Capel Glyn
Member
I would like to ask if anyone shoots a Parker Hale T4, or one of the sporterised Enfield No4 7.62 conversions?
I myself shoot a T4, which is an Enfield No4 service rifle, originally built in Fazakerly as a .303B, converted in the 1970's to NATO 7.62x51 and fitted with a heavy target barrel, new double stack 10 round mag and bolt. The stock is similar to the Enforcer, but without the cheek rest.
I use the rifle for target shooting, though the previous owner also used it for stalking and I feel he was probably more fit than I am as it is quite a heavy rifle to carry around the moors all day.
The scope is an Austrian Khales 10x42 ZF95 tactical scope with a Mil Dot Reticule and Milradian subtensions.
The barrel and receiver carry the proof marks of the Birmingham Proof House at 19 tons. I currently shoot PPU FMJ 145grain .308 ammo which works well with no issues and 147grain GGG FMJ 7.62x51 ammo, when I can get it.
I have been considering sending the barrel and action down to Birmingham for a reproof at the new 20 tons standard, which would allow me to use up to a 155grain round for long range targets.
I am also considering having the barrel screw cut to the Sako thread for a muzzle brake and moderator, both on my ticket, from either ASE or Third Eye Tactical.
Although the Enfield in its original .303 calibre was loaded using stripper clips from the top with the magazine only removed for cleaning, I prefer to drop out the mag, load it with 10 rounds and then snap it back into place. When I first had the rifle I looked for a spare mag, but compared to .303 mags, these are as rare as hens teeth and cost an arm and a leg, so I will have to stick with the one mag for now. I can easily load single rounds with the mag in place. The rifle feeds without issue and the bolt is smooth and ejects every time without problem. I have had no issues shooting the rifle in heavy rain, something we encounter quite a lot of here in the Welsh Mountains.
This winter I am going to start reloading which sounds a lot of fun and I look forward getting to grips with the technicalities of this discipline. I have bought Richard Lee's excellent book on the subject which I am now on my second read through. Some of the videos on YouTube are also very helpful. I visited the Bala Game Fair in the summer and the chap who was running the Deer Society stand gave a demonstration on reloading a 45-70 round using a hand press and I came away full of enthusiasm to give reloading a try. My motivation for reloading my brass is not so much to save money, though of course that would be nice, but mainly availability, as often I find the 7.62FMJ rounds hard to get. The cost of having ammo posted to a Registered Fire Arms Dealer, paying their hefty admin fees and the supplier's carriage costs, makes the whole thing very expensive. My being able to load my own ammo with new brass and hopefully use my once fired brass will mean that I can always rely on a regular supply of ammo.
I understand from long range target shooters, that reloading also gives one a way to fine tune the round and obtain better ballistics beyond 400 yards and out to 800 yards after which the 7.62 round drops like the proverbial stone. Obviously there is a lot to learn on the subject. Next year I hope to be shooting on the Mil Long Ranges at Diggle and Senny Bridge, so am currently swotting up on my dope and trying to get my brain to work the maths for holdover.
If any one on the forum shoots a Parker Hale T4 or any other Enfield 7.62 rifle, I would love to hear from you.
I myself shoot a T4, which is an Enfield No4 service rifle, originally built in Fazakerly as a .303B, converted in the 1970's to NATO 7.62x51 and fitted with a heavy target barrel, new double stack 10 round mag and bolt. The stock is similar to the Enforcer, but without the cheek rest.
I use the rifle for target shooting, though the previous owner also used it for stalking and I feel he was probably more fit than I am as it is quite a heavy rifle to carry around the moors all day.
The scope is an Austrian Khales 10x42 ZF95 tactical scope with a Mil Dot Reticule and Milradian subtensions.
The barrel and receiver carry the proof marks of the Birmingham Proof House at 19 tons. I currently shoot PPU FMJ 145grain .308 ammo which works well with no issues and 147grain GGG FMJ 7.62x51 ammo, when I can get it.
I have been considering sending the barrel and action down to Birmingham for a reproof at the new 20 tons standard, which would allow me to use up to a 155grain round for long range targets.
I am also considering having the barrel screw cut to the Sako thread for a muzzle brake and moderator, both on my ticket, from either ASE or Third Eye Tactical.
Although the Enfield in its original .303 calibre was loaded using stripper clips from the top with the magazine only removed for cleaning, I prefer to drop out the mag, load it with 10 rounds and then snap it back into place. When I first had the rifle I looked for a spare mag, but compared to .303 mags, these are as rare as hens teeth and cost an arm and a leg, so I will have to stick with the one mag for now. I can easily load single rounds with the mag in place. The rifle feeds without issue and the bolt is smooth and ejects every time without problem. I have had no issues shooting the rifle in heavy rain, something we encounter quite a lot of here in the Welsh Mountains.
This winter I am going to start reloading which sounds a lot of fun and I look forward getting to grips with the technicalities of this discipline. I have bought Richard Lee's excellent book on the subject which I am now on my second read through. Some of the videos on YouTube are also very helpful. I visited the Bala Game Fair in the summer and the chap who was running the Deer Society stand gave a demonstration on reloading a 45-70 round using a hand press and I came away full of enthusiasm to give reloading a try. My motivation for reloading my brass is not so much to save money, though of course that would be nice, but mainly availability, as often I find the 7.62FMJ rounds hard to get. The cost of having ammo posted to a Registered Fire Arms Dealer, paying their hefty admin fees and the supplier's carriage costs, makes the whole thing very expensive. My being able to load my own ammo with new brass and hopefully use my once fired brass will mean that I can always rely on a regular supply of ammo.
I understand from long range target shooters, that reloading also gives one a way to fine tune the round and obtain better ballistics beyond 400 yards and out to 800 yards after which the 7.62 round drops like the proverbial stone. Obviously there is a lot to learn on the subject. Next year I hope to be shooting on the Mil Long Ranges at Diggle and Senny Bridge, so am currently swotting up on my dope and trying to get my brain to work the maths for holdover.
If any one on the forum shoots a Parker Hale T4 or any other Enfield 7.62 rifle, I would love to hear from you.