[shaunbaisley]

Hi Guys.
I have just found and registered on this site after looking for reloading info on the 303 Epps.
I have a converted P14 that I purchased many years ago simply because it was a P14 and the barrel was in superb condition (something quite rare after firing cordite military ammo). The conversion was done in Cape Town by Suburban Guns.
Just 2 hours ago I spent some time shooting some reloads over a chrono at my local gun shop. Loads were all 174 grain JSP bullets ahead of S341 Lot 80 South African powder. COL was set at 75,5mm.
Results of two-shot averages were
50 grains = 2715fps
51 grains = 2789 fps (pretty close to factory 30-06 168 gr factory specs)
52 grains = 2864 fps
53 grains = 2944 fps (that BTW is the maximum recommended load for the 30-06 with a 168 gr bullet)
At that point I stopped, although the cases and primers showed absolutely NO sign of excessive pressures. The final load almost matches the 300 H&H performance. I think in the interests of longevity, mine and the cases, I will back off to the 52 grain load which still comfortably exceeds 30-06 factory performance.
Just my .02c worth.
Shaun