Springfield 1903: The "Newbie"

I recently purchased this custom 1903 Springfield rifle for use in the Vintage Sniper Class here in Montana.  While I have shot BPCR, this will be my first run at a Cast Bullet in the 30-06. I received the gun on May 23rd and must say it is impressive.  Unfortunately, when the seller shipped it the front sight was literally broken off and front sight block loose. Not happy about it, but they are working to make it right.... we will see. It does have an Dayton Traister Mark II Trigger and aftermarket stock.

The Rifle:  Springfield 1903 Serial Number -  1420050  I purchased this rifle from an online site and there was no build history with this rifle.  However, it does have a Douglas XX 1/9 twist barrel fitted and the way it is stamped I assume that it was installed and chambered by Douglas directly.

The Bore: See the photos and Video HERE

The Scope: I am running a Malcom 8X Sniper series scope.  Just got it mounted on the gun today and looks to be a good budget friendly scope.  Glass is clear with normal reticle.

The Case: Lapua 30-06 cases, Figured I would start with the best!  

The Dies: Went with the Redding Premium series 3 set including the neck size die.  Sonic cleaned them when they arrived and they are no all setup and running well.  Runout is less than .001 from what I have seen so far. Ordered a Buffalo Arms custom .308-.310 expander die.

The Bullet(s): So I will be starting out just purchasing the bullets directly from Montana Bullet Works to simplify the initial load development until I find a bullet that works.  I chose the RCBS 82153, 200GR, SIL-GC and the RCBS 82152, 165GR, SIL-GC as starter rounds.  Both are gas checked and I ordered them at .309 Diameter.  

• Bullets received 5/22 and in a very timely manner! I must say here, MBW makes a very nice bullet!  My only problem at this point was that the 200GN is a tapered bullet which means that the bullet is more than likely going to be seated pretty deep in the case.  My fear in this is some sort of gas/bullet welding during combustion?

But wait, how do you seat a lead gas check bullet without a bell?  Yep, I just happened to have a custom built expander die for my CPA 32-20 Schuetzen gun that put a beautiful little bell in the case.   

PRIMER TEST #1 - May 24th 2023 RESULTS

LOAD DEVELOPMENT TEST #1 - May 25th 2023 RESULTS

LOAD DEVELOPMENT #2 - May 30th 2023 RESULTS

LOAD DEVELOPMENT #3 - May 31st 2023 RESULTS 

LOAD DEVELOPMENT #4 - June 10th 2023 RESULTS

*NEW* LOAD DEVELOPMENT #5 - June 11th 2023 RESULTS