SMLE # 5 Lands & Grooves ?

[Puma]

I just picked up a #5 JC and was wondering if someone could explain the differant rifleing? Looks like 5 lands in mine?
I picked up a couple boxes of 215 gr CIL bullets, and yes, I know they were never an original load for this JC.
I want to make up some loads and wonder how they will do?
Puma

 

[tiriaq]

5 groove barrels were standard.
The rifle will certainly handle the 215gr bullets. These were the sporting equivalent of the old Mk. VI load. Been discontinued for years, but still desirable. Don't just plink them off - they are considered to be excellent hunting bullets. Lost popularity to the higher velocities of lighter bullets.

 

[TheTooner]

Were there also four groove and six groove? I know there were two groove, and the five groove was the standard, as you said.

I also have some CIL 215gr bullets ("KKSP" - King Kore Soft Point?) but haven't made ammo of them yet. I sort of feel they ought to be saved for a special occasion.

 

[tiriaq]

No. 5 rifles were 5 groove. Early Savage and late LB No. 4 rifles could be 6 groove. 4 groove barrels were approved, but not put into mass production.

 

[Pblatzz]

No. 5 rifles were 5 groove. Early Savage and late LB No. 4 rifles could be 6 groove. 4 groove barrels were approved, but not put into mass production.

I have only seen late LB (FTR?)rifles with 6 groove rifling.