British military cartridge. Served the Empire for 70+ years. Used in Lee-Enfield rifles. Effective hunting round.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1889, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: Obsolete / Non-standard
Bullet diameter: 0.311" (7.9 mm)
Case length: 2.222" (56.44 mm)
Overall length: 3.075" (78.11 mm)
Max pressure: 49,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:10
Muzzle velocity: 2440–2690 fps
Muzzle energy: 2400–2600 ft-lbs
Effective range: 600 yd
Common bullet weights: 125, 150, 174, 180, 215 gr
Primary use: Military, Hunting
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .303 · 7.7x56mmR
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.
Notable firearms: Lee-Enfield No.4, Bren gun, Vickers machine gun
Military use: {"country":"British Empire","years":"1889-1960s","conflicts":["Boer War","WWI","WWII","Korea"]}, {"country":"Commonwealth","years":"1889-1960s"}
Similar cartridges: .308 Winchester, 7.62x54R