Enfield rechambering.

CJacob

CJacob

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Hi all,

Question about rechambering an Enfield.

I have a N04 Mk1/2 that has a shot out barrel and I was thinking of making some changes.

I would love to do it up in .243 Winchester. Second choice would be a 6.5 Grendel.

I'm planning on using an extractor and magazine from an Ish 2A.

Do you think the Enfield will be able to handle the .243 Winchester?


Thanks
 
.243 WINCHESTER
Introduced by Winchester
in 1955 for the
Model 70 bolt action and
Model 88 lever action
rifles, the .243 Winchester
is simply a necked-down
.308 Winchester and is the
result of a successful effort
to develop a dual purpose
cartridge for both varmint and deer-sized game.
Unlike the .308, the .243 can be a difficult cartridge to load with “faster” propellants. The
best choice for all-around use in the .243 is either Accurate 4350 or 3100.
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure for the .243 Winchester is 52,000 C.U.P.
Click to expand...

Here are some .303 British specifications of interest to reloaders: bullet diameter .311-.312", maximum COL 3.075", maximum case length 2.222", SAAMI MAP 45,000 cup.
Click to expand...

Since the .243 is a necked down .308, and No 4's were converted to .308...you'd think it'd be safe, but refer to the max CUP ratings for the two calibres...

There are stronger actions out there.
 
Don't do it, the actions are old, and were never meant for that pressure range when they were new, for that type of cartridge there are many actions that are much stronger and suitable.
 
"...would love to do it up in .243 Winchester...Second choice...6.5 grendel..." Either would require a custom made barrel. Think in terms of very long dollars.
"...an extractor and magazine..." And the bolt head. The extractor by itself won't matter.
 
sunray said:
"...would love to do it up in .243 Winchester...Second choice...6.5 grendel..." Either would require a custom made barrel. Think in terms of very long dollars.
"...an extractor and magazine..." And the bolt head. The extractor by itself won't matter.
Click to expand...

Extractor and magazine, should be easy...just use 7.62 parts, same case no? Bolt head is the same as well, they didn't change them for the 7.62 conversions.
 
K.

Some of the numbers I found from a few reloading sites.

.303 Britt - 45000 CUP
7.62x51 NATO - 50000 CUP
.308 WIN - 52000-60000
7.62x39 - 50000 CUP
.243 WIN - 47000-51000 CUP

Now all L42A1 and Enforcer sniper rifles were built from No4's and they all shot the 7.62 NATA and people are still shooting .308 through them.

A company down in the US does a conversion to the 7.62x39 (kinda where I caught the bug).

As for a custom barrel... well ya. :) And besides, it's only money. If I don't spend it on gun pats my wife will just buy more shoes.

I read that the bolt heads were changed for a stronger one proofed to 19T so that will need to be swapped as well.

So according the the numbers it should be doable.
 
CJacob said:
K.

Some of the numbers I found from a few reloading sites.

.303 Britt - 45000 CUP
7.62x51 NATO - 50000 CUP
.308 WIN - 52000-60000
7.62x39 - 50000 CUP
.243 WIN - 47000-51000 CUP

Now all L42A1 and Enforcer sniper rifles were built from No4's and they all shot the 7.62 NATA and people are still shooting .308 through them.

A company down in the US does a conversion to the 7.62x39 (kinda where I caught the bug).

As for a custom barrel... well ya. :) And besides, it's only money. If I don't spend it on gun pats my wife will just buy more shoes.

I read that the bolt heads were changed for a stronger one proofed to 19T so that will need to be swapped as well.

So according the the numbers it should be doable.
Click to expand...

Doable yes but as for is it a good idea...
 
Outlay is very little actually.
I have the gun. The smaller parts cost almost nothing. I need a barrel. I already have some one offering me a 98 Mauser barrel in .243 that just needs to be rethreaded and cut for the extractor.
 
CJacob said:
Outlay is very little actually.
I have the gun. The smaller parts cost almost nothing. I need a barrel. I already have some one offering me a 98 Mauser barrel in .243 that just needs to be rethreaded and cut for the extractor.
Click to expand...

See if you can swing a Savage style locking collar for adjustable headspace if you go that route, like they did on the AIA rifles and on Savages...
 
cantom said:
See if you can swing a Savage style locking collar for adjustable headspace if you go that route, like they did on the AIA rifles and on Savages...
Click to expand...

That's something I hadn't thought about. Great idea.

I was thinking of emailing the guys down in the states and seeing if they'd be willing to sell me just the bolt head.... I'll ask them about the locking collar as well.


I like the Enfields, they have lots of character. But I already own three Enfields in .303 and I already have three other non-Enfield rifles in .308, a couple in 7.62x39. I wanted something al little different.
I've read that the .243 is a nice flat shooter with little recoil.
 
Your right about the .243/.303. It has been done apparently. I just couldn't find all that much data on it... meaning none other than some references to it.
 
I have a 6mm-303 improved.It performs as well or better than a 243 at lower pressures.
88276-303.jpg


Rich
 
CJacob said:
That's something I hadn't thought about. Great idea.

I was thinking of emailing the guys down in the states and seeing if they'd be willing to sell me just the bolt head.... I'll ask them about the locking collar as well.


I like the Enfields, they have lots of character. But I already own three Enfields in .303 and I already have three other non-Enfield rifles in .308, a couple in 7.62x39. I wanted something al little different.
I've read that the .243 is a nice flat shooter with little recoil.
Click to expand...

Marstar can sell you the bolt head...they thread right into the No 4 bolt body...and if you use the Savage style collar, you can adjust the headspace nice and precisely and the bolt head might clear...and it will extract and eject very well and is made to fit the 7.62 Nato/.308 brass.

I suggest trying one in first if you can...

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-AIA/images/AIA-M1B001-L.jpg

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-AIA/M10-B-parts.shtm
 
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