My apprenticeship in learning from case separation to fixing a chambering problem

[browningautorifle]

Finding original No.4 barrels now in good shape is a real problem.

You end up with the best of the worst used...what others don't want. I'd just get the whole rifle in good shape instead. With .303 though, the problem is still there. I got rid of all my .303 trappings because of this very thing. Even the 600+ rounds of various headstamp ammo that just came to me for sales was no lure to buying another. Let the next guy have problems.

[Brian Dick]

I blamed myself for pushing the brass one more time when it should have been discarded. I know it's not the rifle's fault. It's what we call "operator failure" here in the south! Anyhow, I think if you're getting five loads out of them, they are most likely done regardless of your chamber dimensions. Neck sizing only for a specific rifle may extend case life a little bit. I've never done it to be honest because I shoot a variety of rifles and am too lazy. As for barrels if in need, It depends on the source. The beauty of the LE is that as long as the barrel gauges in specification for muzzle, throat and straightness, (God forbid!), and the bore isn't a total potato field, they'll generally headspace and shoot fine. I'd never be put off shooting the various Lees. With my broken neck, I find that they are the most pleasant compared to my other favorite bolt actions like the Springfields and Mausers. The exception being the US made P'14 and 1917 Enfields which are great to shoot in both .303 and 30-06.

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 PM ----------

Thinking out loud: I think Sarco have some nice No.4 barrels but they are complete with bodies so require paperwork. If in need, it's worth your while to contact them and ask if they'll sort out a good one as long as you're willing to do a transfer. If the bodies are good, it'd be a shame to chop them.

[browningautorifle]

as long as you're willing to do a transfer.

We still likely wouldn't be able to get one over the border right now though.

[tbonesmith]

I can send new repro No4 barrel to Canada without any hassle.

[browningautorifle]

I don't know if it will be allowed in at the border or not. Right now things are very strange.

[ssgross]

Fly on down for a day at the range, and take the barrel back in checked baggage? If both sides are always "bending the rules" or making exceptions for liquor or maple syrup in those fancy leaf shaped bottles bought at the duty free, I dunno why you couldn't take a barrel by itself