+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 24

Thread: Enfield revolver over pressure

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Legacy Member Baal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Last On
    04-08-2022 @ 03:56 PM
    Location
    Grande Prairie, AB
    Posts
    229
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    02:11 AM

    Enfield revolver over pressure

    I took my 1931 Enfield No2 Mk1 revolver to the range today. I had loaded 50 rounds with 200 grain cast lead bullets over 1.7 grains of Unique powder. That's the suggested starting load in my Lyman reloading manual for a 195 grain lead alloy bullet. And this site (http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=38%20SqqqW&Weight=All&type=Han dgun&Source=) suggests starting at 2.4 grains. So I figured 1.7 was light if anything.

    As as it turns out, I only fired 6 of the 50 rounds. Nice tight group at 10 yards, fired single action, one handed.

    Overpressure!

    My first thought was the spring in the cylinder had broken when I broke the revolver open and the ejector didn't move. But nope, it's fine. I had to remove the cylinder and use a screwdriver to push the brass out. I'm guessing, 30 or 40 pounds pressure required to push the brass free. Examining it, the heads and primers show definite flattening and the brass wall is bulged.

    As as soon as I get the chance I'll pull the other 44 bullets. I'm certain I used 1.7 grains as I only have a single stage press and always weigh out each individual charge. I'll confirm that though.

    I have a full pound of Unique and maybe a half pound of Herco. And most of a pound of Trail Boss. I'm thinking 1.4 or 1.5 grains of Unique. But will have to see if I can find loads for those other 2 powders too.

    Anybody have any pet loads they care to share?

    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
    Last edited by Baal; 05-23-2017 at 11:55 PM.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Today @ 12:35 AM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    29,813
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    01:11 AM
    So very hard to say without having stood beside you when you were loading... Definitely it didn't like that load. Not as hot as B'seye...a bit smokey though. I went to the Alliant site and Unique didn't even list for 38 S&W... That says bags to me if they don't list it at all. 1.7 should have been light but perhaps too light, the air space made it even an greater pressure.
    Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide
    Regards, Jim

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    mr.e moose's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Last On
    02-10-2024 @ 05:32 PM
    Location
    alberta canada
    Posts
    324
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    01:11 AM
    I think you may be heavy on the charge with a 200 grain bullet, I don't have my reloading data handy but I will try to get back to you tomorrow. Did you mic your bullet to see what diameter it is? Some molds will throw a bullet 2 or 3 thousands over and if you are using a hard cast bullet it will increase pressures. Also a low load will increase chamber pressure because of a increase of air space.

  6. #4
    Legacy Member Baal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Last On
    04-08-2022 @ 03:56 PM
    Location
    Grande Prairie, AB
    Posts
    229
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    02:11 AM
    Thread Starter
    I'm using a 200 grain pure lead bullet. 0.362" diameter.
    I haven't slugged this revolver's barrel, but I suppose I should do so though.
    Last edited by Baal; 05-24-2017 at 12:31 AM.

  7. #5
    Contributing Member CINDERS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 08:42 AM
    Location
    South West Western Australia
    Posts
    7,730
    Real Name
    CINDERS
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    04:11 PM
    If you have to much air space your going to have to use a filler to keep the powder against the primer, I suffered over pressure in my 6.5x284 trying low density loads for less pressure high velocity (Using a faster powder) had a primer fall out after firing 2 rounds so stopped. I surmised that with the increased air space suffering more of a detonation as the flash ran across the top of the powder I now ensure load density is at 90-95%.
    The load I was trying to develop was with WIN 760 ball powder and going from my Quickload program with the powder variation set at 5% it showed good pressure from memory around the 48-49000 psi for about 2850-2900fps with a 140gn VLD using a 215M primer as the load density was around the 70-75% I think, out of a 30" barrel so I did not just say in my head this equals that and alls well in the world.

    It is never really a good idea to go below minimum loads even with years of experience and constructing the load in your head by saying this equals that..... as manuals state going under minimum load data it can be a dangerous undertaking.

    Slug the bore and see what it mikes to V's your cast measurement I do not see the extra 5 grains of weight as a factor to drop below the recommended lowest load
    Last edited by CINDERS; 05-24-2017 at 11:47 AM.

  8. #6
    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 10:56 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    4,314
    Real Name
    Robert Seccombe
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    03:11 AM

    reloading 38 S&W

    I have two Uberti revolvers, the 1851 and 1861 models, both converted by me to use the 38 S&W cartridge. Modern steel cylinders and recoil plates were used. The bores are .375 inch and I use a 127 to 130 grain hollow base lead bullets around 359 diameter with 2.7 grains of Unique. These are not target pistols but have a certain amount of accuracy at
    close ranges. Empty cases eject without any problems and without sight of high pressure and they are fun to shootAttachment 84201Attachment 84202

  9. #7
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Today @ 12:35 AM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    29,813
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    01:11 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Baal View Post
    200 grain pure lead bullet
    That one should be soft enough too... I'd still change powder and use a factory recommended charge.
    Regards, Jim

  10. #8
    Legacy Member old tanker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 08:57 PM
    Location
    Fort Knox, KY
    Age
    74
    Posts
    347
    Real Name
    Emil
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    04:11 AM
    I have been using 2.0 grains of Bullseye with a 200 grain bullet cast from an NEI #169a mould. No problems in my Enfield No.2 Mk I* revolver, the Lend-Lease S&W Britishicon Service Revolver or in a Colt Police Positive. I would not use that load in any of the old break top revolvers like the S&W New Departure, H&R, Iver Johnson et al.
    Last edited by old tanker; 05-24-2017 at 11:07 AM.

  11. The Following 2 Members Say Thank You to old tanker For This Useful Post:


  12. #9
    Contributing Member 25-5's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 03:48 PM
    Location
    1945
    Posts
    232
    Real Name
    Geoff
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    03:11 AM
    I use 200gr .361 lead bullets from Matt's Bullets. They do measure .361. I started at 2.3gr of W231 which is a published load. I also worked up a load with Titegroup, but that is not published. I have had no problem signs and have shot a lot with great accuracy. I measure each load as well and there is little or no air space.
    "He which hath no stomach to this fight,/ Let him depart." Henry V

  13. Thank You to 25-5 For This Useful Post:


  14. #10
    Legacy Member Baal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Last On
    04-08-2022 @ 03:56 PM
    Location
    Grande Prairie, AB
    Posts
    229
    Local Date
    03-19-2024
    Local Time
    02:11 AM
    Thread Starter
    The local Wholesale Sports has W231 in stock and on sale. I'll pick up a pound tomorrow.

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. RAF Enfield No2Mk1 revolver
    By Mikesm44 in forum Other Military Service Pistols and Revolvers
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-14-2014, 07:20 PM
  2. Enfield Revolver
    By bigduke6 in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 10-18-2012, 01:57 PM
  3. Enfield No2 revolver
    By Grandpa8 in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-11-2012, 08:53 AM
  4. enfield revolver
    By snowplow62 in forum Appraisals, Fakery, Dispute Resolution & Mediation Forum
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-23-2012, 11:06 PM
  5. Anyone intrested in the Enfield No2 revolver
    By Brit plumber in forum Other Military Service Pistols and Revolvers
    Replies: 37
    Last Post: 03-14-2011, 04:54 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks