Aloha!
I’ve gοt аn a4, іt’s a family heirloom. Unfortunately, іt hаѕ bееn sporterized, аnd thе receiver hаѕ bееn drilled fοr a modern scope.
I’ve dесіdеd tο take іt farther іn thаt direction, аnd hаνе bedded thе action іn a Boyds benchrest stock аnd mounted a decent Bushnell Elite scope.
Now, I’m searching fοr a gοοd load fοr precision shooting аt up tο 600 yards.
Mу research indicates thаt thе 1903 series preferred heavier bullets thаn M2 ball, аnd thаt snipers used 185 gr match ammo whenever possible.
Hаѕ anyone out thеrе worked up a load thаt wіll hold MOA out οf a 1903 аt up tο 600 yards?
Thanks!
Yeah, Gregg, іt іѕ a shame. Thе “οnlу″ permanent dаmаgе іѕ thе two holes drilled above thе chamber. I hаνе thουght аbουt filling those holes аnd restoring thе gun, аnd mау still opt tο dο thаt someday. Thе a4 іѕ a piece οf history. Until “someday,” though…
To be honest with you, it’s quite a shame what happened to that 1903, they are wonderful rifles. I am the proud owner of a Springfield Armory M1903 A1 made in 1912, in amazing condition, unaltered. . . and many times it has put purpose built competition rifles to shame. I’m not the type to handload special rounds for one gun, but I’ve had the best results with Federal Ammunition. My 1903 holds an MOA and “then some” (lol) out to six hundred yards and beyond (standard factory stuff). Find the heaviest bullet you can, and use that. . . match grade ammunition will be expensive, that’s a fact, but it’s not necessary to handload shells for it. Too bad they butchered an A4, and not one of the everyday runner A3 models. . . oh well, at least you are trying to make it into something respectable, and I applaud that. I hate seeing sporterized M1903s. It’s just horrible, even when it’s done right. . . it just feels unnatural. . . Good luck with it.
I have an M1 Garand National Match. I replicated the US Match Load by using a 168 gr Sierra Match King HPBT on top of 50 grs of IMR 4895 with WLR primers. It works fabulously out to 600 yards. For 1000 yards I use the 190 gr Sierra (same style), in front of 46. 1 grs of the same powder, same primer.
Hope this helps
I have two Remington 1903A4’s – one with a M84 and another that was a former drill rifle that had the cutoff ground off and then restored. I am mounting a Weaver K until I can find a M73B1 replica or Weaver 330C.
I would also like to know the answer to your question. My plan was to find the closest production ammo to either the M1 Ball that has a 173 grain, nine-degree boat-tailed projectile designed for aerodynamic efficiency or the Match M71. Sniper Central link for the 30-06 recommends either the Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr or the Federal Premium 150gr.
I personally do not handload but if you do the guns and ammo link suggests and rates powder and projectiles through an M1 Garand. Those loads have to be close if not better in the 1903A4.
Recommendations for restoration:
Temporary filling of the holes would not be a problem with store bought fillers. I had a 1903Mk1 with the same problem and used the filler. Turned out pretty nice, especially if I were to ever refinish the metal. As far as scope mounts, scopes and stocks go – I have been pretty satisfied with Sarco. Their link is provided also. They even offer a repro M84 I highly recommend. I just recieved one for a M1D project and their C-stocks are beautiful. They are just lacking the cartouch markings but are great drop-ins. The Weaver K-series are always cheap on ebay and are almost a dead ringer for the M81 or M82.
Gibbs is also listed in the links and they are bound to offer their parts for sale, eventually.
Another option would be CMP for stocks. That link is also included.
Hope this helps!
I would have to somewhat disagree that handloading is not necessary – unless your gun really does like a particular factory load, it will never be as accurate as consistent as individually weighed handloads for a variety of reasons. Its mass produced to work in a variety of guns – some will like it, but some won’t! And I find it cheaper to reload my own “match” loads. Also, I haven’t found factory loads in the velocity range my tests discovered certain O3’s and Garands tend to like. .
The ones I’ve tested seem to like loads in the 2550-2650fps range. 168-180 grain bullet weights of all kinds. All the factory ammo I’ve seen is loaded hotter.
If you’re 1-10″ twist barrel remains, any bullet 168 to 180gr will do well, and only you can discover exactly which ones your gun likes through testing. I have had good luck with Nosler’s (of all kinds), and Hornady A-Max’s, and Speer Gold Match BTHP’s.
IMR4064 is a great, consistent powder. .
You will find that it is a matter of trial and error. Two identical rifles may shoot the same type of ammo differently.
What you are asking of your rifle 1 moa at 600 yards may prove a little hard to do with your rifle. A match Springfield with a near perfect bore could possibly shoot that well. But many won’t.
Your most fruitful shooting sessions will be with handloads and match bullets.