Bolt fitting question

[browningautorifle]

was wondering what the general consensus is on the matter.

It's not really about a consensus...

[Brian Dick]

The EMER specifies no more than 1/8" overturn. If it comes up even at 12:00 you're good to go.

[englishman_ca]

The OP asked if there were opinions on if having a tight bolt head would help with accuracy. Now that we have flogged him with a wet lettuce, I think that the answer might be ...no, no opinions. But a tight bolt head can cause other issues if out of spec.

My tuppence worth is that it probably doesn't have a measurable effect on shooting accuracy, but it certainly wont hurt it.

[Brian Dick]

The simple answer on accuracy is "no".

How is he flogged with wet lettuce? The EMER specifications are the bible. There simply isn't much to add to it. If he can screw it in to install with zero overturn, there's no problem. It will eventually loosen and have a bit of overturn anyhow with use. I'd say it's perfect.

[CINDERS]

I guess the EMER's on the Lee Enfield line are the product of over a 100+ years dealing with the Lee Enfield design and testing finding what works and what doesn't then throw in a few wars untold skirmishes with more learning all the while the armourers are compiling data to eventually be turned into the bibles for the 303 line.

The fountain of knowledge on these little jems is superb here and it is with honesty and integrity the advice is offered not only for the one asking the question but for all of us wanting to learn. TIA

[browningautorifle]

The OP asked if there were opinions on if having a tight bolt head would help with accuracy. Now that we have flogged him with a wet lettuce,

Bullsh*t, no such thing. We all told him not to do it. NO!

[Bindi2]

As one who shot the 303 in target comps for a number of years to tight in head space is as bad if not worse than too loose. You will need a rim thickness gauge to make sure all the rims are the same then as the action heats up your ammo wont fit. The head space setting of minimum .064 max .074 allows for all variations of rims and heat expansion. Be aware some cartridge rims are much thinner than other manufacturers. There are other things more important than head space for accurate shooting in the Lee Enfield.

[CINDERS]

IMHO agreeing with #17 that the most important thing with the 303's is the bedding it has to be correct, a good barrel, careful handloads and lots of range time to find the elevation settings as the reloads will never have the same trajectory as the MkVII round, mind you it does help if your a reasonably good shot..........

[jonh172]

The OP asked if there were opinions on if having a tight bolt head would help with accuracy. Now that we have flogged him with a wet lettuce, I think that the answer might be ...no, no opinions. But a tight bolt head can cause other issues if out of spec.

My tuppence worth is that it probably doesn't have a measurable effect on shooting accuracy, but it certainly wont hurt it.

Thank you Englishman for ALL of your helpful insight!!

I was in fact just referring to accuracy advantage/disadvantage, you have more than answered my question.

---------- Post added at 12:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:16 AM ----------

As one who shot the 303 in target comps for a number of years to tight in head space is as bad if not worse than too loose. You will need a rim thickness gauge to make sure all the rims are the same then as the action heats up your ammo wont fit. The head space setting of minimum .064 max .074 allows for all variations of rims and heat expansion. Be aware some cartridge rims are much thinner than other manufacturers. There are other things more important than head space for accurate shooting in the Lee Enfield.

Little off topic but big thanks for the information! Never enough good to have going into a project!

---------- Post added at 12:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 AM ----------

Bullsh*t, no such thing. We all told him not to do it. NO!

Although I appreciate all information I get on this topic, there's no need to get hot under the collar about it.
Just a couple guys talking here....

[browningautorifle]

no need to get hot under the collar

Not hot at all, just stating a fact. We said NO, don't do it. He tried to chastise...and has no right. Just speaking in print, you read it wrong.