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Thanks for that Yukoner, I had forgotten about the 7x57R. I don't recall ever seeing them on the shelves.

303Guy

That's why I reload for it. Best part of all is you can use standard dies to form the brass.

I take the 444 brass down to 35 first using 358 Win dies, then to 30 using 308 and finally full length in my 7X57 and I'm in business. Imperial sizing die wax makes this go easy.

Use the 444 brass to make 8X57R for my friend's drilling, as well. That is something else you could consider, the 8X57R, but it is hardly worth the expense when the 303 is so close to it.

Ted

Yukoner, I never knew one could do that, I mean use a series of standard dies to create a cartridge. Great idea! Does that mean the 7x57R has the same case dimensions as the 7x57 or are you slightly wildcatting? I checked on the 'net and found that the 7x57R is different than the 7x57 - according to that source! The concept you describe is very appealing to me. Any Idea what would make 6.5x57 cases? I would be very happy if I could make 6.5-303 cases. I would lathe turn a chamber for that one. Mind you, I could lathe turn a sizer die as well! There's a thought.

I use the standard 7X57 and 8X57 die sets for both the 7X57R and 8X57R.

Once you have the cases formed, the trick is to size the brass just enough so the bolt just closes easily on the case. Not quite a crush fit.

Never had a problem doing it this way.

Ted

I just found these in my gun room. New manuafacture, Canadian Made, 303 British. Almost brings a tear to my eye!

"What can be made from one of these actions?"

I have a #4 that I've been shooting for 15 years that has taught me that I like the 303 cartridge better than the #4 rifle. Instead of a new cartridge for this action, I thought it would be neat if Ruger made a #1 in 303 British.

That would be classic!

You know Youper, that cartridge really is 'beautiful'. I have seen some reworked #4's and they really can be made to look good. I just like the smoothness and simplicity of the action and importanty, the operation. As clumsy as that cocking on closing is, it makes for very safe field carry with a cartridge chambered and the bolt open. I have thought as far as fitting a detent or such to stop the bolt from sliding back on its own (and dropping the cartridge). My next rifle is going to be built on a mk1 or a #4. An advantage of making 7x57R as I see it is that the newly formed case is already firm in the chamber.

Rattler,
I think you ought to keep the 7 rounder, looks fine and imagine easier to carry to boot.

never said i was getting rid of it.....just said i would like to pick up a 10

I've been toying with the idea of a 405. They fit and feed through the magazine and action.

a 405 would be slick.....is the rim the same as the 303.....if not what would it take to change it?

The rims appear identical but if not they are so close it doesn't make any difference. the barrel on mine is so thin I doubt it could be rebored so would need a new barrel. Otherwise should need little, if any, additional work.

dang it......i dont need anymore ideas for projects

303 rim -- .540
405 rim -- .543

both factory 303 military ammo and Hornady 405 ammo fit and feed well through my old SMLE. which has replaced the Rigby in my outhouse.

A lightweight, slick operating bolt rifle in 405 should be just the ticket for deep cover whitetail, elk, moose or big bears.

I would suggest the best rifle to use as a donor for the action wuld be the postwar No. 4 Mark 2 because the trigger hangs from the action instead of being pinned in the stock like the earlier guns. Problem is that there were not too many made, they were not in service long enough to get beat up, and the military collectors snaffle them so prices are now pretty stiff.

Phil........does it feed well with a full mag given the slant of the box for the tapered 303 rounds? was thinking last night that the Gibbs Rifle company had issues when trying to release their 45-70 chambered Summit Carbine a few years back with the feeding of the rounds out of the magazine reliably......took them longer than expected to work out th e problem though they did get it right im told..does the skinnier 405 round look like it simplifies this problem?

303 Guy:
6.5 Epps info is in " The Handloaders Manual of Cartridge Conversions" by John J. Donnelly. Page 788
Also in P.O. Ackley's book Vol II page 157
If you don't have these books send me a PM w/ a fax # and I will try to get them to ya this weekend.

The 405 looks like fun!!

Second that!

I'll come in third on that suggestion.

GTC