"Sportorized" Lee-Enfield Mark IV's - Keyholing

Hi Guys,

I'm new here so bear with me please.

I'm a big fan of the Lee-Enfield .303. I actually have 3 of them. I have 2 Mark-IV's that were“sporterized” in the 1950’s or 1960’s here in the US where they cut off about 4.00 inches of the barrel, replaced the front portion of the stock, kept the rear portion, took the top rail off and replaced the military front sight with a generic ramp style. One of 2 "sporterized" versions is the first large bore rifle I owned as a kid back in the min 1960's. The 3rd is a full military version Mark-IV that I purchased through GunBroker.com. I have no issue with this piece as it shoots rather well. However, the 2 "sporterized" versions I have some real issues. I can’t get either of them to stop “keyholing.” I've done a lot of research on the "keyholing" problems over the years. I’ve used surplus ammo and reloaded with .310 up to .312 diameter bullets and had no luck. They "Keyhole" at both 50 and 100 yards. So I've pretty much ruled out the bullet diameter possible issue - I think. I know there are also potential head-space issues with these rifles. I've had them checked out by gunsmiths and they both are Ok. The only other thing that I can think of based on comments I've read is that the barrels are too short for the bullets to stabilize in the grooves. Does anybody know where I can purchase NEW barrels for the Mark-IV's that are in the original military lengths? I don't want to by used barrels as I've heard horror stories about them. Also, I don't want to spend a fortune on the barrels either. I think we all are aware that you'll never get a lot out of the sale of one of these firearms. Bottom line is that I want a decent barrel at a reasonable price.

Also, If I get new barrels I'm seriously thinking that I want to put the original military stocks back on them. Do any of you know where I can get either new or used stocks in good condition?

Hope to hear back from someone soon!

Regards,

hermiem

There are literally thousands of rifles like the ones you describe. Shortening the barrels 4 inches isn't your problem. Key holes can be caused by lots of things. Poor headspace won't do it. Usually to slow a twist rate for the length of the bullet is the cause. In the case of the No4 rifles you have, they have a 1-10 twist rate and will stabilise everything from 110gr to 220gr bullets with ease. Check out the muzzles for wear or damage.
The cost of re furbishing the rifles would be prohibitive to say the least. If you're looking for a decent milspec model, check out the BDL banner at the top of the page. His prices are fair. He may also be able to help you out with your problem, if you ask him nicely.

Without actually having eyes and hands on your rifle, it's impossible to pinpoint your problem.

One thing to try MIGHT be 150gr bullets. Don't know why, but it works for some people. As a general rule, sportered and especially shortened No4s and even more No1 rifles don't shoot well. We can get into a huge discussion over the reasons, but it won't help your situation...

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Originally Posted by jmoore

One thing to try MIGHT be 150gr bullets. Don't know why, but it works for some people. As a general rule, sportered and especially shortened No4s and even more No1 rifles don't shoot well. We can get into a huge discussion over the reasons, but it won't help your situation...

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Could you go into more depth on short barrels jmoore , I don’t remember having ANY problems with my Winchester Jungle Carbine. :rolleyes:

(the only ones that complained were the deer) :D

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../carbine-1.jpg

“Wandering Zero” issues aside if a No5 has enough barrel length to stabilize any 303 bullet weight then I think taking 4 inches of a No4 barrel isn’t going to be much of an issue. I’ve had two Enfields that did this. On the first it turned out to be the muzzle end of the barrel had been washed out due to over zealous cleaning with an old steel cleaning rod from the muzzle end. To keep the after market ramp front sight I had the muzzle counter bored and all was well. On the second the barrel was rung about 2.5 inches in from the muzzle. This one I broke down for parts.

Is the surplus ammo you're using Mk.8 or Mk.8Z? The throat or leade in the barrels may be the problem. I've told the story before of seeing this problem in a Vickers Mk.1 MMG. Make sure you try some flat base bullets although you may have already. Many key holing issues can be resolved by eliminating boat tail bullets from the equation.

I would slug the bores, then start from there.

See what happens when you take a bathroom break before hitting the post tab. Brian sneaks in and gives some great insight.

There is a lot mre to this than has been said but it's getting late here and I can't be bothered to bone up on my Shrivenham crib/lecture books. But there are only two causes of BSO's. Crap ammo or crap barrel.

My own experiences revolved around 174gr boat tailed bullets in a No1 that I shortened but left w/ all the furniture, the other feedback comes from other people over the years w/ sportered rifles- not No5s or Model 1894s. Like I said, I don't know WHY it worked, it just made the owners happy.

hermiem Brian, jmoore and Peter bring up very good points. What ammo are you using in your rifles? Have you tried other weights and brands?

One thing I forgot to mention is that cordite has a lot to do with the worn throats/leades in many Lee Enfield rifles because that's the propellant the majority of issue ammo was comprised of up until mid-late WWII and even later. It burns considerably hotter and therefore causes more erosion which in turn causes instability, especially with boat tail bullets. It was a big problem in MG barrels. I'm sure Peter can elaborate if he's willing. My experience was watching a buddy's target stand disintigrate at 100 yards when I switched from Mk.7 to Mk.8Z in a particular worn Vickers barrel. It was kind of funny but...... Every bullet was keyholing with the Mk.8Z and boy did it make a mess!! I packed and installed a brand spanking new barrel courtesy of "Hurricane" Dolf Goldsmith and the problem was solved. I had to change the barrel because all of my belted .303 is excellent old RG Mk.8Z. The tired barrel will still shoot Mk.7 just fine. The gun's quite accurate too for an MMG IMHO.

Try Hornady #3130 bullets. That is how I solved the same problem on my .303.