.303 British

Rifle Also: 7.7x56mmR, 7.7mm British

Ballistics (Typical Factory Load)

2,770
Muzzle Velocity
fps
2,554
Muzzle Energy
ft-lbs
150
Typical Bullet
grains
7.92
Bullet Diameter
mm
49,000
Max Pressure
PSI
56.44
Case Length
mm

Handloading Data

Reference load data for experienced reloaders. Always start at the start charge and work up. Consult official manuals before loading.

Bullet Powder Start Max Velocity COAL Source
150 gr (9.7 g) SPBT Hodgdon H4895 35.0 gr
2.27 g
39.0 gr
2.53 g
2,650 fps 3.075 Hodgdon
150 gr (9.7 g) SPBT IMR 4064 36.0 gr
2.33 g
40.0 gr
2.59 g
2,680 fps 3.075 IMR
174 gr (11.3 g) HPBT Hodgdon Varget 36.0 gr
2.33 g
40.0 gr
2.59 g
2,500 fps 3.075 Hodgdon
174 gr (11.3 g) HPBT Alliant Reloder 15 36.0 gr
2.33 g
40.0 gr
2.59 g
2,520 fps 3.075 Alliant
180 gr (11.7 g) SPBT Hodgdon H4350 40.0 gr
2.59 g
44.0 gr
2.85 g
2,450 fps 3.075 Hodgdon
180 gr (11.7 g) SPBT IMR 4350 39.0 gr
2.53 g
43.0 gr
2.79 g
2,420 fps 3.075 IMR

Measurement Guide for Reloaders

Powder Charge

Measured in grains (1 grain ≈ 0.065 grams) using precision digital or mechanical scales. Maintaining strict powder weight is crucial for safety and velocity consistency.

Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)

Total length from case base to bullet tip. Checked with digital calipers. Must be within manufacturer's specified range to fit and feed from your firearm's magazine.

Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO)

Precision shooters measure to the ogive — the curved part of the bullet that first contacts the rifling — for more accurate bullet seating depth and consistency.

Case Length & Headspace

Brass stretches with firing. Measure case length to know when to trim. Use headspace comparators to check shoulder bump-back during sizing.

Neck Tension

The grip the brass has on the bullet. Measured with ball micrometers by comparing neck wall thickness before and after bullet seating.

Pressure Signs

Inspect fired brass for over-pressure: flattened primers, ejector marks, case head expansion. If unsure, reduce charge and consult your load manual.

Always consult established reloading manuals (Hodgdon, Hornady, Lyman) for your specific bullet and powder combinations. For experienced reloaders only.

Loading your own? Handloading data for every cartridge we cover

Technical Specifications

Bullet Diameter7.92 mm
Case Length56.44 mm
Max Chamber Pressure49,000 PSI
TypeRifle

Compatible Firearms (21)