30-303 Epps improved? Looking for info on chambering, fire forming and reloading (Help me make a damn cool Ross build)

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KobP

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So I managed to snag a complete Ross 1910 action for $60. Now I'm deep down the rabbit hole of deciding what I want to do with it. In the interest of preserving this complete action I don't want to modify the bolt in any way, which limits the number of cartridges I could use for this build (The Ross bolt has a lip around 2/3s of the bolt face that perfectly fits a 303 rim, unlike the Lee Enfields flat bolt face). I had considered 45-70 or 300 Win Mag as they are both close in rim diameter, but after reading about the 303 Epps improved, that sounds like the path id like to take. I've heard of all the wild cats people have made based around the 303 Epps, but I haven't really been able to find any examples of someone making a 303 Epps that's necked down to take a .30 Cal bullet. This sounds perfect for what I want, extended brass life, more powder, all the varieties of .30 Cal bullets a man could ever want and it would fit the Ross bolt!

Now comes the questions!

- Does anyone here have any experience making a 30-303 Epps Rifle?
- Can I just get a 303 Epps ream from pacific tool and gauge and then fit it with the appropriate bushings for a 308 barrel? Looking at the SAAMI spec sheets for 303 and 308 makes me think it would work but I'd be lying if I said I have any idea what I'm doing. This will be my first time machining a barrel.
- Where can I get the reloading dies I'd need? I would assume they'd be custom?
- what kind of barrel length and twist rate should I go for if I want to shoot 180 grain and up bullets?

Any and all feed back is welcome and I apologize in advance for my ignorance, but we all start somewhere eh.

And before anyone says anything, I am very aware of the Ross bolt assembly problems. I will make sure it's assembled correctly, dental work ain't cheap lol
 
No experience at doing what you propose! However, I think .30-303 was a thing - fairly commonly done. Not sure about .30-303 Epps, though - that might be a bit more "off the beaten path". If such was done, ever, might want to see if the source - Epps - might still have a reamer - or you will have to spec one and get it ground. I do not think that you can just take a 303 Epps reamer and re-chamber a .30 cal barrel - I would suspect the chamber throat would be all wrong for .30 Cal bullets, but I might be in error about that - won't be the first time!!! I am working away with a Manson brand .416 Rem reamer - it has a "nose" that goes up the barrel - rides on top surface of the rifling - not sure a .303 reamer would even fit into a .30 barrel. Regarding reloading dies - chances are good that you will have to cut a sizing die - perhaps with the chambering reamer that you acquire - not sure that an "off the shelf" maker is going to have a set that precisely matches to your "wildcat". If you are looking to throw 180 grain bullets and heavier - look to the 30-06 - I think 1-10" twist is pretty common there. I do not think the Ross was a particularly small or compact action - so likely "spinning wheels" to make that into a lightweight, compact rifle - but barrel length 18.5" to 26" is probably reasonable - shorter barrel will give some less velocity - longer barrel might give more - nothing inherent about "accuracy" regarding barrel length - but that will go to how the finish product "feels" and "shoulders" - where is the "balance point" on that rifle? Chances are good that a shorter barrel will be "stiffer" for same diameter - it might therefore be "more accurate" than a longer, limber barrel - but a lot to do with the quality of the barrel and the action/bedding, in the first place. Working up a loading with an eye to accuracy, over velocity, probably negates most differences in "accuracy potential" of barrel length.
 
Ganderite here has experience with the .30/.303.
If the reamer uses detachable pilots, then chambering a .30 barrel would not be an issue. The neck and throat would be for .303 bullets; don't know if that would be a problem with .30 bullets.
1:10 would be fine.
A Ross uses a larger diameter barrel shank (as does a P'14); keep that in mind when ordering a barrel.
 
m1008 said:
Why not go the Russian route 7.62x53r or 6.5 just for better brass, cheaper ammo
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for the same reason I dont want to use standard 303 ammo. 7.62x54r uses .311 bullets and there isn't as much variety for reloading. I could make 6.5-303, but I want .30 cal. I'll probably end up using this as a black bear gun
 
tiriaq said:
Ganderite here has experience with the .30/.303.
If the reamer uses detachable pilots, then chambering a .30 barrel would not be an issue. The neck and throat would be for .303 bullets; don't know if that would be a problem with .30 bullets.
1:10 would be fine.
A Ross uses a larger diameter barrel shank (as does a P'14); keep that in mind when ordering a barrel.
Click to expand...
yeah that's exactly what I'm wondering about. The reamers I'm looking at use replaceable pilot bushings, so I know I could cut the chamber and I know the .30 cal bullets would fit since the 303 reamer would be sized for .311 bullets. I just wonder if that transition geometry would be all wonky.

thanks for the note about barrel thickness. I hadn't thought to measure it yet. hope that doesn't add too much cost to the blank lol

Is there a way to tag the fella you're talking about in this thread or should I just DM him?
 
I have a Ross that was done by Epp's in 1957 I beleive when they were in Clinton Ont. It is in 6.5/303 imp and came with dies
I use loads for a 256 Newton and this seems to work out okay, also have a Hi Wall in 22/303, and a Martini in 6/303 imp which was also supposed to be have been made by Epps years ago but isnt named. The 303 and 6.5303 imp side by side for comparsion
 

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Mike Webb said:
Shouldn't be that difficult. Cutting that odd coarse thread on the barrel shank is probably worst part. Like 3 tpi, left hand if I remember right.
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That is the Mk. II - 1905 action. The Mk. III - 1910 action has right hand square threads. About the same level of difficulty as rebarreling a P'14.
 
WR1894 said:
I have a Ross that was done by Epp's in 1957 I beleive when they were in Clinton Ont. It is in 6.5/303 imp and came with dies
I use loads for a 256 Newton and this seems to work out okay, also have a Hi Wall in 22/303, and a Martini in 6/303 imp which was also supposed to be have been made by Epps years ago but isnt named. The 303 and 6.5303 imp side by side for comparsion
Click to expand...
Oh man that is super cool. Appreciate you sharing the pics. I'll definitely do a photo dump in this thread when I get the project going if anyone is interested.

I had never heard of the high wall but after googling I think I want one. That 22-303 must have a crazy muzzle velocity
 
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