Author Topic: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel  (Read 952 times)

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Offline shinjin

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What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« on: February 08, 2013, 04:45:57 AM »
I bought a Mk IV (1944 on metal) for $85. Except for bore its in pretty good condition. Bore is a sewer pipe.
 
I was thinking of an inexpensive camp rifle.
 
What about re-barreling to something other than 303 (due to its scarcity around here) what calibers could I have on the original bolt face?
 
Or is re-boring or sleeving a better option and again what calibers will that bolt face accept?
 

Offline Mikey

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Re: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2013, 07:50:47 AM »
Shinjin:  not to answer for the moderator but I can tell you there are more things you can do with a SMLE action than you might think.  In the first place, a Canadian fellow named Elwood Epps created a entire family of cartridges based on the 303 British case and there is a lot of information about his cartridges on the net.  I have no doubt that most decent barrel makers offer some of his chamberings.  The SMLE, esp the #4Mk1, has been sporterized and rebarrelled to 45-70 by the Gibbs Rifle Company, and I think they are still in business. 
 
Where are you that 303 British is scarce, because just rebarrelling in the original caliber should be a option.  When you say 'sewer pipe', do you mean badly pitted?  Have you shot the rifle to see if it shoots halfway decently - might save a few $ if you don't need to do anything.  Sometimes old copper fouling peels off and really makes things look terrible. 

Offline zero

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Re: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2013, 08:18:22 AM »
. I've always really liked the idea of an enfield in 223, there's been alot of australian conversions done for that. I've also heard of 45-70s and 410 shotshell conversions. My enfield's technically shot out, but it still shoots. 312s well and when it doesn't, i'll move up to 32 special and 8mm bullets

Offline gunnut69

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Re: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2013, 11:35:58 AM »
There used to be a lot of 303 surplus barrels available so check them first.. The Epps calibers are all wildcats so,,,,, There's nothing wrong with the 303 and a modern barrel would make it shoot better.. Ammo can still be ordered through the mail and done correctly brass lasts a very long time.. I'd clean the bore agressively and see how it shoots then rebarrel to a 303 if needed..
gunnut69--
The 2nd amendment to the constitution of the United States of America-
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Offline shinjin

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Re: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2013, 07:03:04 AM »
Thanks guys. All good advice. Think I will try cleaning it till my elbows scream for mercy then shoot her.  sewer pipe ='s pitted near receiver. But I had  revolver like that and it drove tacks.
If it doesn't work out I'll look at the 45-70 rebarrel. Didn't Gibbs sell them?

Offline wtroger

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Re: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2013, 04:54:58 PM »
Trotterlg a member on here has a source for the enfield barrels. Give him a pm


Offline gunnut69

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Re: What to do with 303 Lee Enfield barrel
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2013, 07:12:56 AM »
One could also opt for one of the .40 rimmed 18th century calibers.. Shot a bit flatter and still flatten anything on this continent... with perhaps a bit of recoil reduction..
gunnut69--
The 2nd amendment to the constitution of the United States of America-
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."