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7.7x56mm R (.303 British)

The inclusion of the .303 British in my list of sniping calibers is based solely on its historical significance. As far as I can tell, there is no current sniper rifles chambered in the legendary .303. The reason is simply because the .308 (7.62x51 NATO) out performs the .303 in every aspect and the odd .311 diameter bullet just does not have a lot of support and as such does not have many good choices available. The .303 did see extensive action in WWI and WWII as a sniping round, especially in the No 4 Mk1 (T). This rifle/ammo combination was a very good performer, and served the British troops until well after WWII when finally the L42A1 was adopted (The L42A1 was a modified No4 Mk1 (T) with a shorter fore-end, and chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO). The limited availability of modern rifles has made the options for ammo shrink as well. PMC used to load a match load for the 303 but they are no longer in the picture either. There are still a few good components available, specifically the 174gr Sierra Match King bullet, so reloaing some match grade ammo is an option. The size of the bullet is a bit odd (.311) so that makes availabiilty of different bullets fairly small as well. I have talked to HSM about potentially loading some match grade ammo using that Sierra bullet and they would be willing if there was interest.

Recommendations: This round is used primarily in the 'Historic' sniper rifles, but in reality, it would serve just fine in both a limited military role and in a Law Enforcement situation. It doesn't penetrate as much as the .308 but still yields good energy. The only problem is finding rifles and ammo in this caliber.

Military Applications

Note: The ammo I choose is the Hornady Custom Classic 303 British round using a FMJBT in 174 gr. .

Hornady Custom Classic, 174gr FMJBT - 2475fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle - 2366 Ft.-Lbs.)

Wind Drift (inches) - 10mph Crosswind

Law Enforcement Applications

Note: Because pretty much all of the other loads for the .303 British are designed for hunting, I have decided to stick with the same Hornady custom classic load as I specified in the above military area. If a match grade load becomes available with the 174gr Sierra Match King, it would probably be a good idea to look at it here.

Hornady Custom Classic, 174gr FMJBT - 2475fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle - 2366 Ft.-Lbs.)

Wind drift (inches) - 10 MPH crosswind

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