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.303/22

Rifle cartridge


Rifle cartridge

FieldValue
name.303/.22
originAustraliatype=Rifle
design_date1930s
variantsWasp, Varment R., Sprinter, Shannon, Epps, Rocket
parent[.303 British](303-british)
case_typeRimmed, bottleneck
bullet0.224
neck0.260
shoulder0.412
base0.460
rim_dia0.540
rim_thick.064
case_length2.185
length2.8
case_capacity50.86
rifling1-12 inches
primerLarge rifle
bw145
btype1HP
vel13500
en11224
bw250
btype2SP
vel23250
en21173
bw355
btype3SP
vel33050
en31136
balsrcADI

The .303/22, sometimes known as the .22/303, is a wildcat centrefire rifle cartridge based on the .303 British, necked down to fire a .224 projectile, originating in Australia in the 1930s as a cartridge for sporterised rifles, particularly on the Lee–Enfield action. Similar versions also appeared in Canada around the same time.

The .303/22 was very popular for a number of reasons, one being that the .22 caliber was better suited to small game than the .303, the rifles were cheap and plentiful, and in New South Wales ownership of military cartridges was severely restricted. Several versions existed, including the full length Falcon, the shortened Sprinter, the even shorter Wasp, the Varmint-R, and many others. Although Lee–Enfields were the most common, conversion of other rifles mostly suited to rimmed cartridges such as P14 Enfield, Martini–Enfield, 1885 and 1895 Winchesters were often seen, as well as 98 and 96 Mausers.

Loaded ammunition and brass was produced by the Super Cartridge Company, Riverbrand, ICI and Sportco, some using new Boxer primed cases, others using military Berdan primed cases. Cases can be formed simply by necking down .303 British brass available from Remington, Federal, Winchester, Sellier & Bellot and others. Reloading dies are made by most larger manufacturers, like RCBS, CH and Simplex.

Variants

303/22 Wasp 1.97", 303/22 Varment R. 2.031", 303/22 Sprinter 2.100", 303/22 2.185", 303/22 Shannon 2.222", 303/22 Rocket (aka. 22/4000) unknown case length.

References

References

  1. Donnelly, John J., Handloaders Manual of Cartridge Conversions, p134
  2. [http://www.adi-limited.com/handloaders-guide/rifle.asp ADI]
  3. Barnes, Frank C., Cartridges of the World, 7th Edition, p162
  4. [http://www.303british.com/id6.html 303 British]
  5. Barnes, Frank C., Cartridges of the World, 10th Edition, p473
  6. [http://www.ch4d.com/ CH]
  7. [http://www.jansa.com.au/simplex3.php Jansa Arms Co – Australia]
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