.375 NE vs .405 Winchester

[longshooter99]

Since I've been snowed in the past few days I decided to revisit an old idea I had concerning rechambering an old Lee Enfield that I have (No 4 mk1). It's an old sporter I acquired a few years back cleaning out my grandparents house and I feel like doing something unique to it. Having done some research already I've been lead to believe that the Enfield action isn't overly strong like the mausers, which is why I originally dropped the idea a few years ago. However, after even more research, I've learned that these old warhorses can be chambered in a number of interesting cartridges, including the .375 Nitro, .405 Winchester, and to my surprise, 45-70. Now, the 45-70 will be easier to find ammo for, I'm more interested in the 375 and 405, partially because they share the same rim size, and because of the unique factor. So, anyone have aNY experience with a build like this and/or cartridges?

Thanks

 

[Sunray]

Trick will be finding a barrel.
Except for the length the .405 might fit with less machining. Case is too long by 358 thou for magazine use. Rim is only 3 thou larger than a .303's though.
Ammo-one wants $20 each for a Kynoch .375 2.5". $51.99 per 5 for Woodleigh from Midway.
Bit of bolt head work for the smaller rim diameter. Likely about the same needed to make a No. 4 extract .308's.

 

[Don McDowell]

I've been shooting the 405 for a number of years, it's a good cartridge and easy to get along with. Factory ammo and brass come from Hornady, and Captec International offers 405 brass.
Barrels with the proper bore and groove can be had from Douglas.
Cast bullets are the least expensive way to shoot the cartridge.
The biggest problem is going to be whether or not the magazine on that rifle will handle the length of the loaded cartridge.

 

[Crashbox]

I have a Ruger No. 1-H in .405 and it is a real hoot to shoot. Also have an original '95 in .405 but never shot it (yet).

As Don McDowell said, Hornady makes factory ammo and brass (also FP and SP bullets) for the .405 Winchester. Woodleigh also used to make some fine hunting bullets for the .405 but I'm not sure if they still do.

If you choose to reload for this shoulder-tester, please be advised that there is an ancient .405 load out there using 62.0 grains of IMR 4320 which has been found to run pressures notably above recommended maximum- DO NOT USE THIS LOAD. I've found using 57.0-58.0 grains of '4320 behind the Hornady 300-grain bullets to be amazingly consistent, YMMV.

Have fun and be safe.

 

[Don McDowell]

My favored powder for full house loads in the 405 is RL12, unfortunately they quit making that along time ago, but I have enough on hand to take care of all I need with that. RL15 is a close second, and 5744 for the cast bullets.
The 60% rule with 4895 turns in some really good accuracy with the Hornady 300 gr bullets.

 

[longshooter99]

When I get home I'll have to check my manuals for sure, but according to Wikipedia the COAL for the .375 is only 1mm longer (79mm) than the .303 (78mm) while the .405 is 2 mm longer( 80). Magazine issues were my first thought as the .303 is double stacked though with the bigger cartridges it will likely have to be single stack.

Also, what kind of powders do you guys use in these old rounds? So far I've only loaded .270 winchester and .45 long colt. For the 45 I've been using unique though that's a fast powder for pistols.

Edit: Ah I should have refreshed my page. I'll have to look into those powders.

 

[Crashbox]

I have yet to try it even though I have two pounds of the stuff, but apparently Hodgdon's Benchmark powder will push the .405 Hornady 300-grainers up to 2404 FPS maximum, roughly 10% faster than any other published load I'm aware of. Of course, who knows what the accuracy would be in any rifle (just like any other combo)...

Sorry I can't speak for any .375 since I'm primarily a .405-er.