About 303 Bristish Ammunition
The 303 British cartridge is one of the most iconic rifle rounds in history, first introduced in 1889 by the British military. It was developed by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield, designed to serve as the standard-issue ammunition for the Lee-Metford and later the Lee-Enfield rifles.
Over the next several decades, it became one of the most widely used military cartridges in the world, powering the British Empire’s armed forces through both World Wars.
Built originally as a rimmed, bottleneck rifle cartridge, the .303 British quickly gained a reputation for reliability and effectiveness on the battlefield.
It fired a 174-grain projectile at high velocities, providing sufficient range and stopping power for both military operations and sporting use. After its military service, the .303 British transitioned into the hunting and sporting community, where it remains popular today.
Hunters value the round for its balance of manageable recoil and effective terminal ballistics, making it a trusted choice for medium to large game such as deer, moose, and bear.
Target shooters and collectors also continue to appreciate the cartridge for its historical significance and accuracy.
Today, manufacturers such as Prvi Partizan (PPU), Sellier & Bellot, and Winchester still produce 303 British ammo, keeping the legacy alive for hunters, collectors, and history enthusiasts.
Popular Loads
The 303 British cartridge has stood the test of time thanks to its versatility and effectiveness. Over the years, both military and commercial manufacturers have developed a wide variety of loads to meet the needs of hunters, target shooters, and collectors.
Below are some of the most common and popular .303 British ammo types still in demand today:
- FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) Loads: FMJ rounds are the classic choice for military surplus rifles like the Lee-Enfield. Known for their reliability and affordability, they are ideal for range training, target shooting, and preserving the historical experience of firing this iconic cartridge.
- Soft Point (SP) Loads: Soft Point .303 British ammo is widely used for hunting. The exposed lead tip allows for controlled expansion upon impact, delivering strong terminal performance. Popular grain weights include 150-grain and 180-grain SP bullets, which are effective for deer, elk, and even black bear.
- Hollow Point (HP) Loads: While less common, Hollow Point loads provide rapid expansion and are designed for precision varmint and predator hunting. They maximize energy transfer and create significant wound channels, making them a specialized but effective choice.
- Ballistic Tip Loads: Modern ballistic tip .303 British ammunition combines polymer tips with boat-tail designs for improved aerodynamics. These rounds offer flatter trajectories and higher accuracy, making them excellent for longer-range hunting applications.
- Surplus Military Loads: Surplus FMJ and Mk VII ball rounds are still highly sought after by collectors and shooters who enjoy historical firearms. These loads typically feature 174-grain bullets and are prized for their authenticity and military heritage.
- Heavy Grain Loads: For those pursuing larger game, heavy bullet loads—such as 200-grain options—provide deeper penetration and higher knockdown power. They are preferred by hunters in regions where moose, elk, or even bear are the target.
Best-Selling 303 Ammunition
While its military service days are long behind it, today’s market is supported by leading ammunition manufacturers that continue to produce high-quality loads.
Among the most popular and best-selling brands are:
- Federal Premium: Federal is one of the most trusted names in ammunition, and their .303 British loads are no exception. Known for their reliability, accuracy, and consistent ballistics, Federal offers soft point hunting loads ideal for medium to large game such as deer, elk, and black bear. With decades of experience in engineering cartridges for hunters and professionals, Federal’s .303 British ammo ensures dependable performance in both classic Lee-Enfield rifles and modern sporting applications.
- Prvi Partizan (PPU): Prvi Partizan, or PPU, has built a strong reputation among shooters for offering affordable yet high-quality .303 British ammunition. PPU is particularly popular for its FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) loads, which are favored by range shooters and military surplus rifle enthusiasts for practice and target shooting. They also produce soft point options for hunting, making their line versatile for both sport and recreation. PPU’s .303 ammo is also highly regarded for its reloadable brass cases, making it an economical choice for reloaders.
- Other Notable Brands: In addition to Federal and PPU, other brands like Winchester and Sellier & Bellot continue to support the .303 British market. These manufacturers offer reliable soft point hunting rounds and FMJ options, ensuring that shooters and collectors alike have access to a wide range of loads.
Popular Uses
- Hunting Big and Medium Game: The 303 British remains a reliable hunting round for species such as deer, elk, moose, and black bear. Its traditional 150-grain to 180-grain soft point loads deliver deep penetration and controlled expansion, ensuring ethical and effective harvests in North America and beyond.
- Historical and Military Surplus Shooting: Collectors and enthusiasts often use surplus FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) 303 British ammo to fire classic rifles like the Lee-Enfield. This preserves the historical shooting experience while keeping vintage firearms active at the range.
- Target Shooting and Marksmanship Practice: Thanks to its accuracy and availability, the 303 British is a popular choice for range practice. Whether using modern commercial loads or surplus ammunition, shooters enjoy its consistency for both casual plinking and serious marksmanship training.
- Sporting and Competitive Shooting: In some regions, the .303 British is still used in military rifle competitions and vintage shooting events. Its balance of power, accuracy, and historical prestige makes it a standout choice for shooters seeking a traditional yet competitive cartridge.
- Collecting and Ammunition Preservation: For collectors, 303 British ammunition, especially military surplus loads such as the Mk VII ball round, is prized for its historical significance. Many keep these cartridges for display, historical reenactments, or as part of curated ammunition collections.
303 British Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is .303 British ammo?
ANSWER: .303 British ammo, also called 303 British ammunition or simply 303 British, is a classic rifle cartridge first introduced in the late 19th century. Originally designed for the Lee-Enfield service rifle, it has been used in both military and sporting applications for over a century. Today, it remains popular among collectors, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts.
QUESTION: What is .303 British ammunition used for?
ANSWER: .303 British ammunition is commonly used for:
- Hunting: Effective for medium to large game like deer, elk, and boar.
- Target Shooting: Favored by sport shooters and military surplus enthusiasts.
- Collecting: Highly valued by historical firearm collectors due to its legacy in Lee-Enfield rifles.
QUESTION: What are the most common .303 British ammo types?
ANSWER: The most common .303 British ammo types include:
- FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): Best for training, target shooting, and historical rifle use.
- Soft Point (SP): Designed for hunting with controlled expansion.
- Hollow Point (HP): Offers higher expansion for self-defense or specific hunting applications.
QUESTION: Where can I find 303 British ammo for sale?
ANSWER: You can find 303 British ammo for sale online from trusted retailers like Ammunition Depot. Leading brands such as Federal, Winchester, PPU (Prvi Partizan), and Sellier & Bellot regularly produce .303 British ammunition, available in both bulk and box quantities.
QUESTION: Is .303 British ammo still being manufactured?
ANSWER: Yes. Although originally a military cartridge, .303 British ammunition is still in production today. Companies like Federal and PPU continue to manufacture high-quality loads for hunters, sport shooters, and collectors of classic rifles.
QUESTION: What are the most popular grain weights for .303 British ammunition?
ANSWER: The most common .303 British grain weights range between 150-grain and 180-grain bullets. Lighter bullets are often chosen for target shooting and smaller game, while heavier grain loads provide deeper penetration for big game hunting.
QUESTION: Can I use .303 British ammo in all Lee-Enfield rifles?
ANSWER: Yes, most Lee-Enfield rifles are chambered for .303 British ammunition. However, shooters should always verify the chambering stamped on their rifle and ensure that ammunition matches the correct specifications for safe operation.