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changing caliber size

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bophi View Drop Down
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    Posted: May 15 2012 at 3:38am
what caliber can the enfield 303 be change to with out a lot of $$, bophi
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ArcherSix Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 16 2012 at 12:01pm
Without costing lots of $$ means keeping the original barrel. You could probably rechamber to 7.62x54R.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 16 2012 at 5:33pm
Why do you want to change the calibre?
 If it is for permit restrictions (military spec ammo) you could go to .303 Sporting. Which is generally classed as hunting ammo and may allow a hunting permit. (That is the case in France, not sure how that works in the USA).
At least with .303 Sporting the rifle remains almost in spec. Changing calibre to me is like swapping engine of a car, if you take out a big block chevy and drop in a small block chevy in your Corvette, it's still a Corvette! drop in a Ford V8 and it's just a car with the wrong engine. Just my personal opinion!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Longshaor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 16 2012 at 9:27pm
Since you're in the States, I know it's not a legal restrction, so why the interest in rechambering?
 
The short answer is 7.62x54R.  Outside of that you're looking at having to replace the barrel or (in the case of converting to .22LR) finding a conversion kit - not a common item any more.
 
The Aussies have done a lot with converting Enfields to .223 Remington and 7.62x39mm as well as a whole host of wildcat rounds, but I don't believe any of these conversions are either simple or inexpensive.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SW28fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 16 2012 at 9:28pm
Not really There is rechambering to 7.62x54R which will allow you to shoot cheap surplus but as the bullets are smaller in diameter accuracy will be poor and the bore will wear out sooner due to gas errosion. There are rechambering to cartridge like the 303 improved or 303 Epps which will give increase performance but must be 100% handloaded.  Rebarreling (unless you have the set up) will cost $100-150 plus the cost of the barrel. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Sukey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 17 2012 at 8:49am
There is NO shortage of .303 brass or bullets.  or for that matter reloading equipment.
Saying that, I have one converted to 7.62 x 39, but it was a "bubba" when it was given to me, so no original was harmed by converting it.
 
Who knows how long the availibility of "cheap" 7.62x54R will last. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bophi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 17 2012 at 9:07am
i was just asking about caliber conversion but will never do it , i did not know if another caliber would fire in it. mine is a bubba but i like it. it is a no 4 mkl* 2 groove bbl.1943 LB, very good cond. nice metal, but not worth much. sight ears has been cut off. plus forearm. thanks, bophi
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Moondog55 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 19 2012 at 8:29am
I guess the answer depends on how much you want to spend.
But calibre conversions = "Wildcat" and these days wildcats are expensive.
New barrels cost money, more money that I can afford, but a Sambar hunting version of a #4 in on my wish-list.
I was quoted $1500- Australian for a 303-35 on  #4 action almost $400- of that for the new barrel in 35

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Smokey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 19 2012 at 5:45pm
7.62x54R is a higher-pressure cartridge than the .303 British. I would not use it in a Lee-Enfield.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 20 2012 at 5:16am
I fully agree with smokey. My son has a Dragunov Tigre in 762x54 and the pressures generated by the ammo would stress the enfield action beyond safe limits.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Longshaor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 21 2012 at 3:14am
My appologies for suggesting it.  I'm used to hearing 7.62x54R as a 'drop-in' calibre change for .303 with Bren Gun rewelds.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 303Guy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 11 2012 at 1:42pm
Not only is the 7.62x54R is a higher-pressure cartridge than the .303 British, it has a larger internal base are which increases the thrust significantly.

If you want to spend some money a 25-303 is a great cartridge (I have one built on a Lithgow action by Sportco of Australia).  It about equals the 243 in performance.  If one had a worn bore Lee Enfield it could be 'refreshed' to 8mm-303.  That would be a wildcat of course - one of mine is heading that way.
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