Surplus .303

[RobertJames 14]

The last gun show I went to I actually found some surplus .303. I've heard many stories that it dried up long ago. The stuff I found was made by Prvi Partizan in 1973. Should I assume that it is corrosive? It is also labeled MK8z nitro-cellulose powder on the box label. Will this be safe to use in my Enfields? Thanks in advance.

[intercooler 41]

yup, good stuff. treat all as corrosive unless you can prove otherwise

[Melgamatic 66]

I really hated all the 303 ammo I could find. The PP was OK, but other stuff was scary. Some of it was Cordite, and the time delay between when you pulled the trigger and when the cartridge actually fired was unsettling.

 

I ended up reloading for it. Great brass is relatively cheap, and bullets are plentiful in that size. Easy round to load.

[RobertJames 14]

I didn't know that there was a delay with the Cordite. Kind of like a flintlock, I guess. I have heard that it is very hot and will burn up barrels. Although as much as I (don't) get to shoot, it would take me a while.

[Melgamatic 66]

I don't know if the delay was because of the cordite, or because it was scary old ammo. When I sold the rifle I don't think I handed that ammo over because I didn't think it was safe to give someone.

[usnmars 136]

Unless you are doing heavy sustained fire cordite is fine.

[pbkid6974 1]

ive shot cordite through my enfield without any ill effects. just not that much of it. i always let it cool down between mags and cleaned it as soon as i got home.