The inclusion of the .303 British in my list of sniping calibers is based solely on its historical significance. As far as I can tell, there is no current sniper rifles chambered in the legendary .303. The reason is simply because the .308 (7.62×51 NATO) out performs the .303 in every aspect and the odd .311 diameter bullet just does not have a lot of support and as such does not have many good choices available. The .303 did see extensive action in WWI and WWII as a sniping round, especially in the No 4 Mk1 (T). This rifle/ammo combination was a very good performer, and served the British troops until well after WWII when finally the L42A1 was adopted (The L42A1 was a modified No4 Mk1 (T) with a shorter fore-end, and chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO). The limited availability of modern rifles has made the options for ammo shrink as well. PMC used to load a match load for the 303 but they are no longer in the picture either. There are still a few good components available, specifically the 174gr Sierra Match King bullet, so reloading some match grade ammo is an option. The size of the bullet is a bit odd (.311) so that makes availability of different bullets fairly small as well. I have talked to HSM about potentially loading some match grade ammo using that Sierra bullet and they would be willing if there was interest.
Recommendations: This round is used primarily in the ‘Historic’ sniper rifles, but in reality, it would serve just fine in both a limited military role and in a Law Enforcement situation. It doesn’t penetrate as much as the .308 but still yields good energy. The only problem is finding rifles and ammo in this caliber.
Military Applications:
Note: The ammo I choose is the Hornady Custom Classic 303 British round using a FMJBT in 174 gr.
- Hornady Custom Classic, 174gr FMJBT – 2475fps
Bullet Drop (Inches)
| 100y 92m | 200y 183m | 300y 275m | 400y 366m | 500y 458m | 600y 549m | 700y 641m | 800y 732m | 900y 824m | 1000y 915m |
| +19.7 | +34.2 | +41.0 | +38.8 | 25.8 | Zero | -40.9 | -99.8 | -179.9 | -284.7 |
Energy (Muzzle – 2366 Ft.-Lbs.)
| 2035 | 1740 | 1480 | 1253 | 1056 | 889 | 748 | 634 | 544 | 476 |
Wind Drift (inches) – 10mph Crosswind
| 0.8 | 3.4 | 8.0 | 14.8 | 24.0 | 36.1 | 51.1 | 69.4 | 90.9 | 115.7 |
Law Enforcement Applications:
Note: Because pretty much all of the other loads for the .303 British are designed for hunting, I have decided to stick with the same Hornady custom classic load as I specified in the above military area. If a match grade load becomes available with the 174gr Sierra Match King, it would probably be a good idea to look at it here.
- Hornady Custom Classic, 174gr FMJBT – 2475fps
Bullet Drop (Inches)
| 50y/46m | 100y/92m | 200y/183m | 300y/275m |
| 0.0 | Zero | -5.1 | -18.0 |
Energy (Muzzle – 2366 Ft.-Lbs.)
| 2196 | 2035 | 1740 | 1481 |
Wind drift (inches) – 10 MPH crosswind
| 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 2.5 |