[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

I have many .303 rifles and some are better than others; apparently due to wide bore and chamber variations due to the rushed war efforts of WWI and WWII.

Gil is correct, one may be able to locate a No.4 or No. 5 replacement bolt head that tightens up long headspace. Bolt heads are numbered "0", 1, 2, 3, and 4. I disagree with Gil about Enfields made in India. Many MkIII* .303 rifles were made post WWII and then came the .308 MkIII and 2A1 Jungle Carbine .308 arms that really are well made arms. Most are in far better condition than WWII rifles.

I reload jacketed and cast bullets for my Enfields and have not had a head separation since I backed off the resizing die so there is a slight "crunch" fit in each individual rifle. I load ammo specifically for individual arms and label the boxes. After 7 or 8 jacketed loadings, I use the cases for cast loads as I do with other high power rifle cases.

I recommend the .303 or .308 Enfields (including those made in India) for hogs, deer and bear. The limiting factor will be the iron sights. I think hits to 200 and 300 yards are reasonable expectations predicated on shooter skill.

Adam