Just for fun I tested my L39A1 at 100 yards with a variety of 7.62 ball ammo. My sights were a globe front lens with an AJP 4/47 regulated for 7.62, not 303, with a Gehmann adjustable iris.
By far, the best was an M118 loaded by ABT, followed closely by another M118 load, this one from Serbia. Little over 1MOA. Both had 168 grain match bullets with unknown powder/weight.
Next in line was a Portuguese ball (FP79-52) and a Winchester white box 7.62 147 grain ball load. About 2MOA.
Last place by a large margin was British L2A2 ball. About 4MOA.
I also have Hirtenberger and DAG (though I have not tried either yet in this gun), as well as some RG marked L2A2 but not packed in 20 round cardboard boxes but 50 round plastic trays, something I've never seen before.
Any insight would be helpful regarding how accurate the L42/L39 was supposed to be and with which ammo. Thanks.
Keith
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Don't forget that when we accuracy tested them at our workshops, we mounted them on the Enfield rest which eliminated all human error but held the rifle consistently. The same person re-set the aim to ensure the same aiming picture every time. We also used current green spot sniper spec ammo for the L39 and 42 rifles too.
My son used to enjoy coming in to work with me and going onto the range to 'watch' them doing this. He would set them up, set the aim and squeeze the trigger.
Not at all. I shoot my rifles from the bench, normally holding the forearm with my left gloved hand with the back of my hand resting on a sandbag, right hand on grip and both elbows on the bench. It's steady enough that I can get consistent results but by no means does it remove all human error.
Keith, that target was shot at 200 yards, Long Siberia, Bisley. The ammunition was home loaded. Norma brass, 42 grain of Reloader 15, Federal Gold Medal primers and 168 grain Sierra MK bullet . Shows the accuracy potential of the rifle which was long recognised prior to the introduction of the bracket that enable the L13 S&B scope to be mounted. I sure the group could easily be tightened up if the scope was more target shooting friendly and would allow repeated exact reticle placement on the target. However results achieved were what the rifle was designed for.
Thanks for the details. Here is one of the first targets shot with my L39A1 at 200 yards. It is three different types of ammo, 5 shots each, with sight changes to separate groups. Top group was M852 match with a 168 SMK, the next down was a Serbian version of M118 with a 168 match bullet, and the bottom was another version of M118, also with a 168 SMK, loaded by American Ballistic Technology (ABT). I have since stopped using any of these loads and will stay with L2A2 or Aussy Mark 1, simply due to pressure. The first three loads are a bit brisk for my gun, but the L2A2/Mark 1 seems to be about right.
Next time I have access to a 200 yard or longer range, I'll give the L2A2/Mark 1 a thorough workout.
By the way, thanks for the load data. I'll try it out.
I picked up an L39 some time back, with no magazine or sights. I found a AJP matchmaker front sight with a 1.0mm post. After much fruitless searching, I was unable to find a 4/47 or any sight calibrated for 7.62, so I settled on a PH5-C rear sight (303 calibrated). I happened to have a spare L39/L42 magazine I bought as a spare many years back, and fitted it to the rifle.
I took my L39 out two weeks ago to the local range. It was a sunny southern California day, with a minimum of heat mirage. Ammo was RG '84. After obtaining a zero at 100 yards, I took it out to 200 and fired the target pictured. fired a total of 28 rounds. I couldn't be happier considering the rifle is 45 years old and the ammo is 31 years old!
Also, the guy next to me was shooting a SOCOM M1A with a 16 inch barrel fitted with a muzzle brake. Every time he touched that thing off, the fillings in my teeth rattled loose. I like to think I could shoot a little better without something obnoxious blazing away next to me.
cprhr- I think these are the 50 round trays you are referring to? I bought this box 10 years ago. It is RG L2A2 and was originally a 400 round container. I'm now down to my last 120 rounds. Once I shoot this stuff up, I'll start experimenting with handloads.
cprhr- I think these are the 50 round trays you are referring to? I bought this box 10 years ago. It is RG L2A2 and was originally a 400 round container. I'm now down to my last 120 rounds. Once I shoot this stuff up, I'll start experimenting with handloads.
That is exactly what I have. One can only. The other two RG cans are also brown, but the ammo is packed in 20-round white cardboard boxes.
Keith
I was looking on the Internet and found this link, as to 303 factory accuracy with Lee Enfield’s
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I have been used to shooting Lee Enfield’s with 144 – 155grn 7.62mm ammunition. I have found that the RG L2A2 green and black spot 144grn works well at short range 300 – 600 yards, with groups of around 1.5 to 4.5 inc, as a target rifle shooter I have found that my rifles, work best with RG L42A3 155grn, which shoots groups comparable to modern rifles.
7.62mm GGG 147 – 155grn sierra Match King or M80 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/205...mmo-can-of-640 is very good from 200 – 1000 yards producing some very tight groups, as with anything it all depends on the shooter the day and the rifle.
If I were to have ammunition made for my Lee Enfield, I would go to http://www.lonestaraccuracy.com/. I have used this ammunition at international level at home and abroad, it is simply the best.
L2A2 ball. About 4MOA.
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Originally Posted by chosenman
