.30-06 loads for 1903-a3
- Thread starter cmillard
- Start date
Cole-
Just about any heavy bullet loads will work in the "03. The o3 series has a 1:10 twist so any heavy bullet should be fine. But every rifle is different, so you'll have to do a workup on your rifle.
For loads, German Salazar has some great articles on his blog site for loads, and accurracy tips for the 30/06.
On the 03 series, you must be aware of potential stock splits in the tang area. Because of the design of the 03 action, the tang is actually inletted into the stock. On recoil, the tang acts like a wedge to split the stock. You must relieve about 1/8" to 3/32" around the tang to provide clearance during recoil. Also suggest you bed the recoil lug solidly into the stock so that it takes the brunt of the recoil pulse. Also, ensure that the action screws remain tight to prevent movement. I check mine every time before firing.
Bill
Revised clearance dimension at tang.
Just about any heavy bullet loads will work in the "03. The o3 series has a 1:10 twist so any heavy bullet should be fine. But every rifle is different, so you'll have to do a workup on your rifle.
For loads, German Salazar has some great articles on his blog site for loads, and accurracy tips for the 30/06.
On the 03 series, you must be aware of potential stock splits in the tang area. Because of the design of the 03 action, the tang is actually inletted into the stock. On recoil, the tang acts like a wedge to split the stock. You must relieve about 1/8" to 3/32" around the tang to provide clearance during recoil. Also suggest you bed the recoil lug solidly into the stock so that it takes the brunt of the recoil pulse. Also, ensure that the action screws remain tight to prevent movement. I check mine every time before firing.
Bill
Revised clearance dimension at tang.
Alex Wheeler
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What distance? I have had exceptional groups with lyman's 314299 over 16 gr of 2400. Have shot sub moa 5 shot groups routinely. I don't think I could get a jacketed bullet to shoot that good in this rifle. If you are shooting past 200 yards you wont like that load. 
The 175 SMK is a great bullet for the 30/06. It has its origins in the 173 gr. match bullet loaded at the military arsenals. Sierra modified the design slightly for reloaders, and the military.
It is accurate in my 03A3, M1 Garand, and Remmy 700.
It is accurate in my 03A3, M1 Garand, and Remmy 700.
cmillard said:
The tang inletting is legal per the CMP. For bedding of the recoil lug, I would double check the CMP rules, which can be viewed or downloaded for free from the CMP website. I've never been questioned about it at a match.
Bill
Per my reading of the rules there are no shims or bedding compounds allowed in CMP matches, see CMP.org for rules. Most 03's like a little(7lbs. or so) barrel pressure on the foreend plus clearance through the barrel channel and around the upper band, good shooting. Any safe load of IMR 4350 and a 175 gr. Sierra will do the trick, just load for the heat of the day.
cmillard said:
I'm still using a Remmy 2 groove barrel manufactured in 1943. Don't think that it had been shot very much, if at all. TE and ME are both <1. Needless to say, the rifle is still accurate. Someone gave it some very good care during its life, and I was fortunate to find it in such good condition.
For triggers, I'm still using the origional trigger set at 4 lbs, the CMP requires at least 3 1/2 lbs. Wolfe Springs sells a spring pack for the 03's through Midway USA for $11 or thereabouts. Midway's part # is 214113. I believe their sear/trigger spring is set about 4 lbs. If you're mechanically inclined, you can clip the coils in small increments, and try it in the rifle. One thing I would do is to make sure the "camel's hump" on the top of the trigger is smooth, and also the underside of the action where to hump will bear.
Bill
PREMOD70 said:
I went back and re-read the CMP rules on line, and PREMOD is correct about the bedding and shims. Just make sure that the front action screw remains tight.
Back to your origional question, I would also look at the Hornady 175 Amax and the 178 HPBT bullets in addition to the 175 SMK.
I have 4 03's that I shoot in matches. One has the original 1928 barrel and measures 1 at both ends. My 32 and 37 NM rifles have the original star guaged barrels on them both measure under 1. My 03/Unertl has a new Kreiger 1:12 on it, cost me more for the gunsmith to turn the A3 barrel down to work on the 03 and get the sights pinned but I wanted a 1:12 and I wanted cut rifling and not button.
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