.303 accuracy problems

[deanmc]

I have a Winchester p-14 .303 that I feel doesnt shoot nearly as accurate as it should (3.5 inch groups at 100 yards). I know it is just a .303 but this is a fairly rare model and it came from my grandparent so I would really like to keep it. It has a new Bushnell scope on it and barrel seems to be ok. Bore is absolutely clean. i am shooting remmington 180 gr (they are .311) bullets leave perfectly round holes in target so they are not tumbling.

Can someone tell me what to do next? Is there a good gunsmith north of edmonton that anyone would reccomend? I am in Whitecourt AB. Thanks

[catnthehat]

Did it shoot okay before it was cleaned?
if so, keep shooting it and it may tighten the groups.
With an older rifle like that I would pull the action out of the stock and check the bed, it could be soft from oil, or the barrel might be bearing on the forend where it shouldn't.

Are you handloading or using factory ammo?
If factory, buy a few brands after you check the rifle out and check them all for accuracy. This should help you a bit.....
Cat

[deanmc]

No it has never really shot well. I have had it for 10 years. I have never handloaded. Used several types of factory shells in it without much satisfaction.
Used to be a lot of ammo around for it but seems most people have mothballed the old .303's because local gun shops dont handle any high end factory loads because of low demand.

[catnthehat]

Handloading may smarten uop the groups, but it may be that the bore is a tad larger than the commercial .311 bullets that are available.
Pm incoming!:)
Cat

[Dick284]

Are you sure it's clean??

Did you use copper solvents?

Hoppes #9(regular) is not a copper solvent.
Try some Barnes, or Butches or Sweets, your best bet is Wipe Out.

FWIW: there is no high end factory ammo for the 303.
As good as it gets is 150gr. Hornady Light Magnum stuff.

Try having the bore slugged after you get it cleaned and if the accuracy does'nt come back.
If the nominal bore diameter exceeds 0.312" groove to groove, just make it a safe queen, becuse finding a reilable bullet supply of larger than .312" bullets is not for the faint of heart.

Good luck

[deanmc]

Hmmmmmmmm:o I have been using Hoppes #9. I thought it was good enough. I will find one of the types you suggest.
Thanks

[Pioneer2]

A lot of the P-14's have generous bore dimentions chances are it's well over the .311-.312 jacketed bullets available.I've seen .315" If ti's been BUBBA'ED already it can be rebarrelled to any magnum or rebore to .303/.338..................Harold * get a used takeoff .30 caliber barrel and have it rechambered to 30-40 Krag then it will shoot and bullets are easy to make or find no other alterations required

[deanmc]

Great info Thank you

[deanmc]

I cleaned it with proper cleaner and a surprising amount of copper came out, solution i captured looked like metalic paint!

Slugged barrel and it measures .311. I dont have a handloader but I may be able to use the father in laws if I buy dies. So I bought a few different types of ammo in different grains and I am going to range at sunup tommorow.

Realisticly how much would handloads decrease my groupings?

Thanks for advice. My Dad just shot and never thought much about his gun. So I have a lot to learn. Wish me luck.:wave:

[catnthehat]

Depending on things like condition of the bore, leade, chamber, etc., you may be able to shrink the groups to about an inch or better, but the only way to find out is to shoot it and experiment....
Cat

[sdeviation]

mine looks like this
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/sdeviation/Dsc01424.jpg

[deanmc]

mine looks like this
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/sdeviation/Dsc01424.jpg

Hmmmmmmm. Forgive me if this seems stupid but what does that mean?:o

[lilsundance]

Dean, all that blue is copper fouling.

[Jason Balesdent]

Best luck I had with mine was the Federal 180 gr. soft points,, would shoot around 2 in. all day. Winchester ammo was more like 3-4 inch.

[NoKlu]

You said it has a new bushnell scope on it. Could be your scope is moving around as well. I've personally had no luck with bushnell scopes under the elite series.

[winky1]

I used to own 2 of those German walkin sticks. Have you checked the head space.go no go.I had to change the end of my bolt.cartidge was not snug euff when chambered.that might solve the problem.:huh:

[catnthehat]

I used to own 2 of those German walkin sticks. Have you checked the head space.go no go.I had to change the end of my bolt.cartidge was not snug euff when chambered.that might solve the problem.:huh:
Only the No.4 Enfields can interchange bolt heads, this is a different bolt system he is talking about......
Cat

[bs'er]

I must say intresting read.

[Matt L.]

The action on the Pattern 14 is a hybrid of a Lee and Mauser action. The Action on the Lee Enfields is a pure Lee action.