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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Rifles
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gwh
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Reged: 28/01/08
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Loc: Cairns Australia
Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore
      #95857 - 03/02/08 07:20 PM

G'day all, for no particular reason (other than I like the SMLE action) I have decided to build a custom rifle on the SMLE action. I have been looking primarily at the 375 JDJ (having used marrakais and liked it) or a 338/303 British.

I'm interested to hear of anyone else who has gone down these lines, in particular, what work was required and the various diffent calibres that were considered. I'm in NZ for a couple of years, there are some good gunsmiths here who are keen to do the work, although reamers seem to be the main problem over here for any slightly obscure jobs, so any suggestions for obtaining them would be appreciated.

Not really interested in anything less calibre wise than a .338 and not really interested in a straight 444Marlin either, most everything else is up for consideration though.

Photos would be appreciated aswell.

Cheers

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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Marrakai
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #95861 - 03/02/08 08:38 PM

GWH:
All you need to cut a reasonable facsimile of a .375 JDJ chamber is a .308 reamer with a .375 throater attached. Just push it in 150 thou or so further than a .308 chamber, and then cut the rim recess with a boring bit on the lathe.

That's how Vic P_ did mine!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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Bramble
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Marrakai]
      #95895 - 04/02/08 03:16 AM

For reamers contact Dave Kiff at Pacific. Good service and they can make you anything you want.
If import regs are a problem then you are welcome to have it sent to me and I will forwardit in a bag marked as machine tool.

Regards

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DarylS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Bramble]
      #95911 - 04/02/08 07:31 AM

Ken Waters did the wildcat larger bore chambering on a .303 a long time ago - in .338, .358 and .375, I believe.
: Everyone interested in Wildcats should buy the big book on Wildcats", available form Wolf Publishing called "Wildat Cartridges "Combo Edition".
: Dave Kiff is the ultimate for 'odd' chambering reamers. His prices are perhaps the best as well.
: I believe chamberings on the #3 should be kept to rounds you won't be running over about 50,000psi or under even with the straight sided "improved" ones. This might eliminate normal loadings in the .375 JDJ. It developes greater velocities than the .375 Winchester, a 50,000PSI round. Many of these JDJ wildcats were run up around 50,000CUP, which is closer to 55,000psi and 60,000psi depending on the ctg. imho.
; If built on a #4 or #5 in good condition, pressure isn't a problem as everything form .223's to .308 Winchester work good on them. The .308 (and it's offspring) are 60,000psi+ ctg's. although normally listed as around 55,000 CUP.
; If I were going to do this, and I might someday with my 'spare' #3, I'd go with the .444 Marlin case as the base and probably in a .358 or .375 chambering. For chamberings in .44cal or larger, I'd use a .45/70, .350 Rem mag or .45/90's 2.4"straight case. These are easily usable from 8mm on up to 45 cal.
; A SMLE in .45/90 is no slouch - it will drive a 500gr. bullet at 2,000fps in a #3 and 2,150fps in a #4, if throated properly.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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gwh
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Loc: Cairns Australia
Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: DarylS]
      #95920 - 04/02/08 09:16 AM

Thanks for the replies, My gunsmith over here has managed to source a reamer, so it looks like its a goer for the 375 JDJ on the 444.

A light sporter in 45/90 would have some boot!!

cheers

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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gwh
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Reged: 28/01/08
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #95936 - 04/02/08 11:50 AM

While I'm at it, there are a few good photos on here of converted Lee Enfields. Has anyone got any others they'd like to share?

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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88MauSporter
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #95947 - 04/02/08 02:35 PM

I have a .300 Martin Engfield jsut converted (because of the rotten bore) to a .375 express 2 1/4. Ok, not quite the .375 2 1/2" flanged of famed past, but, a .303 Brit. rebored, necked up and reamed for .375 bullets. I am working loads now that I have 20-30 cased necked out. I gues I can develop loads close to a .375 win to lower limits of .375 JDJ. I'll let you know.

--------------------
"A hunter should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everthing goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." 88MauSporter

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gwh
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: 88MauSporter]
      #95948 - 04/02/08 02:45 PM

Sounds like an interesting piece, I look forward to hearing some more.

Cheers

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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308
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #95962 - 04/02/08 07:48 PM

I have seen a No4 converted to .405 Winchester with magazine made to single stack it worked a treat. You could convert a 7.62 No4 or a new AIA to .338 Federal or .358 Winchester maybe .375" necked up.

308

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DarylS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: 308]
      #96493 - 11/02/08 05:27 AM

My #4 (2-groove perfect bore) has been re-chambered with a .300 Win-mag reamer held back to give a 2" chamber. The resulting chamber takes a .350 Rem Mag case necked to hold .312" bullets.
: I did this conversion in early 1990's, then found Ken Waters had done the same thing and called his version the .312 Express.
: The stock magazine feeds 3 rounds perfectly, but will stove-pipe if more are put in - without alteration. The bolt face, of course, wonderful arrangement it is, requires no modification for the .532" rim.
: Ballistics are rather good, driving a 174gr. Hornady or 180gr. Remington at 2,960fps, about identical to the original .300H&H and the newer .300 Winchester Short Mag. Better constructed bullets are needed for the .312 Express.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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Rolland
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #96773 - 15/02/08 10:33 AM

GWH
Here are two I converted to 45-70


This was my first one.




Edited by NitroX (04/08/10 05:03 AM)

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88MauSporter
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Rolland]
      #96777 - 15/02/08 11:34 AM

I want the same stock for my #1 MKIII as in your first photo, after I remove the charger bridge and fix the finish there. I will likely leave it in .303, but would like to find someone who makes the shorter 5 round mags. Nicely done.

--------------------
"A hunter should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everthing goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." 88MauSporter

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Rolland
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: 88MauSporter]
      #96785 - 15/02/08 02:17 PM

This is one I did and left in .303. I used a Boyd stock.


Edited by NitroX (04/08/10 05:04 AM)

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88MauSporter
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Rolland]
      #96786 - 15/02/08 02:53 PM

Does boyd still make an Enfield stock set? I would like to know where you bought the 5 round magazine as well.
Many thanks the info.

--------------------
"A hunter should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everthing goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." 88MauSporter

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Rolland
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: 88MauSporter]
      #96787 - 15/02/08 03:03 PM

I don't know if they still have the stocks as they have went through a change only selling to dealers or something like that. You would have to check with them. The top rifle I posted is a stock from Great American Gunstocks, but since they had a fire I don't know their status.
I cut the magazine myself, its not too hard just be careful welding it so as not to warp it.

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gwh
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Rolland]
      #96802 - 15/02/08 06:49 PM

Rolland, thanks for the photos, both of those rifles look particularly nice - I am aiming to have mine look like the top one.

Cheers

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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DarylS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #96819 - 16/02/08 03:34 AM

Rolland - I sure like the wood on the top pictured rifle. That's a lot of scope for a .45/70 on the second. Adjustable Objective" on a .45/70? Cool!

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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Rolland
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: DarylS]
      #96824 - 16/02/08 06:06 AM

Daryl
That scope on the lower one is a Simmons and a piece of junk, but I needed a scope in a hurry for a pig hunt and this was the largest objective lense I had at the time due to hunting in low light. I did get a pig and have since sent the scope to the scrap heap.

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CowboyCS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Rolland]
      #96857 - 16/02/08 12:47 PM

This was one of my very first gunsmithing projects, under the excelent instruction of SZihn I worked this one over for my wife. It's still in 303.





Edited by NitroX (04/08/10 05:06 AM)

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gwh
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: CowboyCS]
      #96985 - 18/02/08 02:56 PM

some really nice looking wood on there cowboy.

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

Theodore Roosevelt, Khartoum, 1910

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: gwh]
      #165670 - 04/08/10 04:42 AM

I think a cool SMLE project would be to convert one to a .405 Winchester.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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RLI
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: NitroX]
      #165677 - 04/08/10 07:42 AM

The .405Win. I saw years ago was on a No4 action and the magazine made single stack only and worked fine.

--------------------
"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." — John Wayne

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Oldbrit
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: RLI]
      #167671 - 13/09/10 06:10 AM

The SMLE action was used for the .375 X 2½" with hardly any alteration. Cases are obtainable with patience and 270 grains at 1950 fps isn't to be sneezed at.

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WyoJoe
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Oldbrit]
      #167795 - 15/09/10 03:56 PM

I am liking the idea of one in .45/70.

--------------------
There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular -- but one must ask, "Is it right?"

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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DarylS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: WyoJoe]
      #167898 - 17/09/10 08:49 AM

The extractors will usually handle anything from .45/70 sized rim, (about .604") down to a .22 Hornet (about .340") without alteration. Thus they have the best 'wildcat'-type extractor there is.
I know of a number of guys who built up varmint and 600 meter match rifles on #4's in .223, without alteration other than stocks, triggers and barrels.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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DarylS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: DarylS]
      #202192 - 11/02/12 09:07 AM

January/February Rifle Magazine has an article page 30 called A .444 SMLE. The author bought an Apex 1in 18" twist barrel and put on a Weaver scope and Fajen Reinhart sporter stock.

With the 190gr. Lee Wadcutter bullet and 5gr. of "Bullseye" made a ragged hole at 40yards right on the + hairs that were set for 265gr. Hornadys at 100yards.

Making a sheet metal inner magazine helped with the feeding problems.

As the rims are almost the sme size, bolt thrust would be less for the straighter case, so and load suitable for a Marlin, would work for the SMLE - in other words, up to 2,200fps with 300gr. bullets with the right powder. Not bad for a 2.2" case and an old 'beater'.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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tinker
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: DarylS]
      #202199 - 11/02/12 02:59 PM

Did he set it up single stack?






Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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Homer
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: tinker]
      #202208 - 11/02/12 04:33 PM

G'Day Fella's,

GWH, there was an three page article about converting a SMLE to .444Marlin, in the Oct/December 2011 edition of Guns Australia magazine!

Hope that helps

Doh!
Homer

--------------------
"Beware the Lolly Pop of Mediocrity,
Lick it Once and You Will Suck Forever"

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DarylS
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Re: Converting a Lee Enfield into a bigger bore [Re: Homer]
      #202248 - 12/02/12 04:15 AM

Yes - Tinker, single stack. I've seen a similar change to single stack, only with delrin slabs in a .45/90 conversion.

I must try that in my 2 groove #4 in .312 Express (new barrel). I re-chambered it with a .300 Win Mag reamer and set it up for the short, 2", .350 Rem Mag case. Using Re#19 (or 22?) 2,940fps with 174's. I do have some hopefully harder, 180gr. Norma steel jacketed BT's to try as well.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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