Enfield .308 differences from .303 & how are Rimfire Cases made?

Lebel

Lebel

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Can changing a .303 Lee Enfield to .308 be accomplished simply by having proper mag. bolt head/extractor and barrel, or is it more involved, like feed ramp and rail modification. I’m not seriously considering but just wondering how interchangeable the components are. Also, I’ve been trying to find out how rimfire cases are formed and loaded. Drawing the brass I know but just how is the hollow rim done. I know the priming goes in wet and the case is spun so centrifugal force distributes priming but how is the bullet seated? I can’t imagine the bullet is pressed in? Wouldn’t that be dangerous?

................... to much time on my hands ;)

J.M.Bolt
 
as for the 303-308 conversion, yes is just as "simple" as a new boltface, magazine, and barrel. however all that can get complicated.

bullets are seated by pressing them into the case, and then crimping the brass neck to hold them inplace
 
Rimfire cases are drawn to slightly over length and then put in a die where a bit of the bottom sticks up. A punch comes down and forms the rim.

The bullet is likely done with a collet style die, so the force comes from around the crimp without putting pressure on the rim.

HTH
 
Lebel,

If you ever go that route, just make sure not to use a No. 1 receiver. Maybe you already know, you don't stipulate wich action you want to use.

Cocked&Locked,

Yes, India used alloyed steel for their receivers. But the rest of the manufacturers used regular no. 4 receivers. The No. 1 was also tried, but wore way too fast and created a lot of issues, such as over-headspace.
 
"...thought the Indian 308 Enfields had..." Yep. Made from new materials in the mid 60's.
"...is it more involved..." Just fitting the bolt to the barrel with headspace guages. Does require the correct tools.
 
I've bought a box of bulk.22 (loose, not boxed) and, found 2 (out of 1000's) ball separated from case in the bottom. I'm also imagining that the base/rim of a .22 would be supported/surrounded during the process to eliminate any compression.

Good info on the conversion...wonder how much longer a No.1 might survive in 7.62x39?

Cool sig. Lebel
 
Just out of curiosity, is the rifling the same or should it be different for a 303 vs 308 caliber. Why would one want to change a 303 Enfield to 308. Are the required components readily available or would you require the use of a gunsmith for manufacturing.

Interesting thought though. I have a No 4 MK1/2 (F) FTR, would this be a contender for this conversion?
 
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