The .303 British rifle, a common find in Canadian gun cabinets, often sits unused due to perceived challenges like finding suitable .311 bullets or dealing with worn barrels. However, rebarreling with a .308 barrel offers a viable solution, breathing new life into these classic firearms. This article explores the comparisons between the .303 British, particularly when rebarreled to .308, and its modern counterpart, the .308 Winchester.
Modernizing a Classic: The 30-303
Replacing a worn .303 British barrel with a .308 offers several advantages, including readily available ammunition and improved accuracy. This conversion appeals to those who appreciate the traditional steel and wood construction of older rifles, providing a compelling alternative to modern polymer and stamped metal designs. The resulting accuracy often surprises fellow shooters, who mistake the performance for that of an original .303.
Accuracy Enhanced: The Benefits of a New Barrel
Modern barrel manufacturing techniques and materials significantly surpass those used in the past, resulting in superior accuracy compared to original .303 barrels, especially those produced during wartime. This improvement is further amplified by using properly sized bullets, a crucial factor often overlooked by .303 enthusiasts. Commercially available .303 bullets from major manufacturers are often undersized, designed for a .314 barrel as per original specifications and SAAMI standards.
Velocity Comparison: 30-303 vs. 308 Winchester
Extensive testing reveals negligible velocity differences between the .30-303 and the .308 Winchester across various bullet weights (150, 155, and 165 grains). This parity in performance extends even to heavier bullets, as demonstrated by comparative data using 168-grain bullets in both cartridges. The average velocity for the .30-303 with 168-grain Speer Target Match bullets was 2507 fps across twelve different powders, while the .308 Winchester achieved 2526.7 fps with 168-grain Hornady A-Max bullets using ten different powders. This minimal difference reinforces the notion that the .308 Winchester, essentially a rimless version of the .303 British, does not inherently outperform its predecessor. The .30-303, particularly with a modern barrel, provides comparable performance to the .308 Winchester, offering a compelling blend of classic design and modern accuracy. Rebarreling a .303 British to .308 presents a practical and effective way to revitalize a historic rifle, making it a viable option for both hunting and target shooting.
