303 British hunting rifle question

vagrantonwalkabout

vagrantonwalkabout

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I have a opportunity to buy a couple of rifles in 303 British. Should I get a p14 or a Lee Enfield no4 mk 1?
P14 has two sets of proof marks so I think it is from the end of WW1 and updated for WW2, in better over all condition to the Lee, comes with a 90s weaver scope mounted, sportized. Lee Enfield no4 mk1 not sure of exactly when it was made (somewhere around WW2), one serial number I can see is 10663, original iron sights, sportized.
Both are the same price. Which one would have a stronger action on average? I'm also considering taking up hand loading of 303, I'm assuming the caliber being over 100 years old off the self ammo to be wimpy. Have no interest in museum or collatability. Thinking of buying one of them for a inexpensive bush gun for black tail and black bear that comes with some interesting history.
 
You should check the condition of the bore(s), many Enfields have suffered from the effects of corrosive ammo. The P-14 has a stronger action, however, the No4 has a detachable magazine. A fella should have examples of both.
 
If you're looking for a hunting rifle, I agree with SuperCub, get something modern. If you're looking for cool rifles with history just because, get them both!
 
I am a .303 Brit fanboy and I love the #4mk1's and the P14's when in sporter configuration.
However, I buy the rifle not the brand .
To that end I woukd buy a really nice spotererized No4 before a new Axis - if it was in good shape .
Same thing for the Axis, if it was done up with some aftermarket upgrades I would look at it before a new M700 or M70.
There is absolutely nothing g wrong with the ballistics of the 303 Brit BTW, especially if it is hand loaded in a good action. The No.4 has successfully been chambered in 308 Winchester .
Cat
 
I would probably go with the P14 since it’s setup to accept a scope. The Lee Enfield would be good as well if it came with a 5rd mag but most don’t which means you would have to purchase one for hunting or pin the one you have.
 
nothing wrong with .303 brit for any game animal that walks in Canada.
I've been effectively fielding sporters and customized No1 MkIII rifles on and off over the years for deer and moose hunts.
Done quite well in fact and the animals generally all expired with one well placed shot.
 
303 is a good hunting cartridge and great in an accurate rifle. My hunting experience with one as nothing to brag about as anything was safe as long as I aimed at it. Patterned across the whole target I found out. Have two more again but never had time to shoot them yet. Time will tell.
 
SuperCub said:
A P14 or Lee Enfield has nothing to offer over a modern sporting rifle. They are heavy, awkward, hard to scope and harder to use.
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While I agree with this sentiment, I wouldn't recommend the Axis either. I'd recommend a used sporting rifle over the Axis, there are many options out there that can be had for the same sort of price as a Savage Axis - things like Husqvarnas and Parker Hales can be had for the same sort of price as an Axis.

That said, Reliable Gun has the Axis II on sale right now, and with the $75usd rebate it works out to being a very affordable rifle - under $400 taxes in after you get your rebate cheque. I really don't need another Axis but at that price its tempting to squirrel one away for my boys to shoot in a few years.
 
I would tend to go with the P14 because as indicated it is already set up to receive a scope.

The Enfield is not the most accurate setup in the world. The action is springy, the bedding is uncertain. The stock is a 2 piece - not exactly the best option for precision and barrel metalurgy is iffy and heats up rapidly. Chambers are generous, designed to feed anything that resembles a 303 cartridge. They were designed to be fighting rifles not target rifles.

My own nicely sporterized Enfield with a good Leupold 3X9 scope on it does about 3.5 to 4 MOA with either 150 gr or 180 gr factory. I have hunted with it and got game but really only keep it around because it was THE gun on the family farm. Every farmer owned a version as they were so cheap to acquire.

I would therefore take my chances on the P14 even though I have no experience owning one. It's probably better.
 
If you are set on one of those rifles I would get the P14 if the bore is alright.

I prefer the Enfield action for shooting but as a hunting rifle the P14 in my opinion is the way to go. I also think that for reloading you will get a little more life out of the brass.

If you arnt hung up on those I personally would go to Intersurplus website and grab a Husqvarna in 30-06 for like 400 bucks

Screw the axis
 
There is another thing to consider. In certain circles, the prevailing opinion is no one should be allowed to vote unless they own a Lee Enfield rifle.

To join the conversation, in 2024 starting off with a .303BR for hunting is an expensive path to dissatisfaction. Choose a modern commercial hunting rifle in a common cartridge. Maybe one of the budget package deals with a scope, rings, sling, bolt flag, and hard case. Almost any rifle will out perform a 80-yr old neglected and abused surplus rifle. An ethical hunter is not going to have many second chances. Remember, there was a time when the .43 Mauser was the go-to round for moose and bear.
 
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