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Posted: 3/13/2024 9:15:46 AM EDT
Using your Lee Enfield .303 rifle as a pistol calibre carbine


He uses his 300 yd setting for 50m.
Link Posted: 3/13/2024 9:53:56 AM EDT
[#1]
The nominal diameter of 32 ACP is .3125 which is a hair larger than the .311 for .303, but to my knowledge it is not an issue.  I think one can do the same with a 7.62x51 Ishapore Enfield as well (with the correct chamber adaptor, obviously)


.303 is .311 diameter


Link Posted: 3/13/2024 10:01:33 AM EDT
[#2]
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Originally Posted By GonvilleBromhead:
The nominal diameter of 32 ACP is .3125 which is a hair larger than the .311 for .303, but to my knowledge it is not an issue.  I think one can do the same with a 7.62x51 Ishapore Enfield as well (with the correct chamber adaptor, obviously)


.303 is .311 diameter


View Quote

Guessing it won't work for a .308 Garand or M1a?

Or it will, but single shot only?
Link Posted: 3/13/2024 10:34:01 AM EDT
[#3]
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Originally Posted By NotIssued:


Guessing it won't work for a .308 Garand or M1a?

Or it will, but single shot only?
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Originally Posted By NotIssued:
Originally Posted By GonvilleBromhead:  The nominal diameter of 32 ACP is .3125 which is a hair larger than the .311 for .303, but to my knowledge it is not an issue.  I think one can do the same with a 7.62x51 Ishapore Enfield as well (with the correct chamber adaptor, obviously)

.303 is .311 diameter


Guessing it won't work for a .308 Garand or M1a?

Or it will, but single shot only?


Folks have been running .32 ACP through chamber adapters in .30" rifles for years.  Won't run a semi-auto, but you can feed from a magazine.

.327 Magnum could be fun.
Link Posted: 3/13/2024 2:18:56 PM EDT
[#4]
Link Posted: 3/13/2024 3:59:10 PM EDT
[#5]
Not sure but I think the early '303's had a different bore diameter than the later ones.
Link Posted: 3/13/2024 5:17:27 PM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


Folks have been running .32 ACP through chamber adapters in .30" rifles for years.  Won't run a semi-auto, but you can feed from a magazine.

.327 Magnum could be fun.
View Quote

Probably,  but not much cheaper!

Thanks.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 4:01:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Wonder if I could get a adapter made for 30 SC since I started buying out the clearanced stuff arounnd here.
Link Posted: 5/12/2024 11:07:35 PM EDT
[#8]
I have some by a company called Ptarmigan.

I think they have been defunct for decades.
Link Posted: 5/17/2024 7:51:36 PM EDT
[#9]
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Originally Posted By MarkHatfield:
Not sure but I think the early '303's had a different bore diameter than the later ones.
View Quote



Production tolerances were crap on many of these war guns.   .311 to .319 could be found in Enfields.   Iirc most fell in the .311-315 range.  
Link Posted: 7/16/2024 6:19:07 PM EDT
[#10]
Went searching for a .303 to 32acp adaptor and come up with nothing.  Any Ideas where to find one?
Link Posted: 7/17/2024 9:35:50 AM EDT
[#11]
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Originally Posted By BlitzPig:
Went searching for a .303 to 32acp adaptor and come up with nothing.  Any Ideas where to find one?
View Quote

www.shootersbox.com has what you want.
Gary
Link Posted: 7/17/2024 9:51:57 AM EDT
[Last Edit: fsjdw2] [#12]
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Originally Posted By NotIssued:

Guessing it won't work for a .308 Garand or M1a?

Or it will, but single shot only?
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By NotIssued:
Originally Posted By GonvilleBromhead:
The nominal diameter of 32 ACP is .3125 which is a hair larger than the .311 for .303, but to my knowledge it is not an issue.  I think one can do the same with a 7.62x51 Ishapore Enfield as well (with the correct chamber adaptor, obviously)


.303 is .311 diameter



Guessing it won't work for a .308 Garand or M1a?

Or it will, but single shot only?


I have one for my bolt action .30-06 (remington 700, ADL). It is fun, but WILDLY useless. It is quieter than a .22, it goes "ploop" though, not "bang" or "Crack" but  "ploop" the bullets are coming out going like 300-500 FPS (*guess because i can see them go down range and they are rainbowing badly)  at 50 yards they are minute of backer like I MIGHT hit the whole backer somewhere, not sure where though. At 25 yards i can usually keep them in a paper plate they are WILDLY unstable, and combined with the slow speed they are really not "accurate" or "precise" in any stretch of the imagination. The impact of the .32's on the target left much to be desired as well. due to the tumbling, and low speed not all of them would penetrate the target(paper), older targets(3-4), and cardboard. some actually bounced off and fell to the ground in front of the target. it was pretty neat to see an intact projectile . I THINK the powder charge was small enough that it was having problems overcoming the drag from rifling down the barrel and the pathetic FPS was as a result. I haven't used it since then though

Link Posted: 7/17/2024 10:12:18 AM EDT
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By fsjdw2:


I have one for my bolt action .30-06 (remington 700, ADL). It is fun, but WILDLY useless. It is quieter than a .22, it goes "ploop" though, not "bang" or "Crack" but  "ploop" the bullets are coming out going like 300-500 FPS (*guess because i can see them go down range and they are rainbowing badly)  at 50 yards they are minute of backer like I MIGHT hit the whole backer somewhere, not sure where though. At 25 yards i can usually keep them in a paper plate they are WILDLY unstable, and combined with the slow speed they are really not "accurate" or "precise" in any stretch of the imagination. The impact of the .32's on the target left much to be desired as well. due to the tumbling, and low speed not all of them would penetrate the target(paper), older targets(3-4), and cardboard. some actually bounced off and fell to the ground in front of the target. it was pretty neat to see an intact projectile . I THINK the powder charge was small enough that it was having problems overcoming the drag from rifling down the barrel and the pathetic FPS was as a result. I haven't used it since then though
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Originally Posted By fsjdw2:
Originally Posted By NotIssued:
Originally Posted By GonvilleBromhead:  The nominal diameter of 32 ACP is .3125 which is a hair larger than the .311 for .303, but to my knowledge it is not an issue.  I think one can do the same with a 7.62x51 Ishapore Enfield as well (with the correct chamber adaptor, obviously)

.303 is .311 diameter


Guessing it won't work for a .308 Garand or M1a?

Or it will, but single shot only?


I have one for my bolt action .30-06 (remington 700, ADL). It is fun, but WILDLY useless. It is quieter than a .22, it goes "ploop" though, not "bang" or "Crack" but  "ploop" the bullets are coming out going like 300-500 FPS (*guess because i can see them go down range and they are rainbowing badly)  at 50 yards they are minute of backer like I MIGHT hit the whole backer somewhere, not sure where though. At 25 yards i can usually keep them in a paper plate they are WILDLY unstable, and combined with the slow speed they are really not "accurate" or "precise" in any stretch of the imagination. The impact of the .32's on the target left much to be desired as well. due to the tumbling, and low speed not all of them would penetrate the target(paper), older targets(3-4), and cardboard. some actually bounced off and fell to the ground in front of the target. it was pretty neat to see an intact projectile . I THINK the powder charge was small enough that it was having problems overcoming the drag from rifling down the barrel and the pathetic FPS was as a result. I haven't used it since then though


Well, that explains why they never became popular.
Link Posted: 7/17/2024 11:35:58 AM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By jack_pine_savage:

www.shootersbox.com has what you want.
Gary
View Quote



Thanks for the heads up.  Shown currently as out of stock, but I filled out the form for the waiting list.  Probably need to have enough requests to justify running a batch of them.
Link Posted: 7/18/2024 6:11:44 PM EDT
[#15]
I have one in 7.62x25 tok and 32acp  I got them from Sportsmans guide maybe 15 years ago.

I also have one in 7.62x54R

They work and are kind of fun for slow shooting.

Back in them days 7.62 tok ammo was cheaper - not anymore.  32acp isn't that cheap today either.

A few companies used to make these inserts for a variety of calibers - either for small game use in a deer rifle cartridge or rare calibers

I wished I had one for 30-40 Krag
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 8:47:43 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Combat_Diver] [#16]
I bought a Lee .314 90 gr SWC 2 cav mold for my MLE (Afghan pre 1898 bring back).  Intend to make galley loads for it.  Haven't done that yet but loaded those bullets in .32 S&W Long cases for my Ruger .32 H&R Mag Single Six
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 9:57:38 AM EDT
[#17]
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Originally Posted By backbencher:


Well, that explains why they never became popular.
View Quote
Yup.

Most folks would be better served by getting a Lee Loader for a particular caliber, esp. if you want to shoot your .303.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 10:08:50 AM EDT
[#18]
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:  I bought a Lee .314 90 gr SWC 2 cav mold for my MLE (Afghan pre 1898 bring back).  Intend to make galley loads for it.  Haven't done that yet but loaded those bullets in .32 S&W Long cases for my Ruger .32 H&R Mag Single Six
View Quote


Pics of Long Lee?  I was very excited in the Customs' class when I learned we could bring back legal pre-99 antiques - but we were going to Kuwait, not Afghanistan in 13.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 10:21:22 AM EDT
[#19]
I found it  more accurate and cheaper just to load cast .32 bullets in .303 Brit cases over  a very small amount of Red Dot.  The heavier bullets such as for the H&R work quite well.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 10:26:26 AM EDT
[#20]
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Originally Posted By backbencher:


Pics of Long Lee?  I was very excited in the Customs' class when I learned we could bring back legal pre-99 antiques - but we were going to Kuwait, not Afghanistan in 13.
View Quote

Attachment Attached File

Attachment Attached File

Attachment Attached File

Attachment Attached File
Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 10:34:27 AM EDT
[#21]
Very cool man.  I've wondered how many "antique" SMLEs made it home, having being restamped 1898 by the Afghans.  And how many pot metal Mausers & others came home w/ "1898" stamped on em.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 10:40:18 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Combat_Diver] [#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Very cool man.  I've wondered how many "antique" SMLEs made it home, having being restamped 1898 by the Afghans.  And how many pot metal Mausers & others came home w/ "1898" stamped on em.
View Quote

Customs wouldn't let a pre 98' 1895 Mauser thru as ammo available.  There's a clause for .303 since it was introduced as a blackpowder cartridge.  My Martini Henry Mk IV was in .303 (incomplete wall hanger)
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 11:10:13 AM EDT
[Last Edit: BlitzPig] [#23]
I want the chamber adaptor specifically for my Martini Enfield.  Might also try it in my Long Lee as well.

Question about the .303 Martini, as long as we are on the subject.  Is it safe to use standard .303 ball in it?  I used to have a Martini garrison carbine in .303 that I shot a few times with standard Greek 303 ball.  Brutal recoil, but fun.

And before someone suggests it, I am not a reloader as space, time, and inclination do not permit it.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 11:19:40 AM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By BlitzPig:
I want the chamber adaptor specifically for my Martini Enfield.  Might also try it in my Long Lee as well.

Question about the .303 Martini, as long as we are on the subject.  Is it safe to use standard .303 ball in it?  I used to have a Martini garrison carbine in .303 that I shot a few times with standard Greek 303 ball.  Brutal recoil, but fun.

And before someone suggests it, I am not a reloader as space, time, and inclination do not permit it.
View Quote

I can't answer the Martini question but a reloading set can be in a shoebox.  You maybe able to find a reloader near you that can make you some galley loads if you supply some of the components ie brass, powder, bullets etc.  This way you a have  apart of the reloading operation and they are not manufacturing ammo without a Ammo FFL
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 11:23:06 AM EDT
[#25]
How do you put a reloading press in a shoebox?  I was alsways under the impression you needed a large stout workbench to do it?
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 12:02:16 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:

Customs wouldn't let a pre 98' 1895 Mauser thru as ammo available.  There's a clause for .303 since it was introduced as a blackpowder cartridge.  My Martini Henry Mk IV was in .303 (incomplete wall hanger)
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Very cool man.  I've wondered how many "antique" SMLEs made it home, having being restamped 1898 by the Afghans.  And how many pot metal Mausers & others came home w/ "1898" stamped on em.

Customs wouldn't let a pre 98' 1895 Mauser thru as ammo available.  There's a clause for .303 since it was introduced as a blackpowder cartridge.  My Martini Henry Mk IV was in .303 (incomplete wall hanger)




Ammo being available does not negate antique status.  We took the ersatz custom agent's class with the whole procedure documented and there was no mention of ammo classification.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 3:15:54 PM EDT
[#27]
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Originally Posted By backbencher:




Ammo being available does not negate antique status.  We took the ersatz custom agent's class with the whole procedure documented and there was no mention of ammo classification.
View Quote

Tell that to customs in Afghanistan at the time
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 3:21:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Combat_Diver] [#28]
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Originally Posted By BlitzPig:
How do you put a reloading press in a shoebox?  I was alsways under the impression you needed a large stout workbench to do it?
View Quote

https://leeprecision.com/lee-loader-303-british

Lee Classic loader under $50.  Needs rubber mallet or wooden club (2"x2" hardwood works well), case lube, powder, primers, bullets and cases.  I used to do 50 rds an hours in the barrack knocking out .41 Mag.  Store everything in a shoebox (course depends on volume of expendables you buy)
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 7:25:07 PM EDT
[#29]
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:

https://leeprecision.com/lee-loader-303-british

Lee Classic loader under $50.  Needs rubber mallet or wooden club (2"x2" hardwood works well), case lube, powder, primers, bullets and cases.  I used to do 50 rds an hours in the barrack knocking out .41 Mag.  Store everything in a shoebox (course depends on volume of expendables you buy)
View Quote


An old guy (at the time he was old to me) introduced me to the Lee HandLoader many years ago.  I have them in 303 Brit, 30-06, 7.62x54r, 7x57 and 45-70.  Work great for the old mil surps and you can
reload in a hunting camp or at the range too.  Cheap and easy.
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 7:29:15 PM EDT
[#30]
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Originally Posted By ARMALITE-FAN:
Wonder if I could get a adapter made for 30 SC since I started buying out the clearanced stuff arounnd here.
View Quote


"Clearenced stuff"???  But 30 SuperCarry is THE HOT NEW Defense Round!! ...

Bigger_Hammer
Link Posted: 7/19/2024 11:01:52 PM EDT
[#31]
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:


Tell that to customs in Afghanistan at the time
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver:
Originally Posted By backbencher:


Ammo being available does not negate antique status.  We took the ersatz custom agent's class with the whole procedure documented and there was no mention of ammo classification.


Tell that to customs in Afghanistan at the time


Ah.  Wasn't being taught in 2013.  Some over zealous stick up his ass.
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