Opinions on the .303 Epps

[kombi1976]

I'm a fan of the .303 Brit and there's plenty of them here in Australia where I live but it's no secret that many regard the old Brit as an also ran in comparison to more modern rounds. With this in mind I'm considering picking up a SMLE No.4 Mk1 and having it reamed to .303 Epps. The problem is that comment seems fairly sparse on the ground. I've looked at a couple of websites but even there load data wasn't very extensive although it stressed the importance of not overloading the cartridge depending on the action used.
Who owns or has owned a rifle in .303 Epps?
What were your experiences with it?
Was it worth it?
Are the dies still reasonably easy to come by?

[Mikey]

kombi:  I just went to a link that published 303 Epps data.  They had one caveat - don't use that loading data in the SMLE actions - apparently the round is higher enough pressured that it sounds suitable for the P-14 action.  I believe that if you loaded the Epps round to 303 Brit pressures you would be alright in the SMLE but you would lose the advantage of the Epps design.  

To be honest, I really like the old 303 and do not feel it gives up anything to the 308 (for comparative purposes only).  With that in mind I doubt I would go for a P-14 in the Epps design - you wouldn't get that much more out of the 303 caliber, from my perspective, to justify either the expense of the conversion or the increase in weight by going from the SMLE to the P-14 action.  

When I reload for my 303s, I reload to original factory specs (mil-spec, actually) using either Vitha-Vhoury Oy (? spelling) or Norma N203 powder.  Both list charges for original factory loads.  I would rather go that route than go with a conversion but, that's just my opinion.  HTH.  Mikey.

[aulrich]

I have no experience with it but I have read that it makes a big difference. I have seen this topic come up on www.canadiangunnutz.com so there should be some help there. There are even some guys rebarreling enfields converting the to 405 winchester.