictures and publish range report shortly.

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FATBOY404
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182725 - 29/05/11 07:44 AM

Look forward to it.

Keep us posted.

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"WHATEVER BLOWS YOUR HAIR BACK"

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tinker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: FATBOY404]
#182765 - 30/05/11 01:25 AM

D_V -

Can you tell us about the re-boring process?
Was the original barrel simply reamed and new rifling pulled with a button or was it cut..?

Cheers
Tinker

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--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--

"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: tinker]
#182845 - 30/05/11 11:07 PM

The rifle was rebored and regrooved for the 338 bullet without changing the headspace or shoulder angle of the original 303 cartridge.The neck was also rebored for a 303 British round that was necked up to 338. My neck chamber measurements from a fired case are .369 outside dimensions. I will be neck sizing to about .366 od with a .338 bullet seated .This leaves .003 for neck expansion (recommended by Redding) I talked to Redding USA tech shop and they tried it and it worked .The gunsmith who rebored the Speed also used this method to make cases that he tested the rifle with after reboring.he used cut rifling for reboring.I have now a 338/303 . caution must be exersized in using different kinds of brass as neck size may vary.The initial .366 or slightly smaller resized neck must be maintained by outside neck trimming if necessary.So far with Winchester cases I have not had this problem

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Sarg
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#182923 - 31/05/11 06:58 PM

Thank you Pete , very interesting , I'm looking at sending a BSA barrel to the US to be rebored at some stage , just hard to get it back to NZ or Aussie !

That 338/303 sounds very cool , can't wait to see the results !!

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Huvius
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182943 - 01/06/11 04:05 AM

Quote:

Received the Lee Speed back from reboring today -really fast!

Now that is the understatement of the year!

Sounds like a nice solution to your problem. Look forward to your next range report!

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He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Huvius]
#182946 - 01/06/11 04:58 AM

JES of Oregon in the USA did the reboring .A call on the phone and Jesse told me one week from when received turnaround and return shipping included in price .highly recommended

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CptCurl
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#184900 - 30/06/11 11:38 AM

Would it be possible to re-line your Lee Speed barrel?

It's not hard to find a take-off barrel from a 7.65mm Mauser in nearly new condition. Turning one down would make a good liner for a .303. Just a thought.

Curl

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YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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ALAN_MCKENZIE
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: CptCurl]
#185006 - 01/07/11 11:51 PM

This is the load I use for my Rigby Lee Speed 303.
215 gn Woodleigh RNSN
39 gns 2208 or Varget
Large rifle primer (Federal)
Overall length 3.05 inches

This load suits and regulates in my rifle.
I think you will find most purpose built Lee Speed hunting rifles were regulated for the 214-215 gn projectile..
Al

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
#191882 - 16/10/11 04:43 AM

Just an update on the Lee Speed .Restoration is almost complete.Have decided on using Hornady 338 interlock 200 grain bullets .These bullets have about the same BC as the original 303 diameter bullets 215 grain bullets and i intend to drive them at about 2200 fps so the cape sights work out.My initial load was 37 grains of 4064 in Winchester neck sized 338/303 cases at just about 2100 fps.No pressure so i will be working up a load .Any powder/load referances or opinions are welcome!Wish I knew how to post pics from my computer.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#208874 - 24/05/12 03:00 AM

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#208878 - 24/05/12 03:44 AM

Here is the finished Lee Speed restoration. Shot out barrel was rebored to 338/303 . I rust blued the rifle without polishing because I wanted it to look used/excellent not new. The rifle was recheckered in original pattern by myself as original checkering was worn off .The 200 grain Hornady interlock reloads match the cape sights .

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Nick_Adams
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#208910 - 24/05/12 10:30 AM

Wow! Nice work. A beautiful rifle.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Nick_Adams]
#208914 - 24/05/12 01:29 PM

Thanks Nick.It is very accurate with the new 338/303 bore.I also replaced the tiny front bead with a NECG large luminous bead.I think I got the British Khaki web sling from "Trader Keiths"

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Nick_Adams
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#211314 - 22/06/12 07:20 AM

Yes, sorry for the late reply. But Trader Keith is where I too have obtained several of his rifle "straps." There's one on the Ruger 300H&H in my sig-line. It dresses up your Lee very nicely.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Nick_Adams]
#211463 - 24/06/12 11:23 AM

Quote:

Yes, sorry for the late reply. But Trader Keith is where I too have obtained several of his rifle "straps." There's one on the Ruger 300H&H in my sig-line. It dresses up your Lee very nicely.

Thanks Nick,I also fitted a "Night luminous bead" from New England custom guns.The original Lee Speed bead is tiny and was hard to pick up in low light conditions.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#226216 - 01/03/13 11:17 PM

My first loadings with 37.0 gr 4064 with a .338 200 grain interlock bullet revealed a velocity of around 2,100 FPS with the 338/303 Vortrekker .I have since loaded 38.0 grains as the 37.0 was a starting load.Accuracy is excellent I am trying to obtain 2,200+ FPS with low pressure

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#227838 - 02/04/13 05:49 AM

Quote:

Just an update on the Lee Speed .Restoration is almost complete.Have decided on using Hornady 338 interlock 200 grain bullets .These bullets have about the same BC as the original 303 diameter bullets 215 grain bullets and i intend to drive them at about 2200 fps so the cape sights work out.My initial load was 37 grains of 4064 in Winchester neck sized 338/303 cases at just about 2100 fps.No pressure so i will be working up a load .Any powder/load references or opinions are welcome!Wish I knew how to post pics from my computer.

Further reloading has brought me to 40.0 grains of IMR 4064 which is IMR's starting load data for the 338 Federal .Note; although the 338 Federal has virtually the same water capacity as my 338/303 case ,(the 338/303 being slightly larger)that pressures are much higher in the 338 Federal specs . I am stopping precisely here ;2,300 + fps velocity in the 200 grain Hornady with little pressure on a cool spring day. I will test this load on a "Kalahari Hot" summer day and I may drop it one grain .Accuracy is excellent with the original Cape sights ;no scope needed (for Patterson or myself)

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Euan
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#234805 - 28/08/13 06:45 PM

I am very Impressed. You have the ole girl up and going again. she will hunt well. Cheers.

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NitroX
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Euan]
#268751 - 30/07/15 03:00 PM

Interesting thread and good to see an old girl restored and hunting again.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

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NitroX
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#268755 - 30/07/15 03:39 PM

Quote:

Sarg, I have the 375 reamer, it resides with a gunsmith in Adelaide. I have a 375 Lee Speed in build at the moment ,just have to get down to Adelaide to pick it up, the barrel came from this mob;

Pete, who is this gunsmith? Please PM me.

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John aka NitroX

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
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Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: NitroX]
#268772 - 30/07/15 09:11 PM

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Interesting thread and good to see an old girl restored and hunting again.

This is always a good thing .This rifle in its lifetime has probably shot more game than I have seen .It is only proper to have her returned to the game fields rather than relegated to the top of a fireplace

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FrankS
.300 member

Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 114
Loc: New Iberia Louisiana

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#271326 - 04/10/15 06:26 PM

Why not try the 37 rimmed which is nothing more than the 303 British cartridge necked up to take 375 diameter bullets. Plus there are a bunch of 375 cast bullet molds out there both with and without a gas check. though in the case of the 37 rimmed I opt to use a gas checked bullet.I was going to suggest JES to do the rebore but seeing as how you live in New Zealand maybe they have such a person or shop that specialize in doing rebores. And no messing with the magazine either. Just a suggestion. Frank

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