Range time prep for L42a1

[cml]

That does not sound right. A case is no where near as strong, and considerably stretchier, than the action.

[Bindi2]

I cracked the three front lugs on a range rifle that was built and proofed for 144gn NATO. There was no deformation to the cases. The load was showing no pressure signs on the cases or primers. I was using 175gn projectiles in a load the Data sheets showed was not near max. The rifle was not made to use that load. The L42a1 was not designed or built for 308 loads The 144gn NATO is in the upper ends of its safety. 168gn are over the top 175gn is well over the top. I have a L42a1 I reload and use a load similar in pressure to lower than the 144gn NATO to preserve a collectable rifle.

[chosenman]

I suppose the question is how many tons of pressure does your home load create? The L42 is proofed to comfortably withstand 19 tons which in all likelihood is far greater than that generated by the NATO L2A2 ammunition. I get what you mean Bindi that the pressure that is generally ok for the ammunition components may be to great for the weapon, particularly the bolt. I suppose sensible reloading and good practice is essential when reloading for the old Milsurps rifle.

[Bindi2]

I suppose the question is how many tons of pressure does your home load create? The L42 is proofed to comfortably withstand 19 tons which in all likelihood is far greater than that generated by the NATO L2A2 ammunition. I get what you mean Bindi that the pressure that is generally ok for the ammunition components may be to great for the weapon, particularly the bolt. I suppose sensible reloading and good practice is essential when reloading for the old Milsurps rifle.

YES this is what I mean. The L42a1 is not a modern 308 it is an old 303 rebarrelled … Safe shooting and look after the history.

[cml]

I cracked the three front lugs on a range rifle that was built and proofed for 144gn NATO. There was no deformation to the cases. The load was showing no pressure signs on the cases or primers. I was using 175gn projectiles in a load the Data sheets showed was not near max. The rifle was not made to use that load. The L42a1 was not designed or built for 308 loads The 144gn NATO is in the upper ends of its safety. 168gn are over the top 175gn is well over the top. I have a L42a1 I reload and use a load similar in pressure to lower than the 144gn NATO to preserve a collectable rifle.

The 7.62*51 & 308 Winchester have the same maximum pressure - 60 191 psi (CIP) / 62 000 psi (SAAMI). I looked at the Never Exceed Pressures for various powders and bullets from 140gn to 175gn and none exceeded the SAAMI pressure (let alone for starting pressures). The L42A1 was proofed for 308W as it is the same as 7.62*51. Whatever killed your range rifle was probably not down to a simple load to specs.

[Bindi2]

The L42a1 is a No4T converted to 7.62 NATO using a 144gn proofed to 19T. When the No4s were sent in for proof as range rifles many failed the receivers cracked and we were out of pocket. SAAMI has no footprint in the British Military. SAAMI specs for the 303BRIT are plain wrong which is why there are so many problems using American products in this calibre. NATO spec sheets are different to SAAMI specs datum points being one. The reason my rifle failed the lug area was to small for the load size (pressure) This manufacturer has increased the action size three times since the original release to handle the heavier loads. Mine was a very early manufacture.

[GeeRam]

The L42a1 is not a modern 308 it is an old 303 rebarrelled

Exactly.