What could I rebarrel an Enfield No1 Mk3 to?

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Northman999

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Hey gunsmiths, I was wondering how adaptable the Enfield No1 Mk3 was in terms of either rebarreling it to a new caliber or re-chambering it or whatever you fellows do. I'm a hunter. I like the rifle, but I find the 303 British to be only "acceptable" on large North American game; and I've got a No4 Mk1 I plan on leaving alone. I'm not sure if it's possible, but I'd sure like to be able to rechamber the rifle to handle a more powerful cartridge; frankly the more powerful the better. If I could go to a 308 win that would be okay, but for the cost, if I could go to a 300 WSM or a 338 win mag or or something like that, well then that would be ideal.

Anyone know if this is doable and have an educated guess on cost? Thanks in advance.
 
A No. 1 Mk. 3 in .308, .300WSM, 338WM? Absolutely not. All of these are beyond the design limits of a SMLE. British and Australian testing with 7.62mm conversions resulted in bent receivers. The other rounds would be worse.
 
you can rebarrel to 45-70 or 45-90 just be aware of its limitations if you reload. The no.4 mk1 is a stronger platform to work from, Im getting one of the these done as we speak.
 
A SMLE rebarrelled to .45-70, .444, etc. should be able to handle "Marlin" level loads. Keep in mind that back thrust is determined by the internal area of the base of the casehead. A hot .45-70 - Ruger level - could result in more back thrust than a .303.
 
tiriaq said:
A SMLE rebarrelled to .45-70, .444, etc. should be able to handle "Marlin" level loads. Keep in mind that back thrust is determined by the internal area of the base of the casehead. A hot .45-70 - Ruger level - could result in more back thrust than a .303.
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.444 Marlin is the easiest, little to no work other than rebarreling should be needed.

.45-70 requires action work to allow for the larger case diameter.
 
its a fairly limited reciever, and really you would be better off to buy a cheap stevens.

but common sense never stoped me form doing silly stuff with enfields :)

your better off to rebarrel and rechamber the No1 enfield in smaller calibers, it just can't handle bigger more powerfull rounds.

the P14 and M17 enfields were a lot stronger and could be chambered for the large magnums with little problems, well the squared barrel threading is a little different to work with.

But there are lower preasure rounds that work just fine, 42-45000CUP if I recall.
 
You can rebarrel to any smaller Ellwood EPPs wildcats which span from 22cal and up. Wouldn't do the improved versions though.

You can also make a single shot from a variety of smaller case head rds like the 223, 7.62X39, 6 PPC, 7-Waters, etc.

Keep pressures and back bolt pressure moderate or you will get lots of problems. Unless you really really want to do this, money better spent on a Stevens.

Jerry
 
Thanks guys. I jsut checked out surplusrifle.com and they have a bit of a review on a 45-70 enfield. If anyone is interested, it's in their Enfield Mk1 No3 section. I'd paste the link here, but I don't think it's from a sponsor...I don't have extra cash for a conversion now, but it's nice to know that there are some converted Enfields floating around. I got a PM from a gunsmith as well, who stated he had converted some P14's and Enfields to .35 cal and .375 and apparently done up some .35-303 and .375-303 rounds. I might look into that. Not sure of ballistics etc, originally I was looking for something more powerful than 303, not necessarily just larger bore.
 
tiriaq said:
A SMLE rebarrelled to .45-70, .444, etc. should be able to handle "Marlin" level loads. Keep in mind that back thrust is determined by the internal area of the base of the casehead. A hot .45-70 - Ruger level - could result in more back thrust than a .303.
Click to expand...

look at chuck hawks 45/90 conversion. there's an extra .300 in the mag not being used http://www.chuckhawks.com/gibbs_summit.htm
 
Please note that the conversion Chuck mentions is with No4mk1 actions, NOT No1mk3. Huge difference in strength. Not something I would consider either but a far bit better from the No1's.

Be very careful on stressing these old actions. Case bulging may be the least of your worries.

There are so many other stronger choices. The costs are already incurred no matter the action. Why play with something that might just nip you in the head just to save $50?

Jerry
 
.303 head diameter is .540 and pressures about 45,000 psi
.270*.270*3.1415926=.229sq inches*45k=10300# bolt thrust roughly

.45/90 is .608 pressures around 21k for old black powder equivalent loads 29k for marlin's, and 39k for ruger#1 or p14 enfields
.304*.304*3.1415926=.290sq inch*29k=8417# bolt thrust roughly at 39k would be 11310 # bolt thrust roughly

if you used the 10000# thrust as a guideline pressures of roughly 35k psi well within the pressure limits, and giving you near 458 performance
 
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