303 SMLE to 7.62x54R conversion questions.

[atek3]

Anyone here done this conversion? Is it just a matter unscrewing the barrel, rechambering to 54R, cutting new threads, and reinstalling the bbl?

How does it affect reliability?

why doesn't er shaw or lothar walther sell a $100 enfield barrel chambered for 7.62x54R?

thanks,
atek3

 

[cmb3366]

first, I dont believe the 3/4" with surplus ammo enfield statement

second why convert a SMLE, supposodly $160, when an excelent condition moisen nagant is less than $100?

 

[atek3]

I've got a great finn M39, but the action sucks compared to an enfield. Plus the sights on the enfield are way better.
Oh and the enfield mag holds 10 rounds vs. 5 rounds

 

[R.W.Dale]

A $160 would buy a lot of S&B 303 british (356rds), And then after shooting it you could recoup some of your investment by selling the brass on E-bay.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

excelent condition moisen nagant is less than $100?

I agree with that 100%, but I also prefer an Enfield. I would do it simply to have it. Sounds interesting enough. Not that I'd hack up my #4, but one of those rough a$$ ones you see at gunshows might be a good candidate. They have a good point on ammo price and availability too, for now.

 

[atek3]

The other reason is because I don't like 303. There is no cheap 303 surplus.

 

[R.W.Dale]

but one of those rough a$$ ones you see at gunshows might be a good candidate.

I just don't get it. WHY?

Krusty old enfield. $75 minimum

Conversion to 7.62x54r $160

$30 shipping

and BAM! Just like that you have a $265 dollar old krusty enfield:banghead: With a resale value of $75

For $265 smackers I could buy a pretty snazzy used rifle in just about any caliber that milsurp ammo is avalible for.


I like spending money on guns as much as the next guy But I also like not completely flushing that money down the proverbial tiolet.

The trick is to buy milsurp rifles that sombody else has already "flushed" a lot of money into and to not be the person doing the flushing.

 

[Cosmoline]

.303 Chamber Pressures; 45,000-48,000 PSI "54R" Chamber Pressures; 45,000 PSI

Ah, not quite. The 54R frequently runs a good deal hotter than that. A Mosin's receiver is far stronger than an Enfield. It has a massive block of steel around the chamber, two locking lugs plus an enormous bolt handle base that serves as a safety lug that would block a cruise missile. They appear to be doing testing only with certain ball ammo. A proper rechambering should test and verify the FULL RANGE of loads from the manuals, right up to the hot hunting and target handloads.

On top of that, standard 54R ammo runs from .309" to .311", while standard .303 is more like .312". So you're not going to get great accuracy.

Leave the Enfields alone. If you want cheap ammo that much, get a short action .308.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

Krochus, it's not a waste. Figure you'll keep the rifle for 10 years.
A) How much do you think you'll save on ammo? A lot if you shoot like I do.
B) What if you PREFER the Enfy over a Mosin?
C) If it's what you want, who cares about resale value? It isn't a $50k SUV.
D) Cool factor. how many people at the range are gonna have one?
It may be interesting, to say the least, and I hardly would consider doing something that makes one happy a waste.

 

[Skofnung]

I toyed with the idea awhile back, as I had a spare No4 Enfield that had been bubba'd. I didn't go through with it after a cost/benefit analysis.

I ended up trading the No4 for a very nice M44 Mosin as I wanted something chambered in 54R.

If I had money to burn, I would give it a shot.
But I don't... So I won't.

 

[Cosmoline]

The SMLE action is built for speed, and is designed around the .303. It was never designed to handle cartridges in the .30'06 pressure range. It has no safety lug to speak of, and is of lighter construction than a '91 Mosin or '98 Mauser. This isn't a bad thing, it's just a fact of life. The 54R in a hot handload can exceed 56,000 psi or more.

 

[atek3]

If I had a machine shop I'd probably do the work myself, as the 160 is just for labor, not parts.

Seeing as how I don't have a machine shop i'm just going to get an ishy 308

 

[R.W.Dale]

i'm just going to get an ishy 308

Now that sounds like a plan!
m
Just remember to ONLY feed your Ishy NATO spec 7.62x51 as commercial
.308win is a tad too spicy for these old guns.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

If you really want to get more poop from a 303 British, rechamber to 303 Epps. That is the sharp shoulder straight cased "Improved Version".

http://www3.sympatico.ca/shooters/Improved_Cases.htm

ZM

 

[dm1333]

Why not send the rifle off and have it converted to 7.62x39? I agree with Cosmoline that 7.62x54R is too hot for the action so why risk it?

 

[69Chevy]

Why don't you just look for a .308 enfield?

 

[Hoppy590]

Chevy
hes gunna, its like 3 or 4 post above yours