.303 and reloads

fat tony

fat tony

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
111   0   0
Location
a forward observation post in the L-F-H horizon, o
'Symetry in fireforming.'

I got the idea to get a .303 with a more well supported case head. The SMLE #1MKIII* etc. have the double whammy of the radial chamber clearance and a unique bolt head that allows the unfired rounds to shake around in there like a maraca.

I've seen once fired brass from a P14 rifle, the firing pin strikes were more or less centrally located wheras once fired brass from the SMLE shows firing pin strikes which are ridiculously off centre.

A fireforming consideration.

I am guessing at this late date that surviving SMLE's and P14's have identical chambers, the difference is the P14 supports the case head more symetrically.
 
Last edited:
Put an elastic band such as those girls use for their hair, on the case just ahead of the head before firing and then segregate fired cases according to rifle. Neck size only when reloading.
 
As far as the chamber specs you mean? Where did I state the two obviously different rifles are identical? The point of my post was fireforming and getting better symetry out of it for use in the SMLE, through a two step process. Sometimes you can get away with stretching a 7/16" o ring ahead of the rim. NOT everytime although some SMLE's have a headspace tolerance that will allow it. The military chamber has what is essentially a RADIAL clearance. The headspace is something else altogether is my understanding.
 
Last edited:
Canuckguns said:
Has anyone used a 303 Lee Loader kit? and what's your experience with it.. is it worth buying.
Click to expand...
I have never had a problem with the Lee loaders, and have used them in numerous different cartridges , both rifle and shotgun.
As far as the .303 and Lee Enfields go, I have owned many and shot them for over 50 years, and still have three that have never seen case head separations or other loading issues with them.
One is a no.1, one is a long Branch made no4M1*, and the other is my custom job on a Ruger action.
Both the Lee Enfields have excellent chambers in them however.
Cat
 
I don't think it will make much difference in fireforming in the P14 first. It's a oversized chamber in the SMLE, will just form to it.

I have Ross, P14, a few SMLE of various ages, no4 mk1, no4 mk 2, no5 mk1. Ross is the best chamber of all of them, no5 mk1 worst.

The no5 mk1 or jungle carbine has a chamber similar to yours, not as sloppy but cases look strange when fired, enough that I'm not comfortable to reload them.

I keep all brass seperate for rifles that I shoot the most. When I get to a point where I think I'm on my last reload I pick a rifle that will chamber the brass and shoot it. My no4 mk 1 brass was getting hard to chamber, fired case dropped into my LSA SMLE. So I fired it for the first time. That brass will be reloaded again for the jungle carbine as a final use. I don't push my brass to the limit, rather not have an accident.
 
fat tony said:
Brass is expensive. I cannot do it your way.
Click to expand...
It is but you can't fix an oversized chamber. I'm still firing brass 7 or 8 times in good chambers before using in other rifles. I could probably get more life but I'm not wanting to have case head separation. Only so much that can be done for Lee Enfield and reloading.
 
I built a little hook tipped tool to check the case internally for head separation. If I feel the case has stretched I check it. Sounds to me like everyone is overthinking this. Guys have been reloading for 303 Brit for a long long time. Segregate your brass to the rifle you’ve shot it in. Just bump the shoulder back if it’s a bolt action, full length sizing is for semis and levers. Even my Rosses get segregated brass that is just slightly shoulder bumped. Then load away happily. Watch for red flags and maybe do an extra bit of inspection once in a while and be done with worrying.

I’ve even reloaded the cases from a Ross MkII*** with the dreaded LC chamber that turns 303 cases into a 378/303 case. Lol. Just anneal and bump them back. They neck size just fine. I’ve had five or six shots out of several of the cases fired in that rifle and no split necks or case head separation issues. Just be careful and do your due diligence and everything will be good.
 
Well, sorting brass - good good. I've reloaded for a while now. I might think about wrapping a ribbon of electrical or masking tape just ahead of the rim for support on the first firing.This area expands less compared to the sidewalls proper. I think this is a low risk thing to do, if care is exercised. Also saves a trip to the range.
 
iron cat said:
I have never had a problem with the Lee loaders, and have used them in numerous different cartridges , both rifle and shotgun.
As far as the .303 and Lee Enfields go, I have owned many and shot them for over 50 years, and still have three that have never seen case head separations or other loading issues with them.
One is a no.1, one is a long Branch made no4M1*, and the other is my custom job on a Ruger action.
Both the Lee Enfields have excellent chambers in them however.
Cat
Click to expand...
Hey thank you for that detailed reply! Appreciate it. I will def be getting one soon, let’s see how it goes. I got plenty of saved up brass.
 
grabbers said:
That's all I use. I use Lee Loaders in .303Br, .308, 30-30, and 45-70 Gov.

Not issues at all, and I rather enjoy the process. Its some what cathartic.
Click to expand...
Nice! yes it does seem like a good method of just getting into the world of reloading. If you already have a bunch of brass, then buying primers, gunpowder and lead what do the costs look like per round at the moment in Canada? is it alot cheaper than buying $45 PPU boxes?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom