What I've been thinking about is really nothing new, but it might pass as interesting. A #4 Lee Enfield parts gun, converted to a one piece fiberglass stock, retaining the 10 round magazine, and .303 chamber, but with a .308" bore rather than the traditional .311". All metal parts would be Cerakoted. Fitted with a 20" light contour barrel, and a barrel band front sight fitted with a rectangular post, the rifle would retain the ladder type rear sight with the folding battle ghost ring. There would be accommodation for mounting a scout scope ahead of the action. The rifle should prove to be quicker handling, and much more accurate, than your typical vandalized .303. As far as versatility goes, the .308" bore offers a much broader range of bullets than .311", from cast that can be loaded to 1600 fps for small game, 110-130 gr bullets with thin jackets suitable for coyotes and such, and both jacketed and mono-metal bullets suitably constructed for big game, ranging from 125 gr at 3000 fps to 220 gr at 2200. A good all around load might be a 150 gr TSX at 2700. Under hunting conditions I can't think of a North American hunting scenario this combination couldn't handle, with the possible exception of Yukon Bison. The ballistics are admittedly a little ho-hum, but they still fall within the useful range, providing a flat trajectory when loaded with a slippery bullet. The rifle should be a nice balance of accuracy, versatility, and power in a small package, that's surprisingly shooter friendly.
