Evening Gents,

Something today made me appreciate the Lee Enfield a bit more!

I had just finished checking over an old neighbours P 17, and tried out a few shots on target to make sure it worked correctly.

The only rounds I had were one old .30-03, and 5 newer 150 gr loads.
Two of the newer rounds had a patch of corrosion on the cases, one on the neck and one near the rim. These patches were small and white, but you could fee where they had eaten into the brass to some degree.
Thought I'd fire them off anyhow;
All went well until the last round, which gave me a smart blast of gas in my face.
I thought I'd hit myself in the eye with my hand for a start.
On extracting the case, it was the one with the verdigris near the base, and it had opened a small crack, maybe 1/4" long running towards the neck.

My own fault for firing off iffy ammo But! Anyone who has reloaded lots of .303 for the No 1 Mk 111 and the No 4 rifles, will have had complete head separation more than a time or two. I know I have had it happen a good few times over the years, and (Here's my point)
I have Never had any gas in my face with these actions.
It impressed upon me once again, how well designed the Lee Enfield action is.

All the best,
Richard.
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