Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

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Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by andym79 » 24 Feb 2019, 10:56 am

Hi guys I have an Enfield No 4 with a worn barrel. I am thinking of barreling it in 6.5x57r or 6x57r i.e a 6mm remington with a rim. The latter would be made using 6.5x57r brass.

I am looking for a varmint rifle good for 200-400 yards.

I would prefer to go the 6mm route, I am thinking 1:12 twist with 70 grain bullets.

I think the magazine should work well with it, it seems to function okay with 7x57r, might need a tiny file as case is less tapered than 303.

What do you think, should it work.

I think starting loads would probably be max for this action though so would give up 200-300 fps compared with 6mm remington.

Thanks Andy
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by RoginaJack » 24 Feb 2019, 11:33 am

What do we think that should work?

Well, my suggestion is to rebarrel the No.4 to 303 and get a 22-250, 25-06 or a 243Win. for the varmint rifle.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by bigrich » 24 Feb 2019, 6:32 pm

I know someone who is playing with 7x57R conversion in a Enfield, a new barrel is all that is needed basically. If the rifle needs a new barrel, converting caliber at that time would be logical.Considering projectile choice in 7mm it makes a lot of sense. As for the 6.5’s it sounds like a good idea depending on usage I guess. Be interested to hear how that goes. Cheers
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by andym79 » 24 Feb 2019, 6:36 pm

My only concern is the magazine and feeding, the bolt will be fine as will the barrel shank size and action strength. But I put three 6.5x57R in there earlier and it wasn't feeding well at all. I am guessing the magazine will need altering or replacing. Looking at the case I thought they were sure to be okay, the rim is almost the same as is body size and length, only the extent of taper really differs.

Does anyone have a hint for the magazine?
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by Stoney » 24 Feb 2019, 7:18 pm

Where's yumastepside? He has given me some great advice with Enfields.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by andym79 » 14 Apr 2019, 8:41 pm

Anymore advice on Enfield magazines?
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by bladeracer » 14 Apr 2019, 9:00 pm

andym79 wrote:Hi guys I have an Enfield No 4 with a worn barrel. I am thinking of barreling it in 6.5x57r or 6x57r i.e a 6mm remington with a rim. The latter would be made using 6.5x57r brass.

I am looking for a varmint rifle good for 200-400 yards.

I would prefer to go the 6mm route, I am thinking 1:12 twist with 70 grain bullets.

I think the magazine should work well with it, it seems to function okay with 7x57r, might need a tiny file as case is less tapered than 303.

What do you think, should it work.

I think starting loads would probably be max for this action though so would give up 200-300 fps compared with 6mm remington.

Thanks Andy


Why not just go 6mm-.303? Then you know it should feed fine.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by bigrich » 15 Apr 2019, 7:34 am

Back in the day 303 was wildcat into all different calibers. I’m not sure about 22, but of the top of my head they went from 243 up to 375 . Back in the day lots of fellas had modified 303’s cause it was cheap compared to a new foreign made sporter. And it was uniquely ‘straylan. Lol
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by straightshooter » 15 Apr 2019, 8:47 am

bigrich wrote:Back in the day 303 was wildcat into all different calibers. I’m not sure about 22, but of the top of my head they went from 243 up to 375 . Back in the day lots of fellas had modified 303’s cause it was cheap compared to a new foreign made sporter. And it was uniquely ‘straylan. Lol


Mostly correct, kind of.
Yes there was a 22/303. From memory it was called a 303/22 Falcon.
All these wildcatted 303's date from an era when the Australian government policy was to protect Australian industry rather than let it die a natural death as is the case now.
The imports were expensive because they were subject to stiff import duties and quota limits. As these restrictions began easing in the late sixties the 'poor relation' sporterised 303's became undesirable and there was a period when they were unloved and unwanted to the extent that sometimes you couldn't even give one away.
Those days are well and truly gone.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by Madang185 » 15 Apr 2019, 9:02 am

Had a SMLE Mk 1 fitted with 7 X 57 R barrel, great scrub gun for pigs. Pressure within SMLE limits, 170/175 bullets.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by andym79 » 28 Apr 2019, 7:19 pm

And does it feed ok?
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by andym79 » 08 Jun 2019, 6:22 pm

Still considering this project anyone got an Enfield in 7x57r and know how to make them feed well?
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by Stoney » 08 Jun 2019, 9:05 pm

I have a No4 Mk1* action at TSE to be re-barrelled to 7x57r. I will let you know.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by Stoney » 08 Jun 2019, 9:14 pm

The problem with Enfield conversions is, they are set up to feed FMJ rounds. Hard, sharp pointed projectiles. The feed ramp angle does not suit hunting bullets.
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by andym79 » 09 Jun 2019, 6:17 am

"I have a No4 Mk1* action at TSE to be re-barrelled to 7x57r. I will let you know."

I have the same rifle so will be keen to know how it goes!

How long were you in there queue before they told you they were ready? I have heard that sometimes its many months!
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Re: Enfield No 4 in 6.5x57r or 6x57r

Post by Stoney » 09 Jun 2019, 7:41 pm

Mate I submitted it to TSE about 2 months now. Was told 3-4 months. I'm not too worried at this stage. I have another gun with a very popular smith on the west side. Basically a recoil pad and some action screws. 10 months on the 25th of this month.
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