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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Lee Speed Forum & Archive

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#182089 - 21/05/11 07:52 AM

Yes ,I have even thought about an 8mm/303 but even that (323) bullet went 3/4 of the way down into the barrel and I did not want to take the risk.I settled on a 338/303 and all i will need is a 338 expander ball in my 303 dies.338 have bullets in the 165 to 250 range in large quantities.The rifle will look the same on the outside but I will have a brand new 338/303 barrel inside.headspace will be exactly the same .And I can get it done for under $250 !

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darwinmauser
.300 member

Reged: 07/05/07
Posts: 217
Loc: Darwin NT

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182099 - 21/05/11 02:45 PM

Sarg, I have the 375 reamer, it resides with a gunsmith in Adelaide. I have a 375 Lee Speed in build at the moment ,just have to get down to Adelaide to pick it up, the barrel came from this mob;

http://www.shooters.com.au/product.asp?pID=14314&cID=7585 had to wait a while, but for that price, yep I waited.

Cheers
Pete

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#182407 - 24/05/11 11:17 PM

looks like the Redding "S" neck sizing die with a .365 bushing is going to be the ticket for resizing the 338/303 cases ;.366 chamber neck size and .365 outside diameter of the neck of a loaded 338/303 round .I will cast the chamber when the rifle returns to make sure but .364 ,.363 bushings are available if needed

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#182721 - 29/05/11 05:31 AM

Received the Lee Speed back from reboring today -really fast!New rifle now inside. The 338/303 is a perfect cartridge for this rifle .Fed some reloaded rounds from the magazing and was slick as a greased Buffalo.The gunsmith inclued some fire formed cases and the bullets after test firing .The 338 is an awsome game bullet.Will start with 338 Federal (338x308 winchester) starting loads and go from there after fireforming. The Speed will soon be ready to hunt.I will try to upload some pictures and publish range report shortly.

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FATBOY404
.400 member

Reged: 14/11/09
Posts: 1730
Loc: QLD

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182725 - 29/05/11 07:44 AM

Look forward to it.

Keep us posted.

--------------------
"WHATEVER BLOWS YOUR HAIR BACK"

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tinker
.416 member

Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: FATBOY404]
#182765 - 30/05/11 01:25 AM

D_V -

Can you tell us about the re-boring process?
Was the original barrel simply reamed and new rifling pulled with a button or was it cut..?

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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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: tinker]
#182845 - 30/05/11 11:07 PM

The rifle was rebored and regrooved for the 338 bullet without changing the headspace or shoulder angle of the original 303 cartridge.The neck was also rebored for a 303 British round that was necked up to 338. My neck chamber measurements from a fired case are .369 outside dimensions. I will be neck sizing to about .366 od with a .338 bullet seated .This leaves .003 for neck expansion (recommended by Redding) I talked to Redding USA tech shop and they tried it and it worked .The gunsmith who rebored the Speed also used this method to make cases that he tested the rifle with after reboring.he used cut rifling for reboring.I have now a 338/303 . caution must be exersized in using different kinds of brass as neck size may vary.The initial .366 or slightly smaller resized neck must be maintained by outside neck trimming if necessary.So far with Winchester cases I have not had this problem

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Sarg
.400 member

Reged: 20/01/07
Posts: 1365
Loc: Nil

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#182923 - 31/05/11 06:58 PM

Thank you Pete , very interesting , I'm looking at sending a BSA barrel to the US to be rebored at some stage , just hard to get it back to NZ or Aussie !

That 338/303 sounds very cool , can't wait to see the results !!

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Huvius
.416 member

Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3522
Loc: Colorado

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#182943 - 01/06/11 04:05 AM

Quote:

Received the Lee Speed back from reboring today -really fast!

Now that is the understatement of the year!

Sounds like a nice solution to your problem. Look forward to your next range report!

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Huvius]
#182946 - 01/06/11 04:58 AM

JES of Oregon in the USA did the reboring .A call on the phone and Jesse told me one week from when received turnaround and return shipping included in price .highly recommended

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Sarg]
#184900 - 30/06/11 11:38 AM

Would it be possible to re-line your Lee Speed barrel?

It's not hard to find a take-off barrel from a 7.65mm Mauser in nearly new condition. Turning one down would make a good liner for a .303. Just a thought.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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ALAN_MCKENZIE
.400 member

Reged: 24/03/04
Posts: 1214
Loc: Western Australia

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: CptCurl]
#185006 - 01/07/11 11:51 PM

This is the load I use for my Rigby Lee Speed 303.
215 gn Woodleigh RNSN
39 gns 2208 or Varget
Large rifle primer (Federal)
Overall length 3.05 inches

This load suits and regulates in my rifle.
I think you will find most purpose built Lee Speed hunting rifles were regulated for the 214-215 gn projectile..
Al

--------------------
"Dogs always bark at their master"
Sir Seretse Khama.25th June 1949

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
#191882 - 16/10/11 04:43 AM

Just an update on the Lee Speed .Restoration is almost complete.Have decided on using Hornady 338 interlock 200 grain bullets .These bullets have about the same BC as the original 303 diameter bullets 215 grain bullets and i intend to drive them at about 2200 fps so the cape sights work out.My initial load was 37 grains of 4064 in Winchester neck sized 338/303 cases at just about 2100 fps.No pressure so i will be working up a load .Any powder/load referances or opinions are welcome!Wish I knew how to post pics from my computer.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#208874 - 24/05/12 03:00 AM

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#208878 - 24/05/12 03:44 AM

Here is the finished Lee Speed restoration. Shot out barrel was rebored to 338/303 . I rust blued the rifle without polishing because I wanted it to look used/excellent not new. The rifle was recheckered in original pattern by myself as original checkering was worn off .The 200 grain Hornady interlock reloads match the cape sights .

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Nick_Adams
.300 member

Reged: 20/12/03
Posts: 148
Loc: USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#208910 - 24/05/12 10:30 AM

Wow! Nice work. A beautiful rifle.

--------------------
________________________________

Remember ...

"Only accurate rifles are interesting."

.300 H&H.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Nick_Adams]
#208914 - 24/05/12 01:29 PM

Thanks Nick.It is very accurate with the new 338/303 bore.I also replaced the tiny front bead with a NECG large luminous bead.I think I got the British Khaki web sling from "Trader Keiths"

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Nick_Adams
.300 member

Reged: 20/12/03
Posts: 148
Loc: USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#211314 - 22/06/12 07:20 AM

Yes, sorry for the late reply. But Trader Keith is where I too have obtained several of his rifle "straps." There's one on the Ruger 300H&H in my sig-line. It dresses up your Lee very nicely.

--------------------
________________________________

Remember ...

"Only accurate rifles are interesting."

.300 H&H.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Nick_Adams]
#211463 - 24/06/12 11:23 AM

Quote:

Yes, sorry for the late reply. But Trader Keith is where I too have obtained several of his rifle "straps." There's one on the Ruger 300H&H in my sig-line. It dresses up your Lee very nicely.

Thanks Nick,I also fitted a "Night luminous bead" from New England custom guns.The original Lee Speed bead is tiny and was hard to pick up in low light conditions.

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#226216 - 01/03/13 11:17 PM

My first loadings with 37.0 gr 4064 with a .338 200 grain interlock bullet revealed a velocity of around 2,100 FPS with the 338/303 Vortrekker .I have since loaded 38.0 grains as the 37.0 was a starting load.Accuracy is excellent I am trying to obtain 2,200+ FPS with low pressure

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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#227838 - 02/04/13 05:49 AM

Quote:

Just an update on the Lee Speed .Restoration is almost complete.Have decided on using Hornady 338 interlock 200 grain bullets .These bullets have about the same BC as the original 303 diameter bullets 215 grain bullets and i intend to drive them at about 2200 fps so the cape sights work out.My initial load was 37 grains of 4064 in Winchester neck sized 338/303 cases at just about 2100 fps.No pressure so i will be working up a load .Any powder/load references or opinions are welcome!Wish I knew how to post pics from my computer.

Further reloading has brought me to 40.0 grains of IMR 4064 which is IMR's starting load data for the 338 Federal .Note; although the 338 Federal has virtually the same water capacity as my 338/303 case ,(the 338/303 being slightly larger)that pressures are much higher in the 338 Federal specs . I am stopping precisely here ;2,300 + fps velocity in the 200 grain Hornady with little pressure on a cool spring day. I will test this load on a "Kalahari Hot" summer day and I may drop it one grain .Accuracy is excellent with the original Cape sights ;no scope needed (for Patterson or myself)

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Euan
.224 member

Reged: 18/02/13
Posts: 7
Loc: Central Otago, New Zealand.

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Deutsche_Vortrekker]
#234805 - 28/08/13 06:45 PM

I am very Impressed. You have the ole girl up and going again. she will hunt well. Cheers.

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39234
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: Euan]
#268751 - 30/07/15 03:00 PM

Interesting thread and good to see an old girl restored and hunting again.

--------------------
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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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39234
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: darwinmauser]
#268755 - 30/07/15 03:39 PM

Quote:

Sarg, I have the 375 reamer, it resides with a gunsmith in Adelaide. I have a 375 Lee Speed in build at the moment ,just have to get down to Adelaide to pick it up, the barrel came from this mob;

Pete, who is this gunsmith? Please PM me.

--------------------
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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Deutsche_Vortrekker
.333 member

Reged: 27/04/08
Posts: 449
Loc: From the Kalahari to the USA

Re: Lee Speed handloads for hunting Cal. 303 [Re: NitroX]
#268772 - 30/07/15 09:11 PM

Quote:

Interesting thread and good to see an old girl restored and hunting again.

This is always a good thing .This rifle in its lifetime has probably shot more game than I have seen .It is only proper to have her returned to the game fields rather than relegated to the top of a fireplace

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