Feeding issue with .303

[JimmyS]

G'day,

I bought a MK III Lithgow SMLE a week ago, everything seems well and good on it.
I went to the range today, and I attempted to chamber a .303 round, and the round would slide in perfectly well, untill it was 3/4 into the barrel, then it would just jam up, and I would have to aggressively push the bolt to get the round fully seated, ready to fire in the chamber (which I didn't do, because that's stupid.)
It seems like the round is too large for the barrel?
I tried a .308 out of interest, and it didn't even get 1/2 in.

Does anyone know why this would happen? It's not sporterised or anything, it's a full stock Lithgow .303.

I didn't take a photo, feel like a royal dumbshit for not doin so.

Cheers for any responses.

[bladeracer]

G'day,

I bought a MK III Lithgow SMLE a week ago, everything seems well and good on it.
I went to the range today, and I attempted to chamber a .303 round, and the round would slide in perfectly well, untill it was 3/4 into the barrel, then it would just jam up, and I would have to aggressively push the bolt to get the round fully seated, ready to fire in the chamber (which I didn't do, because that's stupid.)
It seems like the round is too large for the barrel?
I tried a .308 out of interest, and it didn't even get 1/2 in.

Does anyone know why this would happen? It's not sporterised or anything, it's a full stock Lithgow .303.

I didn't take a photo, feel like a royal dumbshit for not doin so.

Cheers for any responses.

Is it a .311" bore? Maybe it's been rebarrelled to .224, .257 or .277" for one of the wildcats?

[COLLECTOR 1]

My bet it's been chambered to 7.7 x 54.... the metric conversion got around the old laws of owning a "ex mititary" cartridge....basically a shortened 303brit....

I'm sure others here on the forum can help out...it's not my speciality...lol

Collector 1

[Tripod]

Has it got half a case stuck in the chamber? As in has it had a case separation and not had the front half of the case removed.

[JimmyS]

I gotta say, I'd be f***ing fuming if it was, just as well it was tagged as calibre - .303, and not being told anything about a possible re-chambering.... probably should of asked.

[Tripod]

If it was a 7.7x54 it would only go tight at the last 2-3mm

[bladeracer]

I gotta say, I'd be f***ing fuming if it was, just as well it was tagged as calibre - .303, and not being told anything about a possible re-chambering.... probably should of asked.

Measure the bore.

[No1Mk3]

G'day JimmyS,
I assume you are using factory ammo? Tight chambering is not uncommon using reloads as they may not be full length resized. From what I read in your post you CAN chamber and close the bolt, but it is very tight to do so? 9/10 times this is simply a dirty or corroded chamber, and can be easily fixed by cleaning, or sometimes polishing the chamber. As for another smaller caliber such as 303-270 etc, very unlikely to be the problem, as the projectile would not foul the rifling until the last 1/4", and if rechambered would not seat home. Tripod has offered a possibility, though normally a separation will not close, and often extract with the attempt to load another cartridge. 1st step, get a bore scope and inspect the chamber, clean it thoroughly, and if the problem persists, do a chamber cast, Cheers.

[GLS_1956]

I'd think about doing a chamber casting.

[Tripod]

I guess it would also depend on your definition of aggressive, You do realise the SMLE's are cock on closing? You're not being a bit limp wristed with it are you?

[Jeff303]

All of the above are possible. Dont carry a 303 unless you have a broken case extractor in your pocket. Especially reloads.
2. All my fls reloads are firm to chamber.
Bore scope it & if its grotty get am oversized brush ( 323, 338), cordless drill, half a cleaning rod & some iosso paste. Then go to town on the chamber. Its good in the barrel too.
3. Do check thats its definitely 311

[BBJ]

Nothing stamped on the barrel re: the chambering?

[JimmyS]

I recall it being a .303, but since I store it off site, I'll grab it Friday night and post here with pictures, and I will also check what I have been advised to above.

If I recall correctly the Bolt & Barrel were matching.
I'll let you gents know Friday night, knowing me, I'm probably pulling a spastic.

FYI - No limp wrists here mate