Do I have a chamber problem?

[303Guy]

As I've said before, old loaded ammo, some with splits with bullet still in place, those that were unsplit and fired split on firing. The remainder were pulled, necks annealed, reloaded and fired. No more splits. Brass age hardens. Ammonia is not good for brass either. Ammo stored in cupboards and places where mice get in can get exposed to ammonia from their pee. I've had some old ammo stored in a place where it should have been safe but one day I discovered the bullet jackets had been gnawed off some of them so mice where there in the gun room.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Several years ago we were using up a load of RG 1969 7.62mm ball as 'training use' ammo on the SF courses - and it was perfect

[303Guy]

Good Info. Those old cases with chewed bullets had not split. I've only seen old milsurp 303 brass split before firing and my old 25-303 was formed from milsurp 303.

[Peter Laidler]

The trouble with amateurs who set about their fore-ends etc etc with wire wool and sandpaper etc etc is that they quickly go ballistic and run great grooves in the wood. They also run into the band recesses etc and over at the ends and edges, leaving grotty rounded edges that soon feather into nothing....., getting worse by the second.

Watch a cabinet maker strut his stuff first and THEN take on your own is my advice

[flying pig]

I've been reloading .303 Brit for about two years now and have done probably a few thousand rounds, trying to neck size only, tough with 11 rifles here that shoot 303 and only 350 cases in hand. I had my first case head seperation on Sunday, in a MkIII Ross. The brass showed no signs of seperation before firing, had been FL sized once and neck sized once. When I last loaded them they only took a trim of a few thou. I've culled all of this loaded ammo with cases from that manufacturer that I have and will pull them down. How can I check inside the case for signs of thinning, only by sectioning?

Sorry for the hijack, thought the question was relevant with all the other info given here

[viejorifle]

I appreciate that a novice woodworker could change, even destroy the character of a historic rifle. Not my intention, just starting to inquire how to go about cleaning up this rifle with due respect for its key characteristics.

Perhaps I should have asked more directly. I've read that boiled linseed oil was the original finish and I was seeking confirmation. I do plan on much further research into the subject before taking action.

I am comfortable with refinishing and woodworking, something I've done for over 50 years.Here's a box I made for my wife. Attachment 45787

Kind regards, Ray

[flying pig]

Nice work Ray!

Is the wood dirty? What I do is a bone dry gentle rub with 0000 steel wool watching for changes in color etc. you want to stop before you see color change etc. only go until the dirt/mold/pigeon poop is gone. Blow it off with compressed air and the simply wipe on a new coat of Raw linseed oil. Let it sit for a half hour or so and then wipe off the excess. Thats what i do on a really neglected stock. yours may just need to dirt wiped off and some fresh Raw linseed oil wiped on/off as above. You just want to clean it and give it a drink, it'll thank you with a happy glow.

[Peter Laidler]

Sir, you are a master craftsman of the highest order and if that jewellery box is the standard of your work, it deserves the highest accolade. It is truly magnificent! I'd say that you were well qualified to do your own fore-end/woodwork. And yes, linseed is the way to go.

Just let me ask the other master Craftsman for his opinion of your skills too............ TBone...... Comments on Viejorifles cabinet making skills?

[WarPig1976]

Flying pig, I use a paper clip bent sharply at one end to feel inside .303, you will feel without any doubt any thinning...

[tbonesmith]

I love the box! A few years ago I bought a book on "The art of Making Small Wooden Boxes" (miniatures) and that reminds me a lot of some of the designs therein. That's a really neat, elegant little job. I love seeing what people built in their own time for their own (or their wives) pleasure. Thanks for posting!