Enfield Target.

I agree with mikWS. Enfield actions are not as stiff as new front locking actions. Start off with 43-44 gr of Varget with 155 SMK's and jump them .020" to start.
 
46.5 seems a bit stiff for a starting point even without jamming.

X2

Go 44.5 grains and shoot. Get to spend more time reading wind than squeezing an extra quarter" off.
Anyway TR bull is large enough to accomodate a bit of a larger grouping compared to F Class.

BB
 
As advised, we also ask that you do not start or consider a max load with a a no. 4 action. They simply cannot withstand the same pressure as modern actions.

Additionaly, higher pressure will show in more case stretch in a rear-locker.

As wih all rifles, start low, but also limit load with these actions.

Regards,

Peter
 
It's a #4 Longbranch, barrel is unknown, chambered in .308 win per Palma regs shooting 155's. Need to order some Wilson dies and try to extract maximun accuracy. I'm told 46.5 grns of Varget with a slight jam is the place to start.

What's 'a slight jam'? Do you mean a pre-engagement of the rifling by the bullet?

If so, that does not seem a good idea to me. Over here in UK where there are lot of the simpler TR shooters, like me, shooting older guns like this, the general consensus to try the load at 5,10,15 and 20 thou OFF the lands to find the sweet spot.

Many of these older guns were barrelled, like mine, by Schultz & Larsen of Denmark, and like to shoot the original 147gr stuff as well.

Mine differs from yours in having a Swiss K31 custom action, BTW.

I'd also agree that your initial load is a trifle on the high side - mine shoots well with 44gr of IMR4044 or the same load of Varget.

As ever, you start off low and work up, and not base yourself on figures derived from heresay.

Happy shooting!

tac
 
46.5 will be instant case head separation if there's any headspace issues with that thing. My number 1 action can only be reloaded for once unless I'm shooting 10g Unique or 16.5 2400 with cast bullets.
 
I shoot 43 grains of Varget in my 1967 Winchester model 70 Palma winchester customshop built rifle, and would not push it more than a grain or 2 in this strong action, would not advise the 46 grain load in the Enfield #4 at all. You have a fine rifle that does not need max loads to acheive good results, cheers Dale Z!
 
Most No. 4 based target rifles like this were set up and intended to be used with 7.62 ball ammunition.
If this one has the Palma chamber, then I assume that it has had a barrel recently fitted for .308.
Or, could it possibly have had its 7.62 chamber recut with the Palma reamer?
If it was a 7.62 shooter, there is a pretty good chance that it is tight bored, another possible complication.
I agree that 46.5 of Varget with a jammed bullet would not be a good idea.
Start lower, work up.
Something else - if you are on the range and it rains, keep the action and your ammunition dry.
 
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