The .303 British cartridge has a storied history dating back to 1888, when it was originally adopted for use in the Lee-Metford rifle and later the famous Lee-Enfield series. It quickly became one of the most widely used military cartridges in the world, serving as the standard-issue round for British and Commonwealth forces throughout both World Wars and beyond. Today, the .303 British remains a popular choice for surplus rifle collectors, historical enthusiasts, and hunters alike.
Whether you're looking for accurate range ammunition, a solid hunting load, or an affordable target shooting option, the right ammunition can maximize the performance of your surplus rifle. Below, we break down the top .303 British ammo selections, focusing on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Our Top Picks for .303 British Ammunition
- Sellier & Bellot .303 British 180gr FMJ - Best for the Range
- Remington .303 British 180gr SP Core-Lokt - Best for Hunting
- PPU .303 British 174gr FMJ - Best for Budget Target Shooters
- PPU .303 British 180gr SP - Best Budget Hunting Ammo
Best .303 British for the Range: Sellier & Bellot 180gr FMJ
Sellier & Bellot 303 British 180gr FMJ
For those looking to get the most out of their Lee-Enfield or other surplus rifles at the range, the Sellier & Bellot 180gr Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is an excellent choice. This ammunition is designed for consistent performance and reliable feeding, making it a solid option for both casual plinking and marksmanship training.
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,390 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,286 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Pros:
- Excellent for target shooting and surplus rifle practice
- Consistent accuracy and reliable feeding
- Non-corrosive primers and high-quality brass cases
Cons:
- Not ideal for hunting due to lack of expansion
- FMJ bullets may over-penetrate on soft targets
Why We Selected This Product:
The Sellier & Bellot 180gr FMJ provides excellent reliability and accuracy for range shooting, allowing shooters to train effectively without breaking the bank.
Best .303 British for Hunting: Remington 180gr Soft Point Core-Lokt
Remington 303 British 180gr SP Core-Lokt
For hunters using a .303 British rifle, the Remington Core-Lokt 180gr Soft Point (SP) is one of the best hunting rounds available. Featuring Core-Lokt technology, this bullet is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration, making it highly effective for medium-to-large game such as deer, elk, and black bear.
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,460 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,418 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP)
Pros:
- Proven Core-Lokt design ensures deep penetration and reliable expansion
- Effective on deer, elk, and similar-sized game
- Well-suited for both open fields and dense brush hunting
Cons:
- More expensive than FMJ practice rounds
- Soft point bullets may deform in surplus rifle magazines over time
Why We Selected This Product:
The Remington 180gr Core-Lokt is a top-tier hunting cartridge, delivering outstanding terminal ballistics and consistent performance in the field.
Best .303 British for Budget Target Shooters: Prvi Partizan 174gr FMJ
PPU 303 British FMJ 174gr
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for surplus rifle practice, the PPU 174gr FMJ is a solid performer at a lower price point. This ammunition is non-corrosive, brass-cased, and reliable, making it a great choice for high-volume shooting.
Ballistic Data
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,550 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,501 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Brass-cased and reloadable
- Reliable feeding and extraction in surplus rifles
Cons:
- Not ideal for hunting due to FMJ bullet design
- May have slightly less accuracy compared to premium brands
Why We Selected This Product:
For budget-conscious shooters, the PPU 174gr FMJ offers good accuracy and affordability, making it a great choice for casual target practice and surplus rifle enthusiasts.
Best Budget .303 British for Hunting: Prvi Partizan 180gr Soft Point
PPU 303 British SP 180gr
For hunters looking for a budget-friendly soft point option, the PPU 180gr SP provides reliable expansion and stopping power at an affordable price. This round is suitable for deer hunting and other medium game, offering solid accuracy and dependable terminal ballistics.
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,390 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,286 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP)
Pros:
- Affordable hunting ammunition with effective expansion
- Brass-cased and reloadable
- Performs well on deer-sized game
Cons:
- Slightly lower velocity compared to premium hunting rounds
- Not as refined as Core-Lokt or bonded bullets
Why We Selected This Product:
For hunters on a budget, the PPU 180gr SP offers good terminal performance at a fraction of the cost of premium hunting ammunition.
Final Thoughts
The .303 British remains a highly respected and versatile cartridge, whether you're preserving a historic surplus rifle, hunting in the woods, or simply enjoying a day at the range. Choosing the right ammunition can optimize your shooting experience and maximize performance.
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- For general range use, the Sellier & Bellot 180gr FMJ is a top pick.
- For serious hunters, the Remington 180gr Core-Lokt SP delivers excellent stopping power.
- For budget-conscious target shooters, the PPU 174gr FMJ provides great value.
- For an affordable hunting option, the PPU 180gr SP is a solid choice.
No matter your purpose, the .303 British continues to prove its worth as a classic and effective rifle cartridge. Happy shooting!
Frequently Asked Questions
The .303 British is effective out to 600 yards, with most hunting applications staying within 300 yards for ethical shot placement.
Yes! With soft point or bonded bullets, the .303 British is an excellent choice for hunting deer, elk, and even black bear.
Yes, brass-cased .303 British ammo is reloadable, but surplus military brass may require special attention due to variations in case thickness.
While not as common as .308 or .30-06, .303 British is still readily available from major manufacturers like Sellier & Bellot, Remington, and PPU.
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