Tightening up loose headspace - Enfied No.1 MKIII

[goon]

I have an old SMLE No.1 MK III in the family. It has always been an accurate and reliable rifle but the headspace seems quite loose on it. I've only ever gotten two reloads from the brass, usually only one before signs of case head separation start to show.
So I'd like to try getting a set of headspace gauges and another bolt head and fixing it.
I know how headspace adjustment works for the No. 4 but how do I go about it for the No.1 ?
And where can I find a knowledgable guy to buy some parts from?

Thanks

 

[jwr_747]

there are no "different size heads" for the MK III.all the heads are pretty much the same size.all you can do is mic your head and find a supply of heads and start checking them till you find one that is several thousands thicker.or mic your head and do a "wanted" thread for one that is thicker. jwr

 

[rcmodel]

The simplest solution would be to back off your sizing die and set headspace off the case shoulder instead of the rim.

You can't do anything about the first firing, but after that, your reloads won't have excess headspace.

(unless you fire-form new brass by long-seating bullets to contact the rifling)

rcmodel

 

[gb6491]

Try Scott Stonehill:
http://www.customscrewsandmore.com/default.html

Some info:
http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirear...headspace-with-cannalure-near-rim.html?page=1

Regards,
Greg

 

[goon]

Thanks. I knew that headspace on the No.1 MKIII wasn't as easily adjusted as it is with a No.4 but I wasn't even sure where to start.
I'll measure the bolt head and see if I can't use that as a starting point to at least figure out what I'm looking for.
As for backing off the die, I have a die that only sizes the neck so the shoulder doesn't get set back at all. I still only get one or two loadings at most - it's just that loose.
I'll do some research and see what can be done.

 

[darkwing]

Not only can 303 chambers be long they can be real fat.The best thing to do is cut one thread off the barrel and rechamber it to min specs.

 

[ranger335v]

"The simplest solution would be to back off your sizing die and set headspace off the case shoulder instead of the rim."

RC has it right. As reloaders, a slight headspace problem is ONLY a problem if we make it so. We do that by sizing the brass more than necessary.

The rear locking Lee rifles are "stretchy" by nature but if you adjust your FL sizer as he suggests, that is until you can close the bolt with just a hint of resistance, your brass will last as long as it would if the headspace were tight.

Otherwise, it's an expensive trip to a gunsmith for setting the barrel back or worse, a new barrel.

 

[krs]

On the other hand, backing the barrel up and recutting the chamber further into the barrel caan often clean up the eroded throat and make for a more accurate rifle. Do the crown at the same time and you're a tactical sniper!

 

[jwr_747]

but if you do set the barrel back,you have made a FrankenEnfield.whoever heard of an Enfield that didn't have a sloppy chamber.matter of fact,that may be the last sign of the " end of times" a tight Enfield chamber.I think ole Indy Jones himself once searched for just such a weapon. jwr

 

[Sunray]

"...there are no "different size heads"..." Yes there are. They're just not numbered like a No. 4 bolt head. You have to have a handful of 'em to try with proper guages until you find one that gives good headspace.
Mucking about with the cases does not fix bad headspace. The cartridge has nothing to do with headspace. It's a rifle manufacturing tolerance only.
Have you had the headspace checked?

 

[goon]

I've never had the headspace checked but I guess it's a good idea.

As for adjusting the die, again, I only neck size because the only .303 sizing die I own is an RCBS neck sizing die. It doesn't touch the shoulder. The only time I ever full length size is if I get some free brass from someone - then I borrow my brother's FL .303 die for the first sizing.

The way it works with this .303 is this:
1. Fire a round of factory loaded .303 ammunition
2. resize the case wit my neck sizing die, reload it, and fire it
3. discard the case before the ring around the case head becomes a separation that would cause me much cursing and swearing.

As for setting the barrel back, that's not likely. The gun is only worth about $100 as it is.