SMLE Target Ammo Recommendation

[Ridolpho]

230Ball: linseed oil. I believe both raw and boiled have been officially acceptable at different times but I always use raw.

Ridolpho

[230Ball]

Hi Ridolpho,
Thanks for the advice! The stock has a nice gloss finish, I'm guessing from commercial production. Will the raw linseed oil dull the sheen?
Thanks again.
Carl

[Ovidio]

I also use the linseed oil, raw, like Ridolpho.
Standard Army method on Garands and Beretta FAL.
Keeps the wood flexible and naturally shiny.
And smells great......
Each time I shoot I rub the oil on the stock of the rifle after cleaning it, then I look like a fool for the following hours, smelling my hands every few minutes. It stays even after washing repeatedly;-)

[Ridolpho]

Hi Ridolpho,
Thanks for the advice! The stock has a nice gloss finish, I'm guessing from commercial production. Will the raw linseed oil dull the sheen?
Thanks again.
Carl

230Ball: They can have a nice glossy appearing finish with linseed oil but if something else has previously been used it's hard to say what effect putting linseed on top will have.

Ridolpho

[WarPig1976]

Hi Ridolpho,
Thanks for the advice! The stock has a nice gloss finish, I'm guessing from commercial production. Will the raw linseed oil dull the sheen?
Thanks again.
Carl

No it will not but be aware if it's a varnish or poly finish your wasting your time. It will just sit on the surface and wipe off on your hands and whatever else the rifle touches then whatever didn't rub off will turn gummy over time. If it's a varnish or poly you'd be better served rubbing on some automotive wax.
Post some nice closeup in focus pics and I'll tell you what you have.

[230Ball]

Thanks Gents for the expert guidance! The finish looks original to me; just that it's in very good shape. Looks like linseed oil is in order!
Cheers,
Carl

[230Ball]

Here it is a month later and I finally located some raw linseed oil and gave the rifle a few light applications over the last couple of weeks. Wow! Just another confirmation that nothing beats the old ways, IMO.

Before heading to the range, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on slings that were used in military (UK) competitions.

Cheers,

Carl

[CINDERS]

Hi Carl try a Butler Creek I had a friend custom make mine as I have fairly long arms but these will fit the bill for you and are similar to WWII type on use with the Sniper T Butler Creek, Military Rifle Sling, 44, Leather, Brown - 26112 - 043699261123

[browningautorifle]

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on slings that were used in military

You could also have a look at what Brownells has...they sell several that are 1907 pattern and made expressly for shooting. http://www.brownells.com/items/rifle-sling.aspx

[André]

My .303 Br. L-E N°4 MkI* shoots quite well with 174 SMK / N 140 / 40.0 but, considering the present cost of SMK's, I decided to try bulk (500) 174 PPU FMJ. Prior to loading them, I discovered that their weight varied from 172.2 to 174.2, a full 2.0 g !! I then weighted each of them, segregating lots not more than .2 g apart (honestly, I know of more pleasant occupations...). Anyway, I handloaded some ammo, starting at 39.0 to ascertain that my pet load of 40.0 g was still ok with the new bullet. I then burned 5 shots to bring down my sights to POA at 100 meters before settling down and and carefully firing my last 10 rounds. I was pleasantly surprised to recover a 10-shot group of 7,2 cm (2.5 MOA), over issue iron sights ! Weighting lots is a tedious affair but the reward is bullets as good as SMK, at 1/3 of the cost...



About stock care. I mix a recipe received decades ago from an old cabinet maker : 50/50 linseed oil & turpentine + 5% drier. I apply several light coats, rubbed in by hand, letting each coat dry overnight. Final buffing with a soft cloth. I rub in 4-5 coats on a 1st application and afterwards, a single yearly coat for maintenance.