Daryl S - it's definately a Commonwealth thing - the Yanks just don't get the Enfields or the .3OH,same as I don't get the 30.06, Loundenboomer, Mauser thing. Your likely aware of Elwood Epps - he had an improved 303.35 that could be worth your while investigating. Loosing the case taper with the improved cartridge will likely effect reliable magazine feeding though. I have read he had Wildcats from .224 to .375. Apparently his shop is still operating , perhaps they still have his chamber reamers.

I originally was looking at either a .444 Marlin conversion or one of the wildcats based on it but was warned off it due to the feeding issues with the SMLE magazine. Then enquired about a 303.375,which when expanded the shoulder is removed from the .303 case. Case trimming of the donut formed at this point will be required and feeding from a stock magazine is unreliable and was informed that mag alterations can get expensive. Apparantly feeding from a P14 action for all these cartridges is spot on.

In amoungst all this was the Gibbs 45.70 conversion but reduced mag capacity to 3 rounds and poor feeding killed this for me. Now I've heard that rechambering to 45.90 is supposed to fix this as the OAL of the 45.70 was an issue. Gibbs converted the SMLE magazine to single stack.

Yesterday I was mulling the benefits of a 45.90 over the 45.70 with a knowledgable mate of mine and I have a future Single Shot project in mind based on a No4 action.

I have some load data that suggest's 2400 fps with a 250 gr bullet but that seems optimistic out of a SMLE action - perhaps a P14 / 17. Compared to some actual and computer generated data I've been handed 2200FPS with a 225 gr projectile is right up there and 2050 might be more like it out of my No1 Mk3 action and 22" barrel. I doubt a Feral Boar could tell the difference with a bullet in the boiler room.

Thanks with the reassurance 450 Ackley, I knew he worked at MAB in the past but did not know of Jongmans or his scratch builds. I have total confidence the Rifle will be spot on. This is my first Wildcat / semi customised Rifle, hardest part is the waiting.

regards Jacko