Enfield No4 .303-25 project

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v8fazz

Active Member
Hi everyone.

This will be my .303-25 project thread, although it will be off to a very slow start as I don't even have the project rifle as yet but keeping an eye out as we speak.

As another option there is also a Mauser 98 in 303-25 available. It would cost a fair bit more than a cheapish sporterised No4 initially, but I'm sure it would work out cheaper in the long run, even with a new barrel for good measure. In saying that - it looks to be a nice rifle and its no doubt the stronger action, however it just doesn't have the same appeal to me as the No4 does so I'm still 99% leaning towards the Enfield.

Thoughts on No4 vs Mauser?

Any tips for putting together an accurate .303-25 rifle?

Peoples experience with the .303-25 caliber / reloading etc?

Cheers,
Dave.
 
As I understand it, the .303-25 was brought into being in Australia and used predominantly in the middle of the last century, partly to get around historic legislation that prohibited military calibres and partly the need for a cartridge that could be better used for smaller game than a .303. Of course there is a great deal more in the way of choice for small/medium game today.

Which brings me to my question: Why do you want to do this? If I recall correctly, No4s were in any case not manufactured in Australia, although I guess a good few will have ended up there. But there again, neither were Mausers.

As far as the Mauser goes, some will have you believe that it was the best military bolt action rifle ever made. But I suspect that there might well be more that would give that accolade to the No4. (Indeed there would in any case be one or two other candidates). But really, both were good rifles and so you could do worse than use either of them.
 
I do agree there are plenty of capable cartridges in similar size calibers these days that are readily available and at least equal to or better than the .303-25 for small / medium game. The .303-25 hasn't been commercially available for a long time so its handloads only (except for 1 or 2 smaller companies who produce hard to find / no longer available ammo but you pay a price)

That said I do enjoy the old military rifles, including my 2 x K31's and my No5 Jungle Carbine so its more of a passion / hobby rather than doing it because its practical.

As good as the Mauser was supposed to be, I do recall reading a few articles that gave first prize to the No4 due to the 10 round detachable magazine. Even though the Mauser was more accurate, the Enfield was deemed the better "battle rifle" due to 10 round capacity and quicker cycling / reloading.
 
I've fired away most of my stock of factory ammo which was 87gr but still have a box of 100gr left to get rid of. I have been loading the Speer .25 Hot-Cor 87gr because they were cheap. Amazingly they work very well for accuracy and are consistent. The factory ammo here was made by Super. Not available any more.
Grant.
 

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v8fazz said:
I do agree there are plenty of capable cartridges in similar size calibers these days that are readily available and at least equal to or better than the .303-25 for small / medium game. The .303-25 hasn't been commercially available for a long time so its handloads only (except for 1 or 2 smaller companies who produce hard to find / no longer available ammo but you pay a price)

That said I do enjoy the old military rifles, including my 2 x K31's and my No5 Jungle Carbine so its more of a passion / hobby rather than doing it because its practical.

As good as the Mauser was supposed to be, I do recall reading a few articles that gave first prize to the No4 due to the 10 round detachable magazine. Even though the Mauser was more accurate, the Enfield was deemed the better "battle rifle" due to 10 round capacity and quicker cycling / reloading.
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Well, if this project brings you enjoyment, then that's good reason I'd say. Good luck.
 
Samhuntvic said:
I've fired away most of my stock of factory ammo which was 87gr but still have a box of 100gr left to get rid of. I have been loading the Speer .25 Hot-Cor 87gr because they were cheap. Amazingly they work very well for accuracy and are consistent. The factory ammo here was made by Super. Not available any more.
Grant.
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Good to hear the 87gr are accurate for you Grant, I'm planning to use 87 - 90 gr to start with but may try 100gr at some point as I believe the barrel I will have fitted is 1 in 10 twist.

Cheers.
 
I'd have thought staying Enfield of some form would the right bolt head and mag would be easier than a Mauser 98.

Could you compromise and find a P14 to rebarrel? Kind of a Mauser with the right bolt face and mag already in place would be my thoughts.
 
Unless you have access to a slant mag 98 , I'd go with a No4 Lee Enfield or a Enfield P14 . I've owned a few of both chambered in a couple of 303 based wildcats , like the 25/303 , 303 Epps Improved and 35/303 . The P14 is a very strong action and will allow you to safely push the velocity envelope further than a Lee Enfield . I prefer the No 4 over all though , it'll be a lighter rifle , the P14's are a big action , and can be made into a trim little sporter . Plus , I just like Lee Enfields . I'd imagine you'll be using a Lithgow No1 for your build , great actions , but like any Lee Enfield , pushing velocities will shorten case life a bit . Interesting build , keep us posted .

AB
 
Kalahari said:
Oops you are right. I wish people would put their location up in posts of this nature.

David.
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Yep in Australia but thanks anyway. I'm hoping to start with something that's a bit rough as I don't want to mess with a nice rifle. I may have found what I'm looking for, I should be getting more details after the weekend.
 
scrumbag said:
I'd have thought staying Enfield of some form would the right bolt head and mag would be easier than a Mauser 98.

Could you compromise and find a P14 to rebarrel? Kind of a Mauser with the right bolt face and mag already in place would be my thoughts.
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The Mauser 98 is already fitted with a 303-25 barrel so the mods / conversion is already done - not much of a project left for me!
 
alberta boy said:
Unless you have access to a slant mag 98 , I'd go with a No4 Lee Enfield or a Enfield P14 . I've owned a few of both chambered in a couple of 303 based wildcats , like the 25/303 , 303 Epps Improved and 35/303 . The P14 is a very strong action and will allow you to safely push the velocity envelope further than a Lee Enfield . I prefer the No 4 over all though , it'll be a lighter rifle , the P14's are a big action , and can be made into a trim little sporter . Plus , I just like Lee Enfields . I'd imagine you'll be using a Lithgow No1 for your build , great actions , but like any Lee Enfield , pushing velocities will shorten case life a bit . Interesting build , keep us posted .

AB
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I've pretty much made up my mind to stick with the Enfield No4 Mk1 for the project, I like them as well! :)

I'll post pics of the Mauser 98 below for those interested, looks nice enough but as I said it just doesn't have the same appeal for me as the No4 does. They're asking $850 Oz dollars. I've decided its not for me.
 

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Might be a starting point?
Kalahari said:
www.peterwilson.co.uk

Lot 42 - Collins Brothers .303 bolt action Lee Enfield

Lot 42 - Collins Brothers .303 bolt action Lee Enfield - Estimate 200-300 GBP
www.peterwilson.co.uk www.peterwilson.co.uk

David..
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Back to the post above re: the Collins Brothers .303, out of curiosity does anyone know any history / details / info regarding these rifles?

It looks like one has been listed here in Oz, the photo is low resolution and the asking price is high, but I have been unable to find any info online regarding these rifles.

Photo below. Cheers.

CB303.webp
 
When it comes to rifles you have to remember he has a sickness!! As do I!! Every time I go I to a gun shop I feel like I have to say my name and "I am a rifleholic" lol
 
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