Build Ideas for Enfield No 4 MkI*

[RPRNY]

A Longbranch 1942 No 4 MkI* that Bubba got at some years ago has come into my hands. While Bubba did a fair job this time, it has been sufficiently changed from its original state that, for me, it is not worth returning to its original state. Further, I have no great love for the 303 British. I know, blasphemy. But I am a big 30-40 fan, have several rifles thus chambered and see no need to restore a worn barreled No 4 MkI*. I'm sorry if Enfield lovers find that objectionable. I mean no disrespect.

So, I'm kind of thinking about building something with this. Something big, as in 375 Ruger, as it will work in a standard length action. Haven't really looked at cartridge dimensions yet.

Again, I mean no disrespect to the Enfield lovers, but I am looking for ideas on a large bore build for this rifle,

Thanks.

 

[Edarnold]

You have a serious problem with this action. The .303 has a maximum pressure of 49,000 psi, while the .375 Ruger runs 62,000 psi. Additionally, the base diameter of the Ruger round is substantially larger than the .303, meaning even more backthrust. The Number 4 action is marginal for the 7.62 NATO round: the Ruger round pushes the load on the action quite a bit farther. Maybe a .358 Winchester chambering would be a better choice.

 

[mrming]

Unless my reference materials are wrong, 303 brit is only good just under 53k psi.

375 ruger books out as 62k psi?

Enflied bolts are rear-locking. Meaning the body of the bolt actually carries the pressure. They fatigue over time differently than a front locking lug just due to the length (bowing of the bolt /stretch of the receiver). I seem to recall this was actually a documented problem on some runs during the regular service life time.

In short, this isn't a modern designed/steel high pressure action. I wouldn't put anything higher pressure or recoil impulse in it than the original 303 round. That said, its your rifle and face.

 

[AethelstanAegen]

+1 to everything they just said. You might consider selling it off and buying something that would work better for the purpose you have in mind and that won't potentially blow up in your face. It's a neat idea, but I just don't think it's feasible without some real risk.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have seen an ad for plans to convert an Enfield into a reasonable approximation of a Remington Lee sporting rifle. Feasible calibers other than .303 and .30-40* include .405 WCF and .375 Flanged Nitro Express. (NOT .375 H&H Magnum. The .375 Nitro is a straight case with about the same head diameter as .303 and only gets a 270 gr bullet to 2000 fps.)

*Chamber for .30-40 and call it a .30 Purdey.

Nice DIY if you are set up for some gunsmithing. But I would not pay a pro for that much work.

 

[RPRNY]

Fatal flaw in plan.

I had it in my head that these actions were proofed above 62,000 psi. That appears to not be the case......

Will have to take a look at some of the old-timey stuff. The 9.3x74r is SAAMI 49,000 psi. 50-70, 50-90 will be within pressure limits. However, might be better to move this along and find a Bubba'd Eddystone or P14.

Thanks for crushing my dreams and saving my life

 

[LAGS]

If you want a Big Bore Lee Enfield, then I would say look into the .444 marlin caliber.
But then the original LE's were sometimes made in the 45/70.
I want to rebarrel one to 7.62x54 but cant find a .310 barrel blank, or Russian MG barrel.
Yesterday I put on the final coat of Linseed Oil on my Long Branch LE 1943.
I had put a ATI plastic stock on it years ago, but decided to Un-Bubba it.
I have the Original stock with all the stampings intact and it is now refinished.
I kept all the other parts, so it will be back in original dress by next weekend.
My other is made in 1955 and is still Un-Fired.
So now the challange is to talk one of my friends into selling me one of their Bubba'ed rifles for my project

 

[carbineer]

Why not just set it up in 30/40?!?!?