New to 03 Rifles, need advise

[Dan'O]

Oky folks, here goes, first time post. Just bought a 1903 Remington serial # 3260135. All original with matching Remington parts.

Can I shoot modern ammo? If so, what grain usually works best? I've seen 150 gr, 165gr and 185gr advertised in Cabela's catalog. Some PMC as cheap as $9.99 for a box of 20.

I'll be using the rifle for the "Old Soldiers Shoot" at my local gun club 3 - 4 times a year.

Since I'm new in the " 03" world, any info will help. Thanks. :usa:

[flowboy143]

:sniper: no what ever you do dont use modern ammo as this will split your barrel or blowup in your face. it is what they say TO HOT
only use military ammo it is a lighter load and is made for your rifle. It is also alot cheaper :sniper:

[mbott]

Can I shoot modern ammo? If so, what grain usually works best? I've seen 150 gr, 165gr and 185gr advertised in Cabela's catalog. Some PMC as cheap as $9.99 for a box of 20.

In my experience, you should have no issues with either Federal, Winchester or PMC in the 150 gr bullet weights. I'd have the rifle checked-out by a reputable gunsmith to insure that there are no headspace or other issues.

At the same time, you could ask him for his recommendations on the appropiate ammo.

--
Mike

[Tailgunner]

I would like to know where "flowboy" get's his information from.

The factories load to SAMMI pressure max (or lower). SAMMI considers the weakest firearm ever made in a given cartridge (M-96 Winchester lever action in the case of the 30-06) to be the upper limit of safe, NOT the Mauser design of the -03 Springfield.
Granted there are some early 03's with a heat treat issue, but none of those were made by Remington.

[surbat6]

Originally posted by Tailgunner@Mar 21 2004, 04:26 AM
I would like to know where "flowboy" get's his information from.

The factories load to SAMMI pressure max (or lower). SAMMI considers the weakest firearm ever made in a given cartridge (M-96 Winchester lever action in the case of the 30-06) to be the upper limit of safe, NOT the Mauser design of the -03 Springfield.
Granted there are some early 03's with a heat treat issue, but none of those were made by Remington.
Tailgunner is correct. The Remington '03 should be safe to fire with any .30-06 ammo that's safe in any other rifle. Also, follow Mbott's advice and have your headspace checked before doing any shooting.