.308 Enfields

[Aaryq]

Howdy, folks.
I'm looking at .308 Enfields but I don't know about how they perform. Can someone tell me about them? How do they compare to standard .303 Enfields? Inform me please.

 

[Slamfire]

I have a L39A1, a British No4 Mk II converted to 308. Also have one of those Ishapore Lee Enfields in 308.

The Lee Enfield action is at its best in 303 Brit. The feed, extraction, and ejection is very positive and reliable in 303 Brit.

I have to download my target loads in the L39A1, that is a 168 SMK at 2400 fps. My normal load of a 168 SMK at 2550-2600 fps will spring the bolt. And it does not feed reliablity, even with the very expensive stirling 308 magazine.

While the Isaphore was made in 308, the feed is not as reliable as my 303 rifles. I have had bolt overrides and cartridges have jumbled when stripper clip fed. The workmanship of the Isaphore is inferior to the average British made 303. The accuracy is adequate, something like 4 MOA at 100 yards, for a service rifle.

The most fun 303 is the No 5 Jungle Carbine. That is one of the few military surplus rifles that makes a decent hunting rifle, without any modification.

The 303 cartridge, pushing a 174 bullet at 2500 fps is plenty adequate, millions of unhappy Germans can attest to that, vastly more powerful than the .223, almost as good as a fully loaded 308. And works better in the Lee Enfield.

Why change?

 

[MAKster]

There are 303 Enfields that were converted to 7.62x51 NATO, but the ones that were built originally to use 7.62x51 NATO are from India. They're called Ishapore 2A/2A1. They're based on the SMLE Mk III. Production began in the 1960s. They are considered the last general issue military bolt action. They are solid as far as surplus rifles go, but they need serious clean up. The stocks are coated in cosmoline and the metal is covered with what appears to be black paint.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

Ishapore .308

I have an Ishapore that was built as a 7.62 (.308 Win.) in 1956 by the Indian Arsenal at (where else) Ishapore. It will hold 3 - 4 MOA with Lithuanian surplus NATO ammo. Stripped of the cosmoline and the stoving (black paint, the original finish) it is a handsome example of the SMLE. The bolt will override cartiges in the magazine, if it is worked slowly and gently. Worked hard and fast, it feeds very reliably and feels almost Krag-slick. It makes a great addition to a C&R collection. True, it's not a Brit. .303, but it is a great example of, probably, the last bolt action battle rifle.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/Detachment_Charlie/NewSMLE022Lo.jpg

 

[JHansenAK47]

the metal is covered with what appears to be black paint.

More like layered on. That black paint is on there pretty thick.

The bolt will override cartiges in the magazine, if it is worked slowly and gently. Worked hard and fast, it feeds very reliably and feels almost Krag-slick.

I never have any problems with mine, but if you work it slow it will override.