Enfield extraction problems

mcpiper

mcpiper

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I have a 1943 Lithgow Lee Enfield Mk III that I was thinking of using as a back up rifle for hunting. I haven't fired it more than 5 times in the past 25 yrs. On extraction I find the rim of the case binds against the receiver oposite the extractor making extraction difficult with unfired catridges and almost impossible when fired. The bolt moves freely when unloaded and the cartridges do not bind in the chamber if not seated with the bolt. They both move freely with gravity when the rifle is butt down. Before I went into polishing and other trouble shooting adventures I thought I'd throw this out to the many Enfield experts out there.
303jam002.jpg
 
Indeed, I'd check headspace first. Second, I'd look at a fired brass to see if there's any sign of pitted chamber, even the slightest.

Lou
 
Well - Could be a number of things. If its a pitted chamber, the resistance would only happen upon initial extraction - your post doesnt mention...
Alternatively - in LE's the extractor is spring loaded. With the case under the extractor, the rim is pushed against the receiver, and the bolthead against the guide rail. Binding can occur if:

- extractor is fouled, causing excessive force.
- cartridges dont have a sufficient undercut above the rim, causing excessive force(happened to me)
- guide rail or bolt head is binding due to roughness or damage.(happened to me)

Have you tried another brand of cartridge, bolt, or bolt head?
 
The binding occurs when the bolt has been unlocked, and has started back, and the case has already coming out of the chamber? Its binding when the bolt is opening as shown in your photo? The case is not sticking in the chamber at all? Hard primary extraction, when the case is stuck in the chamber, and doesn't want to come out, is different than what you are describing.
If the case is coming out of the chamber freely, the chamber is OK, and there is no headspace issue.
Lee Enfields eject by the extractor forcing the case against the left sidewall of the receiver. The drag of the rim against the receiver or the impact of the rim against the head of the ejector screw causes the case to pivot around the extractor and be ejected.
Investigate the options Cosmic has suggested.
 
Rephrased - Is the binding occurring while the case is still seated in the chamber, or while the bolt is being drawn to the rear - as shown in the photo?
 
Cycling the action gets tough when it's not oiled. Try cleaning the bolt and reciever, then oil the bolt and the left side of the inside of the action. You rifle looks like it has suncorte or paint on it, could be binding a bit??

Pete
 
Lots of great suggestions guys. It's not a premary extraction problem as the chamber is smooth with no binding at all. My initial feeling was that the extractor was exerting too much force against the rim. I'll explore these suggestions. Thanks
 
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