The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

PetahW · August 22, 2013, 05:17 PM

.

Keep in mind that US-made .303 brass has a thinner rim than British-made, and may in & of itself cause a headspace issue.

You didn't specify exactly what "Enfield" you have, but Lee-Enfields are set up for 4 to 6 different sized boltheads, depending upon the model, to correct excessive headspace.

I would suggest you check your Enfield's headspace with a Forster Field Gauge.
The problem is that the gauge is 0.070".
AFAIK, the British used 0.074" as the maximum headspace for the .303.
So, even if the SAMMI gauge calls it no-good, it may still actually be OK.

Some places LE boltheads may be found F/S are:

http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/leeenfield.aspx

http://www.valmontfirearms.co.uk/Leeenfield.html

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...ield-33496.htm

.

August 22, 2013, 05:17 PM	#7
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	. Keep in mind that US-made .303 brass has a thinner rim than British-made, and may in & of itself cause a headspace issue. You didn't specify exactly what "Enfield" you have, but Lee-Enfields are set up for 4 to 6 different sized boltheads, depending upon the model, to correct excessive headspace. I would suggest you check your Enfield's headspace with a Forster Field Gauge. The problem is that the gauge is 0.070". AFAIK, the British used 0.074" as the maximum headspace for the .303. So, even if the SAMMI gauge calls it no-good, it may still actually be OK. Some places LE boltheads may be found F/S are: http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/leeenfield.aspx http://www.valmontfirearms.co.uk/Leeenfield.html http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...ield-33496.htm .