Wolf or WPA Russian 30-06 168grain FMJ ammo

[Got SIG?]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this. If not, please point me in the right direction. I am the lucky winner (inherited) a Remington M1903-A3 Springfield and some Russian made WPA 168 grain steel jacketed ammo; is it safe/recommended to be shot in this rifle? Thank you.

 

[shootersix]

Well your not that lucky! I’m almost positive your not supposed to shoot anything heavier than 150 in 03a3’s or garands!

I could be wrong but I thought I’d read that

 

[Got SIG?]

I too am seeing comments to that effect, but wanted to check in with the folks that know more than I do about that ammo .. which would be just about anyone! I have never used steel cased/Russian rounds. Not crazy about it and I certainly don't want to damage the rifle...or me! Thanks for letting me know.

 

[rosejm]

I probably wouldn't prefer to shoot bi-metal jacketed ammo through an '03.
But, it should function without any danger.

To my knowledge, you're also good to go with nearly any .30-06 ammo on the market.


There is some concern with commercial ammo in the M1 Garand (without precautions), but the bolt-action '03 will have no issues.

 

[55fairlane]

Your 03a3 has an incredible strong action....I wouldn't put that cheap ammo in it, but it will handle the load no problem.
You may find that load a little punishing, but it will shoot it no problem.
My 03, 03A3 & m1917 I shoot a 110 Hornady over 6064 it's a good 200-300 yard load that is no hard on you

 

[Squid556]

When I bought my 03 I was told to make sure it wasn’t one of the earlier batch that had a different receiver temperament. Early guns you aren’t supposed to shoot hot stuff in due to a more brittle action. At least that’s what I was told.

On a more practical note… I would advise against steel case ammo in your classic rifle for one main reason, bimetal jackets in steel case ammo wear out a bore several times faster than brass.

Brass vs. Steel Cased Ammo - An Epic Torture Test

This comprehensive 40,000 round brass vs. steel cased ammo torture test examines at key indicators of ammo performance and cost in AR-15 rifles.

www.luckygunner.com

Cheers to you and your new rifle! Make some memories with it.

 

[DadSmith]

As others have said above it will be fine.
I personally would save the Russian stuff for later use and buy brass cased copper jacketed ammunition.
However, it will not hurt it any if you use the Russian steel case. If you don't plan on feeding it a steady diet of it. Bimetal jackets will wear down your rifling in around 10k rds.

 

[Got SIG?]

I only have about two hundred rounds of the Russian steel ammo. I will see how it works this Wednesday and update this post (for what it's worth). I certainly appreciate the helpful responses. Great to have all of you as a resource on a topic which I know so little about. Yes, I will take a couple of my sons to make some memories! They shoot well...and have younger shoulders with which to absorb the recoil! Again, thanks for the great advice.

 

[TheJoker]

That's a beautiful Remmy right there! The rear sight is interesting. I've never seen one like that on a 1903A3. They usually come with a sliding elevation adjustment.

 

[Got SIG?]

That's a beautiful Remmy right there! The rear sight is interesting. I've never seen one like that on a 1903A3. They usually come with a sliding elevation adjustment.

Thanks for mentioning the rear sight...word to the wise, figure out how to adjust it BEFORE heading to the range! DOH! With a bit of Kentucky windage we made hits on paper at 100 yards and had a great time shooting this rifle. Not as punishing as I thought it might be and I reckon that has to do with the considerable length and weight of the rifle. If you haven't been to Camp Atterbury's public range, you are missing out on a nice range. Also had a rare sighting of an Eastern Dobson Fly that looked like a small bird when it landed on the wall!

 

[55fairlane]

That's a beautiful Remmy right there! The rear sight is interesting. I've never seen one like that on a 1903A3. They usually come with a sliding elevation adjustment.

That rear sight is a Williams....nothing fancy

 

[russc2542]

Beautiful rifle you have there!

I agree with the others... steel case garbage in something with a cheap, disposable barrel like an AR is one thing, in a historic gun is something else entirely.

I saw a male dobsonfly (note the uselessly large mandibles) a few weeks ago and was wondering what the monster was. Never know what you'll learn on this forum.