303 or 45-70?

Flbt

AH elite
Joined
Jan 26, 2025
Messages
1,054
Reaction score
1,389
Location
Fl
Media
1
Hunted
Us
I am looking at the Uberti CourtEney stalking rifle it comes in 303 and 45-70
With my shoulder the 45-70 loads would be the light ones 300gr Winchester hp ( I have a few hundred of the around)
If I get the 303 if I could find them o would want 200gr or so but the 180gr is easier to find I would want round nose soft points
Fl. Deer , hogs and maybe bear if they bring bear season back.
Shots would be under 200 and really most at a 100 yds or less from the spots I would be hunting from.

Either caliber would have a low powered Burris scope
 
Yep the 303 Brit will do that nicely & I like the 45/70 as well.
 
I am looking at the Uberti CourtEney stalking rifle it comes in 303 and 45-70
With my shoulder the 45-70 loads would be the light ones 300gr Winchester hp ( I have a few hundred of the around)
If I get the 303 if I could find them o would want 200gr or so but the 180gr is easier to find I would want round nose soft points
Fl. Deer , hogs and maybe bear if they bring bear season back.
Shots would be under 200 and really most at a 100 yds or less from the spots I would be hunting from.

Either caliber would have a low powered Burris scope

303.

Assuming you're in the continental US, you can come up with a single shot 45-70 with relative ease by hitting up GunBroker for a Handi-Rifle should you need to scratch the itch, and probably a fair few Uberti High Walls as well.

But the 303 in the Courteney is straight class.
 
The Uberti is a lightweight & slender rifle that I like the feel of. I'm glad I got it in 303 British. I have a strong nostalgic bias for that chambering ever since I took my first deer with one. It's one of the few rounds I have multiple rifles for (30-06 and 375 H&H being the other two). My Ruger No. 1A in 303 British has a scope mounted on it. My Courteney has the optional iron sights only quarter rib so each rifle is setup differently. There's nothing wrong with the 45-70 but I shoot a Winchester 1885 Traditional Hunter in 405 Win instead.

couteney-base.jpg
 
Do not know about shooting th the irons but the 45-70 shoots nicely to the scope. Have used an early Marlin Guide gun in Florida, Arkansas, Pa, Vt. And Maine. over a 25/30 year period. Handloaded for it and with a few acceptions used IMR 4198 and a 300 gr Sierra bullet. It was/is a grand cartridge on hogs,deer and one bear.
Cannot speak to the 303…..never used one.
 
45/70 EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK AND TWICE ON SUNDAY.
 
303.

Assuming you're in the continental US, you can come up with a single shot 45-70 with relative ease by hitting up GunBroker for a Handi-Rifle should you need to scratch the itch, and probably a fair few Uberti High Walls as well.

But the 303 in the Courteney is straight class.
All ready have a 45-70 I have used the 303 in the past but it’s been over 20 years.
It’s the rifle it’s self that I really want. Just trying to decide on the cal.
If it was in 7x57 there would be no question.

And yes in the US Florida
 
Though I wonder if it would be possible to convert the 303 to 35 Whelen?

FYI - The 35-303 British wildcat is one of the chamberings that JES Rebore offers if you're a reloader:


Since the goal would be to get the caliber >= 35 & because the 303 British is rimmed, I wonder if converting to a 9.3x74r would be doable? It's annoying that I can't use my Ruger No. 1S in Mississippi or Louisiana because it doesn't have an exposed hammer but I can't use it in Arkansas either because that cartridge isn't straight-walled. It's like all three states hate one of my favorite rifle / round combinations. :D

img_8624-jpeg.686887
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8624.jpeg
    IMG_8624.jpeg
    151.9 KB · Views: 312
I had the .303 for a while, but sold it as I just didnt get along well with the rifle, I found it very awkward especially with a scope mounted.

It shot well, but I think I have been spoiled by the Ruger No.1 system which is much more user friendly at least to me.
 
All ready have a 45-70 I have used the 303 in the past but it’s been over 20 years.
It’s the rifle it’s self that I really want. Just trying to decide on the cal.
If it was in 7x57 there would be no question.

And yes in the US Florida
I love the 303 and the 7x57 . Can’t split them . You couldn’t go wrong either way .
 

Forum statistics

Threads
63,701
Messages
1,402,101
Members
126,592
Latest member
HowardSmat
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

1760558427422.png

Flights Booked
Hotel Booked
Booth Booked

We are very excited to come to Salzburg for the first time.
Should you at all have any interest in hunting with me and want to discuss different options please do not hesitate to contact me and we can set something up.
Hyde Hunter wrote on malcome83's profile.
where are you located? I would be happy to help you with you doing the reloading but I will only load for a very few real close friends as posted before liability is the problem. but will help you.
Screenshot 2025-10-09 at 7.53.47 AM.png
A two minute video I made of our recent Safari. I think it turned out well
Speedster wrote on Sue Tidwell's profile.
Just received your book. It will be a Christmas present from my wife. Looking forward to read it.
 
Top