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Thread: Converting 7.7x54 back to .303

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    Contributing Member 303 Gunner's Avatar
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    Converting 7.7x54 back to .303

    I have an opportunity to pick up a nice No.6 Mk I/I that has unfortunately been converted to 7.7x54, which is a bit of a hard round to come by here in the States. Is it possible to convert it back to .303 by reaming out the chamber or is the rifle forever stuck in that caliber?
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    Legacy Member pisco's Avatar
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    easy job

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    Contributing Member smle addict's Avatar
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    I have no idea if it is feasible or safe to ream a chamber back to 303 spec after 1/8 of an inch has been removed from the back of the barrel. But, it would be easy to simply trim 1/8 off the necks of some 303 brass, and reload for the shortened case. Obviously, this would be a "one off" cartridge for that rifle.

    From a collectors standpoint, as rare as these rifles are, taking it to someone for a re-chamber could hurt it's value, although as shooter, it would be more desirable. Remember, only a few hundred of each type of these carbines were produced. It is documented that some Australianicon States required the chamber cut back so as to not accept military rounds. "Purists" might balk at it's it value or collectability once it had been "messed with." Ultimately, if you buy it, its yours to do as you please. I looked at that rifle and was more concerned about the top of the receiver, behind the knox form. It looks like it had two drilled holes, possibly from a scope mount attempt, and then filled in. Plus, I'm broke, so no new guns for me!

    If it's any help, I've purchased two enfields and one metford from this seller. They were legitimate and fairly priced, and all three transactions were fine.

    Didn't mean to ramble, but I hope this helped.
    Last edited by smle addict; 12-08-2018 at 12:15 AM.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Here's a thread about making it to the caliber you have...read between the lines and you see all you'll need is a chamber ream. http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=25320
    Regards, Jim

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    Contributing Member 303 Gunner's Avatar
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    Thanks for the responses everyone! I'm going to have to think on this one. Haha.

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    Contributing Member muffett.2008's Avatar
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    Simple chamber reamer job.

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    Legacy Member Daan Kemp's Avatar
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    Why not just reload? Shouldn't be difficult to shorten 303 cases. Also Kragicon 30-40 cases are very close in size but shorter and might fit without any changes. Fire form and use.

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    Contributing Member Gil Boyd's Avatar
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    It is as muffett says, a simple job by a good competant armourer to ream her out and bring her back to life!
    'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

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    Advisory Panel Parashooter's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Daan Kemp View Post
    Why not just reload? Shouldn't be difficult to shorten 303 cases. Also Kragicon 30-40 cases are very close in size but shorter and might fit without any changes. Fire form and use.
    .30-40 Krag case is longer - nearly 59mm. Would have to be trimmed and sized.


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    Legacy Member Daan Kemp's Avatar
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    Oops, sorry. All those numbers. Back to reaming the chamber or making cases. If you aren't an active shooter 50 cases should last you a lifetime, if you shoot ten cartridges a year and reload.

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