Skip to content
Lindcott Armory

Rifle · Obsolete / Non-standard

.303 British

Also known as .303 · 7.7x56mmR

British military cartridge.

Caliber
0.3118″ · 7.92 mm
Introduced
1889
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Military, Hunting
Status
Limited

Buy this cartridge

Buy at Rivertown

Buying from Rivertown

Partner link
VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains150 · 174 · 180 gr
Identity
Introduced
1889
Type
Rifle
Origin
United Kingdom
Inventor
British Empire
Manufacturer
British Military
Standard
Obsolete / Non-standard
Status
Limited
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
56 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:10
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
49,000 psi
Eff. range
600 yd
Recoil
16–22 ft·lb

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .303 British.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 7.920.312 ✓
Neck ⌀ 8.640.340 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 10.190.401 ✓
Shoulder angle 17°— ✓
Base ⌀ 11.680.460 ✓
Rim ⌀ 13.720.540 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.630.064 ✓
Neck length 8.430.332 ≈
Case length 56.442.222 ✓
Overall length 78.113.075 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .303 British is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

8 reloading powders listed for .303 British, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

N110N120N130Vihtavuori N133IMR 3031N135Vihtavuori N140N540
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .303 British

12 models in the database chamber .303 British. Browse all →

Uberti 1885 Courteney Stalking RifleRSAF Enfield Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I Sniper Replica .303 BritishWinchester Model 1895Birmingham Small Arms No. 4 Mk II .303 British 25.2-inchROF Maltby Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.2 .303 British 25.19-inchBirmingham Small Arms BSA No. 4 Mk II .303 British 25.2-inchLee-Enfield No. 4 Mk II 303 BritishBSA Lee-Enfield No.5 Mk.I Jungle Carbine .303 British 18.75-inchBSA No. 5 Mk I Jungle Carbine .303 British 18.7-inchBSA Lee-Enfield No.5 Mk.I Jungle CarbineEnfield Rifle No.5 Mk I Jungle CarbineRSAF Enfield Lee-Enfield No.5 Mk I

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (2)
.303 Epps.303/25 Cadet
Family TreeOpen .303 British in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Loads99 factory loads for .303 BritishReloading8 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .303 British

History

Adopted by British military in 1889. Served through both World Wars. Lee-Enfield rifles with this cartridge armed millions. Replaced by 7.62 NATO in 1950s-60s.

FAQs

What twist rate does .303 British use?
.303 British typically uses a 1:10 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .303 British?
.303 British uses a 0.3118″ (7.92 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .303 British still in production?
.303 British is limited; typical availability is common.
What is .303 British used for?
.303 British is primarily used for military, hunting.
What are the best powders for .303 British?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .303 British include N110, N120, N130, Vihtavuori N133, among 8 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 81 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →