.303 ammunition

[Skoshi Tiger]

It's interesting seeing the various rounds supplied for the .303 Colt-Brownings.

The Mk VII round was the standard ball round for .303 and would be in plentiful supply

Cartridge, Mk VII
Accepted 1910
Smokeless powder load. Boxer or Berdan primed. 174 gr pointed bullet.
Muzzle Velocity - 2440fps

Though it is unusual that the Standard MK VIII round is absent from our loadout list. I thought it was the standard MG round used by the British armed forces. Although it looks fairly similar to the MKVII the slightly heavier boat-tailed projectile was more aerodynamically efficient.

Cartridge, Mk VIII
Accepted 1938
Smokeless powder load. Boxer or Berdan primed. 175 gr pointed-boat tailed bullet.
Muzzle Velocity - 2440fps

What is unusual is the inclusion of the MK 1. It was my understanding that the British Military fazed this round out at the begining of WWI. Unless there was significant stockpiles of the stuff lying around why would you wan't to use it? It's muzzle Velocity is significantly lower and is almost prehistoric in it's balistics.

Cartridge, Cordite, MK I
Accepted 1891
Smokeless powder load. Boxer primed. 215 gr RN bullet.
Muzzle Velocity - 1970fps

Does anyone know if it was actually used by the RAF? Could stockpiles have been used up for training?

Cheers!

Cartridge data from www.303british.com

I assume the muzzle velocity is from the SMLE Lee-Endfield rifle. In several places I see the MG's with a higher muzzle velocities.