24 ON THE DOGMATISM 



of English sportsmen pretty well ever since 

 breechloaders came into general use. 



Sometimes it is the other way ; for in- 

 stance, the .303 rifle. Gunmakers saw its 

 wonderful powers, as far as initial velocity, 

 flat trajectory, and penetration were con- 

 cerned, and jumped to the conclusion that 

 here was the ideal sportsman's weapon. 

 For some years every gunmaker's catalogue 

 or advertisement harped upon this, but now 

 we hear less of it. The truth is, that the 

 .303 rifle and similar w^eapons cannot be 

 ideal sporting weapons, though admirable 

 with an expanding bullet for certain kinds of 

 stalking. But it smashes no bones, and 

 makes too litde blood for most countries. 

 Above all, it is deficient in stopping power. 

 I think the trade is now learninor the real 

 lessons the .303 should have taught them — 



