An unusual Ishapore Enfield

While a new member, I have been studying the comments of some of the
membership. Believe I am at the right place with knowledgeable folks.

My Lee Enfield is chambered in 7.62, and appears to be an Ishapore 2A1,
but I could be in error. The reason is the lack of some markings and yet
the serial numbers are matching excepting the magazine. Magazine S.No. is different.

The SN is 56198, with an A above the -1-stamped. Stratton was not helpful in this case. Serial number is the same -stamped at bolt,action, and forend cap. These numbers are the ONLY apparent numbers excepting the cross banner staffs just forward of the action serial number, and placed about 1.24 inches out on the barrel.
Bore is in excellent condition.Wood is serviceable and appears original.
I have shot this rifle with moderate handloaded cartridges, using jacketed and lead bullets. Reviewing comments from senior members here, I think I will refrain from using bullets heavier than 150 grains.

I am reluctant to mention the price paid for this rifle about 20 years ago.
However, I think WMD Bell mentions in his African book "Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter" how he or a fellow hunter ended up in the outback without ammunition for his rifle. He bought an Enfield rifle that had a headspace issue, and escaping cartridge gas singed the shooter every time the rifle was fired at large animals including elephants. Solid metal-cased military bullets were cheap and available-so he continued to use it for awhile.
He had paid one (1) British pound for the rifle. My purchase experience was similar but without the headspace problem. Many thanks-in advance.
(pictures not available due to a digital camera issue.)

Lt Col HRM

Thanks, Shamu.

This Lee Enfield has no noticeable headspace or blowback issues as yet.
It also has one of the best two stage triggers I have encountered. I still may
get the headspace checked as a safety margin measure. It is at least a 50-60
yr old rifle with an unknown history.

It is reasonably accurate, and has the earlier MK III sight, not an aperture type.

That and the lack of marking as typical 2A1 Ishapore have me wondering as to the
model and if it possibly is a conversion variant. At approximately $40 US-it is almost like Bell's 1 pound rifle- used 303 African Enfield.

Good advice on reloading for the 7.62 mm. Military Machine gun ball ammunition, as used in the M-60 sees a hard life, as well as in semi-auto sturm gewehr battle rifles. Military primer crimping and thick cases
hold up better over time, though cases require preparation. So far, I have been successful with brass neck sizing only for this rifle- as it is the only 7.62/308 cal weapon that I own.
This allows the case to partially fire-form to the rifle's chamber and could extend brass life through minimum work hardening.

Correct in that the British did find that the No. 1 action was questionable.
The Ishapore arsenal apparently re-hardened and re-proof tested the 2A rifles, but they are still none too strong, again pointing to judicious handloading.
An oiled cartridge might not be the best test.

More rifles that I have are stronger in 30-06 including a Garand and other early Model 70s
up to the 375 H&H.

The Garand, 03-A3 Springfields, Pattern 17, and Mausers were a bit stronger actions, IMHO.

“Correct in that the British did find that the No. 1 action was questionable. 
The Ishapore arsenal apparently re-hardened and re-proof tested the 2A rifles …”