Lee Speed info sought

[Gunnie]

Folks,

I am in the process of having a commercial Lee Speed action made up into a classic 1900's English stalking rifle. From what research I've done so far the Lee Speed action was not only chambered in 303British but also 375 Flanged Nitro Express. This is the cartridge on which I am basing my build.

Now, where I am seeking some advice is with regards the magazines for such rifles. I know the standard SMLE style magazines were a double stack formation and easily accommodated the 303 round. I've been told the same magazines won't reliably feed the straight walled 375Flgd NE.

I have asked on other forums also, but figured this forum wa also worth a shot. Has anyone got one of the single stack style magazines in either 303Brit (which would have been in a 4-6rd shortened form used in sporting rifles) or be able to direct me to some tech drawings of one? I am hoping to resolve any issues that may come up during the build when it comes to the magazine and feeding.

Oh, and no this action wasn't ripped from a ex-mil. It started as a commercial action, coming out of LSA in 303 from what I can gather. It was then at some time re-barrelled in Lithgow to 303-22 Falcon, which is the form in which it was given to me. The barrel was stuffed, so I removed it and replaced with a 303-25 barrel for a short period before dismantling the rifle again and storing the action for a later date.

I had planned on resurrecting it as a Long Tom but have subsequently purchased an original in very good nick. Will take pics of that one to post.

Appreciate any advice that you may be able to offer.

Information

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[303Guy]

From what I can gather the 375 feeds from an unmodified magazine. At least I think the 375-303 does. I've been shown a magazine load of 416-303's IIRC. Are you going to form cases from 30-40 Krag?