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30-303 Sizing Die

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    Posted: December 15 2022 at 1:36pm
Hey guys,

I'll lead this off by saying that I'm allergic to .311" projectiles.

I spoke to Manson Reamers, and they have a print for a 30-303 chamber reamer that looks good.

I'd like to know how guys go about sizing their 30-303 cases. Manson said they do a custom reamer for the sizing die, but I'm hoping I could get away using something off the shelf.

Has anyone had success with a standard .303 sizing die? I was thinking I might be able to replace the .308 expander ball with a .311 and be good.

He said otherwise I might use a bushing die, but I was thinking I might even get away with a .308 Win die to size down the neck. I'm not sure if this would work though, as I think the .308's neck is thicker.

Thanks,

Lawndart
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 4:56pm
Have you looked at/ can you get the Hornady bullets for the M-N rifles?
They're 1/2 way between .30 & .303 in diameter?
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BJ72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 5:37pm
If you use a lee collet neck die, just swap the .311 mandrel out for a .308 mandrel. I've done the same to give more neck tension when loading Hornady 174g FMJ's which are only .3105" into 303 cases. Swapping the .311 expander ball for a .308 expanding ball in standard full length dies should achieve the desired outcome as well.
My idea of gun control is hitting what I aim at and nothing else.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 5:41pm
Originally posted by lawndart lawndart wrote:

Hey guys,

I'll lead this off by saying that I'm allergic to .311" projectiles.

Lawndart
In response to your lead off, I just have to ask this question lawndart. Why even own an Enfield rifle to begin with then? Makes no sense to come to a forum dedicated to the rifle that shoots a .311" projectile and start a thread stating that you are allergic to same said projectile? Instead of attempting to convert a 303 to any other caliber, it would probably be in your best interest to buy an Enfield already chambered in the caliber you desire. Cheaper that way actually after all the money you would have to invest in parts to get everything correctly fitted. If it is a 7.62x51mm chambered Enfield you desire, look for the 2A, 2A1, DCRA conversion, L39A1,  or L42A1. If you're lucky enough you might even find some chap in Australia wanting to let go of his Enfield chambered in 25-303...

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BJ72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 6:41pm
I can see the advantage of the increased range of projectiles that are available in .308, but as Goosic pointed out, the cost of converting/building the rifle these days kinda out ways the advantage. You’re also left with a rifle that’s not historically correct and which would be excluded from some competition shoots because it’s not in as issued condition. For any other use, hunting etc, there’s no reason not to do it other than the initial cost. As Goosic said, just go buy a rifle already chambered in what you want. It would be far less expensive. If you still want it to be a Lee Enfield, you’ll find conversions already done chambered in everything from the 22 Hornet upwards. It’s just a matter of looking around. Then there’s the original Lee Enfield’s like the Ishapore 2A/2A1 etc that were chambered in 7.62 NATO form the outset. These nothing wrong with a 303.25 either Goosic, very popular here in Aus, even now. Thumbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 7:09pm
I have heard all good things about the 25-303. I had the thought to have a custom barrel made chambered in 6mm303...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BJ72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 8:29pm
I find it interesting how in Australia we refer to it as a 303.25 yet everyone in your part of the world Goosic refers to the chambering as a 25-303. My neighbour has a 303.243. Sounds just like what you’re talking about. Lawndart. If for some reason you ever decide to go down the path of a different 303 wildcat, Simplex in Australia still make dies for most of them, 303.22, 303.243, 6mm Musgrave, 303.25, 303.270, 303 Epps etc. There’s a lot to pick from. As for me, I’ve always stuck with the good old 303 British but I have to admit I’ve come very close to picking up a 303.25 a couple of times. The 303 wildcat cartridges were all very common in Australia after the Second World War. Sporting rifles were hard to come by so people used what they had, lots of Surplus SMLE’s. Local gunsmiths converted 1000’s of them. The 303.25 was by far the most common in Australia though. I guess it suited the average Australian hunters/farmers needs the best. Don’t let me put you off you’re plan to build a 30.303 though. I can see some merit in your quest as far as bullet selection goes. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 8:47pm
BJ72. Can you recommend or point me in the right direction to someone in your neck of the woods that sells or makes No4 contoured barrels chambered for the 303-243
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BJ72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 9:15pm
Allan Swan Gunsmith will make you a barrel in pretty much any length and contour you desire. I don’t see 303.243 on their reamer list but that doesn’t mean they can’t get hold of one. I think the biggest issue would probably be import/export issues and cost. Most people here that get into the 303 wildcats just purchase a complete second hand rifle from days gone past. They do come up in surprisingly good condition still sometimes. There’s no harm in asking though. See if this link works for their web page. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2022 at 9:45pm
Thank you. I just emailed him...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lawndart Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 16 2022 at 6:59am
Originally posted by Shamu Shamu wrote:

Have you looked at/ can you get the Hornady bullets for the M-N rifles?
They're 1/2 way between .30 & .303 in diameter?

I have, but I'm trying to avoid having to stock another bullet SKU... Call me crazy!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lawndart Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 16 2022 at 7:00am
Originally posted by BJ72 BJ72 wrote:

If you use a lee collet neck die, just swap the .311 mandrel out for a .308 mandrel. I've done the same to give more neck tension when loading Hornady 174g FMJ's which are only .3105" into 303 cases. Swapping the .311 expander ball for a .308 expanding ball in standard full length dies should achieve the desired outcome as well. 

Awesome, thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lawndart Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 16 2022 at 7:36am
Originally posted by Goosic Goosic wrote:

Originally posted by lawndart lawndart wrote:

Hey guys,

I'll lead this off by saying that I'm allergic to .311" projectiles.

Lawndart
In response to your lead off, I just have to ask this question lawndart. Why even own an Enfield rifle to begin with then? Makes no sense to come to a forum dedicated to the rifle that shoots a .311" projectile and start a thread stating that you are allergic to same said projectile? Instead of attempting to convert a 303 to any other caliber, it would probably be in your best interest to buy an Enfield already chambered in the caliber you desire. Cheaper that way actually after all the money you would have to invest in parts to get everything correctly fitted. If it is a 7.62x51mm chambered Enfield you desire, look for the 2A, 2A1, DCRA conversion, L39A1,  or L42A1. If you're lucky enough you might even find some chap in Australia wanting to let go of his Enfield chambered in 25-303...


Simple, I like the unique action, love the sights, appreciate the aesthetics, and want a new project for a couple sporters that don't excite me. I'd like to turn them into rifles I love and shoot often.

I'll never get rid of my original No.4 T over its .311 barrel, but I also don't intend to shoot it much, so it's not an issue.

If I could find a great price on a DCRA conversion, L39, or L42, I'd jump all over it. But I don't think I'll find that at a reasonable price in today's market.

I'm still looking for a DCRA or L39/L42 barrel, but they're not common. If I can find one, great. If not, I'm pushing Criterion to make me a No.4 barrel with a .308 bore that I can chamber myself. In the meantime, I'll use play around with the 2A1 barrel I have kicking around.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lawndart Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 16 2022 at 8:00am
Originally posted by BJ72 BJ72 wrote:

I can see the advantage of the increased range of projectiles that are available in .308, but as Goosic pointed out, the cost of converting/building the rifle these days kinda out ways the advantage. You’re also left with a rifle that’s not historically correct and which would be excluded from some competition shoots because it’s not in as issued condition. For any other use, hunting etc, there’s no reason not to do it other than the initial cost. As Goosic said, just go buy a rifle already chambered in what you want. It would be far less expensive. If you still want it to be a Lee Enfield, you’ll find conversions already done chambered in everything from the 22 Hornet upwards. It’s just a matter of looking around. Then there’s the original Lee Enfield’s like the Ishapore 2A/2A1 etc that were chambered in 7.62 NATO form the outset. These nothing wrong with a 303.25 either Goosic, very popular here in Aus, even now. Thumbs Up

Yeah, I don't disagree that this isn't the smartest decision financially.

I mostly shoot my Swedish Mauser, Ljungman, 03A3, and one of my Garands at matches. I could definitely get away with a No.4 in 30-303 at my local matches. An L42 with the scope removed would work as well, though I'm not sure if I'm man enough to shoot it offhand with that heavy barrel.

At any rate, I love wrenching on Garands, Mausers, etc, and have built proper Ljungmans on Hakim receivers. I really want to get to at least an amateur level of proficiency on a lathe, and see these projects as learning opportunities.

Keep in mind I don't butcher historical rifles. I just want to take chopped-up sporters and make cool, unique rifles that I love taking to the range out of them.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 19 2022 at 8:17am
Originally posted by BJ72 BJ72 wrote:

Allan Swan Gunsmith will make you a barrel in pretty much any length and contour you desire. I don’t see 303.243 on their reamer list but that doesn’t mean they can’t get hold of one. I think the biggest issue would probably be import/export issues and cost. Most people here that get into the 303 wildcats just purchase a complete second hand rifle from days gone past. They do come up in surprisingly good condition still sometimes. There’s no harm in asking though. See if this link works for their web page. 

BJ72: Allan is making a No4Mk1 contoured barrel chambered for .243W for me. Lead Time is 12 weeks. He said the only thing I will have to do is to cut the extractor slot. Shipping cost is a tad expensive but what the heII, I will have a No4Mk2 that shoots .243W ammunition...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lawndart Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 19 2022 at 9:09am
Originally posted by Goosic Goosic wrote:

Originally posted by BJ72 BJ72 wrote:

Allan Swan Gunsmith will make you a barrel in pretty much any length and contour you desire. I don’t see 303.243 on their reamer list but that doesn’t mean they can’t get hold of one. I think the biggest issue would probably be import/export issues and cost. Most people here that get into the 303 wildcats just purchase a complete second hand rifle from days gone past. They do come up in surprisingly good condition still sometimes. There’s no harm in asking though. See if this link works for their web page. 

BJ72: Allan is making a No4Mk1 contoured barrel chambered for .243W for me. Lead Time is 12 weeks. He said the only thing I will have to do is to cut the extractor slot. Shipping cost is a tad expensive but what the heII, I will have a No4Mk2 that shoots .243W ammunition...

If you don't mind sharing, could you please let us know what the total cost is with shipping? After seeing how much lighter the 2A contour is, I'm thinking about going with a No.4 or target contour.

Lawndart
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