changing caliber size |
Post Reply |
Author | |
bophi
Groupie Joined: May 08 2012 Location: ptown va. Status: Offline Points: 33 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: May 15 2012 at 3:38am |
what caliber can the enfield 303 be change to with out a lot of $$, bophi
|
|
n2guns
|
|
ArcherSix
Senior Member Joined: March 05 2009 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 317 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Without costing lots of $$ means keeping the original barrel. You could probably rechamber to 7.62x54R.
|
|
Zed
Special Member Donating Member Joined: May 01 2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 5585 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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!
|
|
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!
|
|
Longshaor
Senior Member Joined: June 24 2011 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 101 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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.
|
|
SW28fan
Special Member Donating Member Joined: July 02 2007 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 2951 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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.
|
|
Have a Nice Day
If already having a nice day please disregard |
|
John Sukey
Senior Member Joined: December 29 2011 Location: Tucson AZ Status: Offline Points: 89 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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.
|
|
bophi
Groupie Joined: May 08 2012 Location: ptown va. Status: Offline Points: 33 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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
|
|
n2guns
|
|
Moondog55
Senior Member Joined: July 05 2011 Location: Geelong Austral Status: Offline Points: 103 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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 |
|
Smokey
Senior Member Joined: May 11 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 806 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
7.62x54R is a higher-pressure cartridge than the .303 British. I would not use it in a Lee-Enfield.
|
|
Tony
Moderator Group Moderator Joined: April 18 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 3256 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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.
|
|
Rottie (PitBulls dad.)
“If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons Born free taxed to death!!! |
|
Longshaor
Senior Member Joined: June 24 2011 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 101 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
My appologies for suggesting it. I'm used to hearing 7.62x54R as a 'drop-in' calibre change for .303 with Bren Gun rewelds.
|
|
303Guy
Senior Member Joined: July 10 2012 Location: Auckland Status: Offline Points: 495 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
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.
|
|
303Guy
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |