| Sandgroper |
| (.224 member) |
| 18/09/07 12:21 AM |
Lee-Speed Related Question
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I understand BSA Lee-Speed rifles were chambered in .303, 7x57R, 8x57R,.375NE, and .405 Winchester. I would like to build something similar on a No1 Mk3 action in either .375NE or .405 Winchester. Will a standard SMLE magazine require modification to function properly with these cartridges?
| ALAN_MCKENZIE |
| (.400 member) |
| 18/09/07 12:54 AM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Give Doug Barnes a ring.
That way you are talking to the gunsmith who will probably do the job for you here in WA.
Al
| mehulkamdar |
| (.416 member) |
| 25/09/07 12:25 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Alan,
Would you have any pics of the new custom Lee Speeds being made these days? I must salute you Aussies for keeping a great tradition alive!
| Rolland |
| (.333 member) |
| 25/09/07 04:15 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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This is one I built from a surplus No1 Mk 3 actually it is built out of parts I had left over. I used a Boyd stock. It shoots really well.
| Sandgroper |
| (.224 member) |
| 25/09/07 10:32 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Nice rifle!! Thanks for sharing.
| mehulkamdar |
| (.416 member) |
| 26/09/07 11:20 AM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Rolland,
That is a beautiful rifle!
Are you a gunsmith or is this a hobby? I hope you don't mind my asking...
Good hunting!
| Rolland |
| (.333 member) |
| 26/09/07 02:19 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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mehulkamdar
Since I don't make much money at it I consider it a hobby. Since I retired I have to have something to do. I built a couple of 45-70's on that action and had some parts and pieces left over so one thing led to another and I kept seeing photos of Lee Speed rifles in .303 and this came about. Thank youi for the compliment, hope to get it checkered soon.
| Rick_R |
| (.300 member) |
| 27/09/07 01:00 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Rolland,
Nice rifle
How do able is a No1 Mk3 in 7x57R (.275RR Rigby Rimmed?) ?
Might be a fun rifle to shoot...
| Rolland |
| (.333 member) |
| 27/09/07 02:06 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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In my opinion (?) that would be a dandy conversion, the pressures are the same, according to my books altho I don't have a drawing on the 7 X 57R for a rim size. Hmmmmmmm. It would be close to a .303 I would think and if they can be altered to 45-70 the smaller should be doable.
| Rick_R |
| (.300 member) |
| 28/09/07 12:38 AM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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From what I found on the Net the 7x57R is rim is 0.01" smaller than the .303 rim. I'll try to find a better set of drawings before I decide.
Looks like I'll be presenting a new statement of need to the household CEO and budget committee.
| mehulkamdar |
| (.416 member) |
| 28/09/07 10:51 AM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Rolland,
It must be great to have a retirement like yours, but then few would have the skill...
You just might find your hands full with work after making this admission on the forums. DOn't blame me for this, please.
I have to have a Lee Speed type rifle someday and a big bore ML. I know whom I am going to approach for both - two gentlemen on this forum.
Please do post pictures of your work whenever you make something new. Thanks and good hunting!
| Otto |
| (.300 member) |
| 30/09/07 11:18 PM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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A couple of thoughts:
The SMLE magazine will work well without mods for tapered cartridges up to, at least 35 Winchester.
The 35 Win, BTW, is a great caliber and much more capable than most. Larger straight cased calibers require a single stack mod to feed nicely...not trivial. Also, the magazine is a bit short , but still works for 35 and 405 Win.
For open sight SMLEs, the Parker Hale PH 16 receiver sight can be adapted, is much nicer than the Williams, and seems to be regularly listed on the auction sites. It's Brit origins and all steel construction are aesthetic necessities if you're going to the trouble and expense of making a nice sporting rifle out of a SMLE.
Otto
| mehulkamdar |
| (.416 member) |
| 01/10/07 08:52 AM |
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Re: Lee-Speed Related Question
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Otto,
Thank you very much. The views of experienced members are always greatly appreciated.
Please post pictures of your rifles whenever you find time. I can assure you that all of us would greatly appreciate your doing this whenever it happens.
Thank you very much once again and good hunting!