No. 4 Mark I splits cases

[Joe Boleo]

I picked up a mint No. 4 Mark I .303 Enfield from WWII at a gun shop and took it to the range. The first reloads were S&B cases with 150 grain .311 bullets and moderate charge of IMR 4895. Accuracy was great and two of the S&B cases had complete head separations. I am sure glad the Enfield is gas proof. I had no idea of the case separation until I worked the bolt. The rim came out and the case body was still in the chamber. I used a loaded round to go inside the case and extract the case from the chamber. Eight more S&B cases worked fine. The tenth S&B case separated and I removed it. The reloads were loaded once or twice and were neck sized only.

I ran some reloads with Federal cases and everything was fine. I intend to replace the number 1 bolt head with a number 2 and see what happens. At this point I do not know whether it is a gun problem or an ammo problem. That was my experience at the last range session. Take care...
Joe

[wrenchman]

buy factory rounds and run them threw first

[buckhunter]

Either factory rounds or buy new brass. That way you can have confidence that its the gun and not the brass.

[Gil Martin]

British Enfields tend to stretch cases. I neck size only and go to a high number bolt head as needed. Sometimes it works. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Joe,

Your problem IS: the reloads WERE NOT SHOT PREVIOUSLY IN that new #4. I have many .303 rifles in various Marks and ALL are different. In my reloading die box is a list of "-1/4 turn, -1/2 turn and one is -1.5 turns " on the resizing die.

When I acquire a new .303, I load NEW .303 cases with a mild charge of Unique powder and a cast bullet to gently Fire Form the cases for THAT rifle. At the bench, I set the sizing die to get just a slight "crunch fit" and I get 10 or 12 reloads with identified .303 brass before the primer pockets get too loose.

Hope this helps. If you find a source of #4 bolt heads, please post it here.

Adam

[Joe Boleo]

I did a web search and Sarco lists #1 and #2, but appears to be out of stock. Springfield Sporters list #0 and #1. I need a #2, so it looks like the well is dry right now. Take care...
Joe

[Adam Helmer]

Joe,

Good job on the bolt head search. Meanwhile, carefully fire form brass for that #4. When I reload, each rifle is at the reloading bench so I can set the resizing die SPECIFICALLY for that arm and the reloads have a packing slip for EACH rifle. DO NOT run reloads for other rifles through a different rifle.

As for "gas proof" or whatever, the #4 is not a front runner compared to the 98 Mauser in the gas business. ALWAYS wear shooting/Safety glasses when shooting ANY rifle.

Adam

[Joe Boleo]

I always wear ear and eye protection when shooting any firearm. Our club requires it and I believe in it. Take care...
Joe