.303 British Ammo For Sale – Hunting & Surplus Rounds

If you’re looking for reliable, powerful ammunition for your classic Lee-Enfield or similar surplus rifle, .303 British ammo is one of the most trusted cartridges in history. Whether you’re hunting big game or shooting targets at the range, this legendary round delivers accuracy, stopping power, and timeless performance.

This guide covers everything you need to know before buying .303 British ammo—whether you’re new to the caliber or a long-time enthusiast. We’ll walk through its uses, ballistics, best brands, and how to find the right round for your needs.

Why .303 British Ammo Still Matters

Originally introduced in the late 19th century, the .303 British cartridge gained its reputation in two world wars and remains a popular choice today. Its enduring relevance is due to its reliability, versatility, and broad range of applications—from vintage military rifles to modern hunting trips.

Top Reasons People Still Buy .303 British Ammo:

• A perfect match for Lee-Enfield and similar surplus rifles

• Great for hunting medium to large game

• Proven historical performance and reliability

• Available in both soft point and FMJ configurations

• Reloadable brass cases ideal for handloaders

• Balanced recoil and strong ballistic performance

Whether you’re preserving history or putting meat in the freezer, this is a cartridge that delivers.

Understanding the .303 British Cartridge

The .303 British (also called 7.7x56mmR) was developed by the British military in the late 1880s and remained in military service for over 70 years. It was the standard issue round in Lee–Metford and Lee–Enfield rifles, serving throughout both World Wars and beyond in Commonwealth forces.

Historical Highlights:

• Adopted: 1889 by British Armed Forces

• Famous Rifle: Lee–Enfield (No. 1 Mk III, No. 4 Mk I, Jungle Carbine)

• Military Use: WWI, WWII, Korea, various colonial conflicts

• Legacy: Still used for civilian hunting, target shooting, and collecting

Though military use has faded, civilian demand remains strong thanks to the rifle’s popularity and the cartridge’s proven effectiveness.

Common Uses of .303 British Ammo

1. Hunting

Soft point .303 British ammo is still widely used by hunters across North America and other parts of the world. With energy on par with .308 Winchester and similar calibers, it’s capable of cleanly taking:

• Whitetail and mule deer

• Black bear

• Wild hogs

• Elk (with premium loads)

The heavier 180-grain loads are ideal for larger game, while 150-grain soft points provide excellent expansion and moderate recoil for deer.

2. Target Shooting

Full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds are popular for recreational shooting and surplus rifle matches. Many Lee-Enfields remain highly accurate, especially with quality ammunition. FMJ rounds offer a more affordable option for range practice and casual plinking.

3. Collecting and Surplus Shooting

Collectors often seek authentic surplus or period-correct ammo for their vintage rifles. While some older surplus ammo can be corrosive, many modern manufacturers offer non-corrosive, reloadable rounds that are safe and consistent.

Types of .303 British Ammo

Choosing the right type of .303 British depends on how you plan to use it. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

• Bullet Weights: 174 grains (standard)

• Use: Range shooting, military-style training, historical reenactments

• Pros: Affordable, consistent, non-expanding

• Note: Some older FMJ surplus may be corrosive

Soft Point (SP)

• Bullet Weights: 150–180 grains

• Use: Hunting medium to large game

• Pros: Controlled expansion, deep penetration, humane kills

• Widely available from top manufacturers like PPU and Sellier & Bellot

Hollow Point / Specialty Loads

• Less common but ideal for specific hunting or precision shooting applications

• HPBT (Hollow Point Boat Tail) loads are favored by reloaders or competitive shooters seeking better long-range accuracy

.303 British Ballistics

Performance varies slightly by load and barrel length, but here’s a typical breakdown of what to expect:

Load Type	Bullet Weight	Velocity (fps)	Energy (ft-lbs)	Application
FMJ	174 gr	2,440	2,300	Target
SP	150 gr	2,660	2,350	Hunting
SP	180 gr	2,390	2,300	Big Game

These figures show that the .303 British performs similarly to the .308 Win and .30-06 Springfield in the field.

Choosing the Right .303 British Ammo for Your Rifle

To get the most out of your rifle, match your ammunition to your specific use case. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Older Rifles: Stick with standard pressure loads. Modern commercial ammo is safe for most Lee-Enfields but avoid high-pressure variants.

• Hunting: Choose 150–180 grain soft points for ethical game harvest.

• Range Shooting: FMJ is more affordable for volume shooting.

• Reloading: Look for brass-cased, boxer-primed rounds for easier reloading.

Popular Brands We Recommend

We stock and recommend ammo from these top-rated manufacturers:

• PPU (Prvi Partizan): Serbian-made, high quality, reloadable brass

• Sellier & Bellot: Consistent performance, popular among hunters

• Winchester: Occasionally available in 180gr SP

• Remington: Limited production, but well-regarded for hunting loads

• Military Surplus: Select carefully; some surplus rounds are corrosive

Reloading .303 British

This round is a favorite among reloaders due to its history and customizability. Brass is easy to find, and components are widely available.

Reloading Essentials:

• Bullet Diameter: .311 or .312 inches

• Common Powder Choices: IMR 4064, H4895, Varget

• Primer Type: Large rifle

• Recommended Dies: Lee, RCBS, Hornady

Reloading allows you to fine-tune performance and save on cost—especially important for less common calibers like this.

Safety & Maintenance for Surplus Rifles

If you’re shooting a Lee-Enfield or other old rifle, take proper care:

• Always inspect the chamber and bore before firing

• Clean thoroughly after each use, especially when using surplus ammo

• Use non-corrosive ammo whenever possible

• Have older rifles checked by a gunsmith before firing if unsure

Browse our Gun Cleaning Kits and Surplus Rifle Accessories to maintain accuracy and safety.

How to Buy .303 British Ammo Online

We make it easy to find the right ammo for your rifle and get it delivered fast. When browsing online:

• Look for clear descriptions: bullet weight, type, and velocity

• Compare cost per round for bulk packs

• Check if it’s reloadable (brass casing, boxer primed)

• Look for non-corrosive labeling (for modern shooting)

We offer both single boxes and bulk case packs—perfect for hunters prepping for the season or collectors stocking up.

Our Best-Selling .303 British Ammo

PPU 174gr FMJ – 20 Rounds
Excellent range performance, reloadable brass, consistent accuracy.

Sellier & Bellot 150gr SP – 20 Rounds
Great for hunting deer and hogs, solid expansion, trusted performance.

Winchester 180gr Power-Point – Case Pack
High-power soft point load for elk and bear hunting. Limited availability.

Related Products

• Surplus Rifle Ammo

• Handgun Ammo

• Reloading Components

FAQ:

Is .303 British still made today?
Yes. It’s still produced by manufacturers like PPU, Sellier & Bellot, and Winchester.

What rifles use .303 British?
Primarily the Lee-Enfield series and other Commonwealth bolt-action rifles.

Can I hunt with .303 British?
Absolutely. Use 150–180 grain soft point ammo for deer, hog, elk, and even black bear.

Is surplus .303 ammo safe?
Yes, but be cautious of corrosive primers in older military stock. Clean your rifle after every use.

Do you sell bulk .303 British ammo?
Yes. We offer both box and case quantities, including discounts on bulk orders.

Is .303 British a good round for beginners?
Yes, especially with modern soft recoil loads. It’s easy to shoot and highly effective.

Is it reloadable?
Most commercial .303 ammo comes in boxer-primed brass cases and is easily reloadable.

Order .303 British Ammo Today

Ready to stock up? Whether you’re hunting big game, hitting the range, or preserving a piece of history, .303 British remains a tried-and-true performer. Explore our full selection of soft point and FMJ loads, and take advantage of our competitive pricing and fast shipping.

Shop All .303 British Ammo Now