Lee enfield No. 5 accuracy

[351 WINCHESTER]

I have been shooting a no. 5 "jungle carbine" for a while now. When I first got it the barrel was rough as a corncorb and patterned like a shotgun. I worked on it with J & B bore paste for more passes than I care to count and wore out half a dozen bronze brushes. Accuracy was better, but nothing to write home about. I mounted a cheap BSA scope that I got from Natches (turkey scope) 1x5 and my groups shrank more. I started rolling my own ammo and my groups got much better. I bought a new Redfield revolution 3x9 and had problems right off the bat as I could not get it sighted in. Finally I found a rebuilt Weaver k3 with a post and crosshair that was made in the 1960's. Bingo. I got it zeroed in Thursday and shot 3 shots into 3/4" from a warm barrel. I could do better with a better scope, but for hunting I'm very happy. My load is a Remington 180sp which is .310 behind a stout load of H335 with new PMC brass.

 

[rule303]

I have never seen the supposed "wandering zero" problem with the No5 either. I have never shot mine with a scope, but with irons it will do almost as well as a No1MKIII or No4.
3/4" is pretty impressive with any surplus rifle, especially one that was never known for its accuracy.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

When I first got the rifle the trigger had been worked. While very long it is smooth as butter which really helps.

 

[DougW]

My 2- #5's are as accurate was my #4's. These are battle rifles, and the accuracy you are getting is fantastic.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Doug, I've been messing with this rifle for about 7 years now and loading for it for almost as long. It's the only rifle I shoot much, other than my Marlin and a .22. I guess that has a lot to do with how well it shoots. My buddy told me that it would shoot better if it had better optics, but I'm not about to make any changes.

 

[DougW]

351, you are doing great. I have been reloading about 8 years, starting out with .303. My Fazakerley #5mk1 will shoot a 2" group with 150 or 180 spitzers with open sights. I can't do much better with a scopped #4mk1 than 2" so you are in great shape. I ould not change a thing!