Hello All!
I have been lurking here for a while and have gained a interest in wildcats. I want to build a little rifle that shoots tiny center-fire cartridges. I don't know what base rifle to buy though, I want the rifle to be cheaper, not another $800+ dollar gun, that's what my deer gun is. I have been looking at cartridges and would like one that is small, and .22 or smaller. I have found a site that has Reloading Dies and Chamber reamers for sale.
Here Is the link:
http://www.custombrassandbullets.com/standard1.html
Here are my goals for this rifle:
1 M.O.A accuracy to 100 yards. ( not a long distance rifle build)
enough knockdown power to shoot prairie dogs
use less than 25 grains of powder for each case ( the .22-303 is a exception)
and be backpack-able.
The calibers that I have in mind are .14 flea ( isn't there multiple variations of this caliber also?), .22 Remington jet, .22 super jet, .22-303 British, .22/32 ( Is there a actual name for this cartridge? a .32 acp necked down to .22) and .17 hornet and I will take recommendations.
Onto the Rifle:
I have access to a No4 Mk1 Lee Enfield that was my fathers that he bought in the late 70's. Has a lot of sentimental value and is in fair condition and never gets shot. And if I bought it off dad he would want me to give him 300 bucks, which is good for the rifle, but just would put this project out of my hands in price range.
Would love to buy a single shot .22 and open the face up for the .17 hornet shell and convert the bolt to centerfire (would be done by a good gunsmith) and put on a decent barrel that could withstand those pressures and had a bore of .224".
other cheap recommendation's as a base rifle?
I know that with the .303 I would have to get a new bolt face made up to use .22 jets or .22/32 .and the.22 would not be able to be machined to accept the .32acp base or the .357 magnum base no matter what, at least I do not think it could be.
what do you guys think?
Thanks,
LowBudget