.303/22

.303/.22
Type Rifle
Place of origin Australia
Production history
Designed 1930s
Variants Wasp, Varment R., Sprinter, Shannon, Epps, Rocket
Specifications
Parent case .303 British
Case type Rimmed, bottleneck
Bullet diameter 0.224 in (5.7 mm)
Neck diameter 0.260 in (6.6 mm)
Shoulder diameter 0.412 in (10.5 mm)
Base diameter 0.460 in (11.7 mm)
Rim diameter 0.540 in (13.7 mm)
Rim thickness .064 in (1.6 mm)
Case length 2.185 in (55.5 mm)
Overall length 2.8 in (71 mm)
Case capacity 50.86 gr H2O (3.296 cm3)
Rifling twist 1-12 inches
Primer type

Large rifle

[1]
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
45 gr (3 g) HP 3,500 ft/s (1,100 m/s) 1,224 ft⋅lbf (1,660 J)
50 gr (3 g) SP 3,250 ft/s (990 m/s) 1,173 ft⋅lbf (1,590 J)
55 gr (4 g) SP 3,050 ft/s (930 m/s) 1,136 ft⋅lbf (1,540 J)
Source(s): ADI [2]

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.[3]

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.[4] 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.[5]

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[6] and Simplex.[7]

Variants

303/22 Wasp 1.097", 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.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Donnelly, John J., Handloaders Manual of Cartridge Conversions, p134
  2. ↑ ADI
  3. ↑ Barnes, Frank C., Cartridges of the World, 7th Edition, p162
  4. ↑ 303 British
  5. ↑ Barnes, Frank C., Cartridges of the World, 10th Edition, p473
  6. ↑ CH
  7. ↑ Jansa Arms Co - Australia
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