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Perry
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Reged: 09/11/10
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Loc: Qld Australia
Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow
      #171821 - 21/11/10 04:36 PM

G/Day folks

I have a soft spot for Lee Enfield's. I had a lovely 1943 No1 Mk3 unissued Lithgow that I shot at the range and occasionly hunted with for many years but recently sold it to a mate to help finance this project Rifle. I thought it best not to polute the Lee Speed forum with this thread as I'm not trying to reproduce a Lee Speed - some folks you know

Things are slowly starting to happen with conversion to 303.35 / 35 Territory. I've been plagued with delays, mostly with Shipping. The cost has been mounting also but I have this covered, should not be any surprises now. This build is adding up to an indecent amount of money to spend on a 1942 Lithgow Sporter. Not concerned as I have wanted a customised Wildcat cartridge SMLE for over 20 years.

I'm quickly learning to halve the delivery time I'm originally told, add 5 then double it for delivery.

I ordered my barrel from a local Aussie company, Total Solution Engineering in early september - it arrived this week.

Recknagel Iron Sights where ordered in early September - they where backordered and dispatched in 3 shipments, received the last of the order this week

Ordered my scope mount in late September, it seems to have been lost in transit. I'd like to thank Richard from Special Interest Arms for despatching another no questions asked. If the US postal and Australian service's do their job it will be here late next week.

I can't afford a decent scope and quick detatch scope rings right now but wanted the scope mount fitted when the rest of the rifle is being done. What I like about the SIA mount is that it's grooved to allow use of Iron sights in the mean while. Plan is to have the Rifle set up for when my ageing eyes no longer allow me to hunt with open sights.

I am using a No1 Mk3 action that I swapped in exchange for some of my custom leatherwork off a mate who was using this bubbered 1942 Lithgow as a knock about scrub rifle. The bore was black, quite amaazing it shot as well as it did.

I've picked up an as new never fitted ATI synthetic stock real cheap that will suffice until I can afford a nicely figured / checkered timber stock along the lines of a Lee Speed.

I have used a set of .358 Winchester dies that have a tapered expander to neck up some Remington brass, they all necked up fine. The cases shortened as expected when I necked them up and I have settled on a trim to length of 55.60mm / 2.188" The OAL 76.90mm / 3.027" I'll mess about with this once I have the finished rifle. As you can see in the photo there's not much shoulder left after necking up but I expect the shoulder to be more defined after fireforming.



I'm pretty disappointed in the quality of the .303 brass on the market, seems very thin. I have 40 once fired Highland .303 cases that I've necked up also - it is quite a deal thicker and seems higher quality. I wish I could buy this Highland unprimed brass locally but it is not available in Australia. I have supplied my Gunsmith with several Remington brass dummy cartridges for him to set up the neck and throat on.

I have supplied the Gunsmith with a set of Lee RGB dies that will be reamed when my chamber is done and the 35 cal fittings from the .358 Win dies will be swapped across. I need to get a neck only sizing die, again I'm thinking a .358 Winchester die could be used with no modification and carefull adjustment

I am using 225grain Sierra Gamekings for the initial load development. I've found some old load data using IMR 3031, 41 gn under a 208 gr cast bullet for 2150fps and have been supplied load data a couple of other fella's I've tracked down that have 303.35's are using. ADI AR2208 seems to be the powder of choice and 42 gr should give me about 2200fps.

I've also researched some .303 220grain bullet loads for cross reference. I'll be backing the Data off a little and looking for safe accurate loads. Not interested in hot rodding.

My Gunsmith tells me I should have it in 8 weeks , so applying my new rule 8 - 4 + 5 = 9 x 2 = 18 so I'll have it March next year. - I hope not, I'll kid myself and say I'll have it mid January 2011.

regards Jacko

--------------------
"To my deep mortification my father once said to me, 'You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.' " -Charles Darwin

Edited by CptCurl (21/11/10 11:14 PM)

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CHAPUISARMES
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: Perry]
      #171823 - 21/11/10 06:04 PM

Hi Perry,

I see you use the same formula as me!! but you forgot one x 2 which is actually 36 weeks !!!! Just joking, any Custom job takes time but it is worth it in the long run.

Sorry to say your lacking with some of the information as I think most of the forum members like to know who is doing the job, where you get your parts from etc.

Before you race out with a timber stock, I found a place in the states that does SMLE stocks in all grades of timber. I can't get to it at the moment as it is on the other computer which is down for a couple of weeks getting an upgrade but I will let you know when it's up and running.

I noticed the "Swap" for leather gear which is a good way to travel and keeps the costs down. It may pay to put up some photo's of the stuff you make and the cost as it may have an interest here.

Cheers for now,

Jeff Gray

.

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Perry
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: CHAPUISARMES]
      #171835 - 21/11/10 09:40 PM

G/Day Jeff, I see the logic in your formula , there is of coarse the known unknown to take into account

Sights from NECG

Scope mount from Special Interest Arms

Here's a couple of examples of my Leatherwork. Top photo is an Armguard / Knife Sheath with a tooled Charging Bull Elephant. I made the Capping knife from a broken circular saw blade



2nd is a Back Quiver featuring native Australian leaves and flowers, some of my homemade self nocked arrows and one of my Selfbows. I made it from Brigalow



I don't have any phto's of the fancy lace on Butt stock cartridge holder I made to swap the rifle for. I must ask my mate to email me some photo's of it. My Leather tooling skills have improved from the 2 examples above. It's a mood thing though - I do sell leather goods from time to time and I must be in an arty mood to motivate to make them.

I using Pine Rivers Gunsmiths to assemble this Lithgow for me, Alan Murray is doing the Smith work. They have done the little Gunsmithing I've needed done since the mid 90's, mostly trigger jobs, scope mounts etc and I've been very happy with their work. I was also recommended to contact Alan by a Kiwi mate of his, Nelson from Status Guns who I first contacted for information about this calibre. At the time I did not know they new each other and had already pretty much made up my mind to speak to Pine Rivers Gun shop about this project.

regards Jacko

Edited by CptCurl (21/11/10 11:15 PM)

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CHAPUISARMES
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: Perry]
      #171838 - 21/11/10 09:58 PM

Hi Perry,

No Logic or Formula, Just stirring,

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

.

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DarylS
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: CHAPUISARMES]
      #171846 - 22/11/10 05:23 AM

Perry, nice ctg. Years ago, I picked up a bunch of .303 brass and necked them from .22 on up to .375 just to have them and study them. What prompted this, was a friend handing me a factory .270/303 Australian case. Later, I came across Ken Water's work on the .375 using the .303 case and chambered in a Ruger #1.

As you are aware, almost EVERYONE in the old Commonwealth has at least one .303.

Currently, I've 2 #3's and a nice #4 that could be re-barreled - just not sure what to make them into. A .35 is definitely a possibility now. I re-chambered the #4 to what I later discovered Ken Water's called the ".312 Express", using the .350 Rem Mag case. I thought it was my idea- HA! About no such thing in Wildcats, any more.

A moderate, easy-on-the-brass load pushes the 174gr. at 2,960fps using Re#19. The standard mag feeds 3 of them quite well, but not more. Except for my .312 Express, it had an unfired - brand new 2 groove bl. .314" groove diameter. It shoots 1 1/2" @ 100 meters with it's battle sights. It's a small-bore, though, so it's boring.

I expect your .35/303 should feed perfectly, 5 rounds or 10. Definitely a solid idea for me - thanks.

Perhaps the pointy light-weight 200 to 225gr. bullets at around 2,300 to 2,400fps for deer/moose/elk with a nice smacker in a 250gr. RN @ 2,100fps as a back-up for bear, really sounds good to me.

The improved version is interesting as well and takes the thrust off the action just about completely.

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


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

Edited by Daryl_S (22/11/10 05:44 AM)

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450_Ackley
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: DarylS]
      #171849 - 22/11/10 06:59 AM

Perry,
You'll be right with Alan at Pine Rivers, he's done a fair few jobs for me, and his work can't be faulted.
Anyone that can make rifles, including the barrels from scratch is obviously good at his job. Alan used to make rifle for Jongmans Rifles, then he went to MAB and made barrels for years. Very clever lad.

David.

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Perry
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 450_Ackley]
      #171852 - 22/11/10 09:17 AM

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

--------------------
"To my deep mortification my father once said to me, 'You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.' " -Charles Darwin

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kamilaroi
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: Perry]
      #171859 - 22/11/10 12:32 PM

Cough. Jongmans?

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9.3x57
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: kamilaroi]
      #171873 - 22/11/10 09:22 PM

Not all yanks are devoid of appreciation for the Lee rifles!



I used to own a pile of them. Alas, all sold now, but this thread is inspiring of another project.

The .35 sounds good, as does a .36-.303, that is, 9.3. That caliber would allow use of .375 bullets sized down to .366, as well as regular 9.3's. You should be able to resize 9.3's to .358 if you like, which gives you a whole new shopping list of bullets.

Advantage of .375 or sizing down to 9.3 is that there are several light-for-caliber bullets in .375 that should work very well in a .303 case; 200 Sierra, 235 Spper, 220 Hornady and 225 Hornady. The latter I've used with great success in the 9.3x57 which gives a bit more bvelocity than the .303 case will, but in the smaller capacity .303, that 225 should sct purely as a controlled expansion bullet of real "Premium" performance, as well as shooting flat.

I'm betting on the 200 Hornady Spire Point as a dandy in the .35 as well as the Game Kings you are working with. Great project and please keep us posted, too!

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Edited by CptCurl (24/11/10 10:48 PM)

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DarylS
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 9.3x57]
      #171889 - 23/11/10 02:31 AM

9.3 - how'd that #5 shoot? Seems to have worked on that bear.

The .375 calibre on the .303 case leaves just a tich of a shoulder, while necked up to .40 takes it out to a straight taper, no shoulder - .40/60 Maynard being that calibre's name on those ctg. dimensions, I think, IIRC.

There is such a sloping taper on the .303 case, that improving them, aka Elwood Epps shop in Ontario, Canada, makes a worthwhile increase in capacity and speed. I was in Elwood's store in about 1968. At that time, I was in a speed-freek funk & not interested in big bullets. By age 20(2 years later), I'd changed my mind on bullets and calibres.

The 45,000CUP or 50,000PSI(.303) rating for that #3 allows for quite descent .45/70 or .45/90 ballistics. In the .45/70 and .45/90, the CUP and PSI #'s are virtually identical numbers.

The 2.4" case of the .45/90 should get 400gr.RN, FP or Spitzer old style Barnes doing about 2,300+ & absolutely polax hogs, black bears, moose, elk and deer.

That case is only .1" shorter than a .458 Win Mag and has just about identical capacity. The magnum case has a higher web, shich reduces the capactiy to about the same as the 2.4" .45/90. The .45/90 brass is stronger that any pressures any rifle will handle, so there's no problem in that respect. the .45/90 makes for a very interesting #4 or #5 Enfields, with their even higher strength ratings.

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


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

Edited by Daryl_S (23/11/10 02:38 AM)

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9.3x57
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: DarylS]
      #171904 - 23/11/10 05:38 AM

Quote:

9.3 - how'd that #5 shoot? Seems to have worked on that bear.



Well, here;



Lower skull is the bear's. Shot thru the eye.

That No.5 MKI shot like a house a'fire.

Three-shot groups ran 1.5 inches at 100 yards and I never had a single issue with the infamous "wandering zero", tho I have experienced that with poorly bedded No.1's and other two-piece stock rifles.

IMO the Lee action deserves far more respect than it is given. With properly adjusted mags the guns are dead reliable and the No.4's VERY accurate. We had two Canuck Long Branch No.4MkI*'s that consistently shot 4 1/2 inches for 3 shot groups at 300 meters, and my spits on the ground every time the subject of my selling them comes up. I try not to bring it up very often...

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Edited by CptCurl (24/11/10 10:49 PM)

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88MauSporter
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 9.3x57]
      #171909 - 23/11/10 07:39 AM

I must admit to a long affair with the .303 and the SMLE. I presently, and for many years, own an Enfield and Lithgow No.1 MkIII* and MkIII, and a Savage and Long branch No.4s. I was with a friend shooting Garands and Enfields a couple months ago. We were pinging a rock in the bottom of a quary at an estimated 500 meters. The Savage No.4 with military ball (pakistani?) was a consistant hitter. Most wouldn't believe this, but I cranked up the rear sight to the proper mark and easily stayed on the 2'x2' rock. The garands would too though.
I have previously written about my MH rebored to .303/.375. It will prove a great round. I have had too many other "priorities" and not enough reloading time to do much with it.
Good stuff.

--------------------
"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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simonsaorsa
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 88MauSporter]
      #171910 - 23/11/10 08:04 AM

check out www.303british.com, he publishes lods for 303/35 Epps in his books nd there is link to epps shop website

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Perry
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: simonsaorsa]
      #171912 - 23/11/10 09:06 AM

Gladens me heart folks that the Enfield has a following in the USA. I was fishing for a bite so to speak.

I often wonder where the weak action and bad rap for accuracy come from for the Enfield action. 45 000 psi matches pressure than many calibres suitable for this action where designed to generate, long as you have half a brain where's the issue. I don't get the velocity obsession. I think it's a urban myth to a degree that grew beyond all proportion to the facts.

I fitted a Central Arms peep sight to my No1 Mk3 that I sold to help finance this project and was immediatly rewarded with 100 yard 2" groups with factory loaded Highland ammo 150 gr proj. Before that I struggled with the standard sights for 4.5" groups. I had not had that rifle bedded, it was as is from the Lithgow factory. I have seen many of these old Enfields shoot as well as modern Mauser type actioned rifles. I wonder if many folks blame the tool for their faults.

I am going to do another Enfield up. Depends on money in the end. I would love to create a replica Lee Speed right down to the calibre selection. I would also like to pick myself up a #4 thats already been sporterised in 303.25 and restore it myself for a budget project. I've already mentioned the 45.90 - one day!

On the issue of improved .303. The october issue of Australian Sporting Shooter magazine features a Gent who has 2 such Rifles. Both chambered in 303.25 based on an modified Epps reamer that he shortened the neck and lengthened the body to shoulder measurement. One rifle uses a #4 action the other a M17 action.

His pet load out of the M17 is 57.1 gr ADI 2213 Sc 100 gr Speer soft point 5 shoot average velocity of 3414 fps.

The #4 - 52gn's AR2209 90gr Sierra HPBT @ 3380 FPS

Smoking to say the least, right up there in .257 Weatherby territory for the M17 action and very imprssive in the #4.

regards Jacko

--------------------
"To my deep mortification my father once said to me, 'You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.' " -Charles Darwin

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GK
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 9.3x57]
      #171920 - 23/11/10 01:17 PM

Quote:

Not all yanks are devoid of appreciation for the Lee rifles!



I used to own a pile of them. Alas, all sold now, but this thread is inspiring of another project.

The .35 sounds good, as does a .36-.303, that is, 9.3. That caliber would allow use of .375 bullets sized down to .366, as well as regular 9.3's. You should be able to resize 9.3's to .358 if you like, which gives you a whole new shopping list of bullets.




9.3,
You have mentioned that you resize your .375 bullets to 9.3 several times now and I was wondering if you may be able to tell me more about this. What resizing dies are you using and what is involved. I have reloaded for nearly 25 years but I have never resized any projectiles yet.

As you may remember, I am about to reload for my 9x57 that I just recieved back from the gunsmith. As you indicate, being able to use resized 9.3 bullets gives you some additional options.

George

Edited by CptCurl (24/11/10 10:49 PM)

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9.3x57
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: GK]
      #171923 - 23/11/10 01:53 PM

GK:

I purchase dies from Lee. Last I checked they are $25.00 per die, you pick the diameter {custom}.

For reduction from .375 to .369 {the groove diameter of my 146 for example} I use a .372, .370 and two passes thru the .368 die. I then get a .368 bullet.

For your 9mm {.357 diameter???????} I'd us .366 diameter bullets and get dies in .362, .359 and .356 and run them thru that and see what you get. I like the bullet to run "on" or .001 under groove depth, depending on case neck diameter. Your case neck clearance in your chamber must allow the bullet to release form the case.

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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GK
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 9.3x57]
      #171942 - 23/11/10 08:24 PM

9.3,
Thanks for the info, I'll add it to the long list of things I need. My barrel diameter is .358". So you are saying that you can reduce the bullet diameter .003" at a time, so maybe .363, .360 and .358 dies?
George

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450_Ackley
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: kamilaroi]
      #171943 - 23/11/10 08:27 PM

Quote:

Cough. Jongmans?



???????????

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Perry
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 450_Ackley]
      #171947 - 23/11/10 10:13 PM

9.3 - I was not aware it was possible to resize Jacketed bullets to any large degree, I had assumed they where too hard and that resizing cast bullets was the way to go as they are considerably softer.

I have not been overwelmed with the selection of .358 projectiles off the shelf at the Gunshops within a 50 Kilometre radius from home. While the initial outlay for the resizing die's would set one back it is a very worthy idea as the then wider selection of bullets available expands options markedly.

450 Ackley I don't understand the Cough Jongmans comment either. I'd sat back and waited for someone to elaborate. I had not even heard of Jongmens before your earlier post so I Googled them - found one for sale for $6500 so I guess "Cough" is a reference to the premium price

regards Jacko

--------------------
"To my deep mortification my father once said to me, 'You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.' " -Charles Darwin

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kamilaroi
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: Perry]
      #171949 - 23/11/10 10:41 PM

^If you care to ask around then the facts will be revealed re a DoD "contract" and other related matters.

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DarylS
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Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: kamilaroi]
      #171958 - 24/11/10 03:33 AM

Here are a number of .375"(originally) factory bullets that have been sized down to .367" for my M46 husky. I didn't use Lee dies, but a single Pacific .222FL die, modified, of course and it works perfectly - 1 pass form .375" down to .367".

I attempted to make a die for a fellow in California using the smae proceedure, but could not get it to the diameter of .366" - only .368", using the RCBS FL die set in .223, he'd sent me.

Left to right, they are 220gr. Hornady FN, 225gr. Hornady SP, 235gr. Speer, 300gr. Hornady RN, and 300gr. Hornady Interbond.

I have also sized down 270 Spire Points, 300gr. Sierra Spitzer BT's, 300gr. Hornady Spire Point BT's and 285gr. Speer Grand Slams.


Some more light bullets for testing in the 9.3x57.
220gr. Speer 235(shortened and sized down);, 235Gr. Speer(dropped on it's nose);, 200gr. much shortened 235 Speer;, 220gr. Hornady FN and 200gr. Sierra FN.



About 30 years ago, maybe more, I experimented with sizing down .375" bullets to .358 for my Norma Mag. I used a set of CH dies (2-die set) for making 1/2 jackets for the .38SPL and .357 Mag. this met with limited success ad that was too much, but did work for the very short or shortened bullets, until I jammed a jacket inside the die. All I need to do is to rot it out, I guess. Still have it, of course.

Sizing .366's down to .358 would be much easier, of course. I seem to recall using the core seater die first, then the sizing/pointing die second. That's the die with the stuck jacket IIRC.

Edited by CptCurl (24/11/10 10:53 PM)

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450_Ackley
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Posts: 583
Loc: Darling Downs, Qld Australia
Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: kamilaroi]
      #171971 - 24/11/10 07:26 AM

Quote:

^If you care to ask around then the facts will be revealed re a DoD "contract" and other related matters.



I don't really care about the DoD "problems", the comment I posted was about Allan's ability as a machinist, which I still stand by. I have a friend that is a real Jongmans fan, and I did pretty much all the load work for him, so I know the rifles quality and how they shoot. He also had a lot of Ruger #1's rebarreled by Jongmans, one in particular that I remember was a 223 Rem done on an International model, full wood. It had a full octagonal contoured barrel with integral front sight and sling swivel mount. And this was in the years before Ruger made 223's on a #1. It consistently shot groups around the 3/4" mark.
So getting back to the original post, Allan at PRL&G will be a good choice for a gunsmith.

David.

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Brithunter
.300 member


Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 184
Loc: Lincolnshire, England
Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: 450_Ackley]
      #173122 - 14/12/10 10:53 PM

Hmmmm I have not worked with this much since having the chamber cut but yes I do have a .303 Imp:-



As you can see. I asked for a .303 Epps and got this which is not an Epps and has a silly short neck. Was not amused by that. Anyway the rifle was re-chambered as it has a really tight chamber and it was causing me grief as it was impossible to re-size any cases to fit. Factory shot OK but reloads were a no-no. The rifle is a century Arms P-14 sporter which I believe they called the Centurion bu although they removed the ears they did so crudely and so far I have never found any scope mounts to fit and century refused to even answer my queries about it.

The rifle is sitting in the cabinet whilst I get on with other things but it's is on the list for a re-do. The rear bridge will be re-machined to accept commercially available mounts. The stock will be re-shaped to remove the horrid belly to the fore stock and iron sights fitted. I also acquired an adjustable match trigger for the P-14 which will require a bit of filing to fit but I may just do that.


That was it with an alloy cobbled up scope mount and the stock really does need improvment and removing of that horrid brown stain. Underneath is a very light beech no doubt.

As for forming brass may i suggest that if you can acquire some of the Greek HXP as it's excellent brass and gives a very good service life.

--------------------
Don't let the bastards grind you down!

Edited by CptCurl (14/12/10 11:51 PM)

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DarylS
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Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27006
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: Brithunter]
      #173130 - 15/12/10 02:37 AM

That is a very short neck - Gibb's style.

That case should be a marvelous improvement in ballistics, especially in the P-14 action.

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


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

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Brithunter
.300 member


Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 184
Loc: Lincolnshire, England
Re: Progress Report - 303.35 No1 Mk3 Lithgow [Re: DarylS]
      #173136 - 15/12/10 04:57 AM

Hmmm we shall see once I get the action sorted and sights fitted. I did fire form quite a few cases using some factory ammo. The barrel has 6 lands and grooves but seems measure 0.315" but the lands seem to measure 0.303" so not real testing on grouping has been done with it yet.

--------------------
Don't let the bastards grind you down!

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