  We present the data and preliminary analysis for a series of 90 ROSAT HRI and
two ASCA observations of the broad-line radio galaxy 3C 390.3. These data were
obtained during the period 1995 January 2 to 1995 October 6 as part of an
intensive multiwavelength monitoring campaign. The soft X-ray flux in the ROSAT
band varied by nearly a factor of four during the campaign, and the
well-resolved light-curve shows several distinct features. Several large
amplitude flares were observed, including one in which the flux increased by a
factor of about 3 in 12 days. Periods of reduced variability were also seen,
including one nearly 30 days long. While the HRI hardness ratio decreased
significantly, it is apparently consistent with that expected due to the
detector during the monitoring period.
  The two ASCA observations were made on 1995 January 15 and 1995 May 5. The
0.5-10.0 keV spectra can be adequately described by an absorbed power-law.
There is no evidence for a soft excess in the ASCA spectra, indicating that the
ROSAT HRI is sampling variability of the X-ray power-law. A broad iron line was
observed in a longer 1993 ASCA observation, and while there is statistical
evidence that the line is present in the 1995 spectra, it could not be resolved
clearly. There is evidence, significant at >90% confidence, that the photon
index changed from 1.7 to 1.82 while the flux increased by 63%. The spectral
change can be detected in the spectra below 5 keV, indicating that the origin
cannot be a change in ratio of reflected to power-law flux. A compilation of
results from ASCA and Ginga observations show that on long time scales the
intrinsic photon index is correlated with the flux.
