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Danth
05-13-2012, 07:42 PM
Hello All: I have a 303/22 barrel which I'm trying to identify as to which variant it is. The case appears to be 2" long, which doesn't compute to any information I have been able to find. Anyone have dimensions for a 303/22 cartridge which is about 2" total length? Thanks much
bruce drake
05-13-2012, 08:14 PM
Is it threaded for a No 1 or a No4 or a P14?

Bruce
Danth
05-14-2012, 06:41 PM
It's 14TPI and fits a martini action, but the shank is too long. The shank is .898" inch long. Might you know what it's threaded for? Thanks, Dan
bruce drake
05-14-2012, 07:48 PM
I'm thinking its either a Sprinter or BSA Replacement and Short-chambered barrel (since its a 22-303 caliber) that the threads were left long in order for the gunsmith to custom fit the barrel to the Martini receiver as the Martini series (Enfield, Henry and Lee) all had varied lengths in the front receiver ring. All the Martini's were all nominally threaded to .687 but there are variations over time and manufacture periods.

Our Commonwealth friends may chip in more on this later. I'm more of a #4 and P14 fan myself.

Bruce
Danth
05-14-2012, 08:12 PM
This barrel has been used, and it has the Martini extractor cuts on both sides of the shank. Perhaps it originally had a "wedding ring" installed between the barrel and receiver face to adjust headspace? Dan
Brithunter
05-15-2012, 08:57 PM
It would seem that there are various ones it could be with case length of 1.97"-2.10". The vary as to shoulder diameter and angle even position of shoulder. You need to do a chamber cast to compare and find out what you actually have.
Danth
05-16-2012, 10:21 AM
I have done a chamber cast and cannot find a drawing that matches. I'm hoping someone will have drawings of the varioius 303/22 chambers. The closest match is a 22 Krag Short. Best, Dan
bruce drake
05-16-2012, 02:07 PM
The spacer ring theory is a good idea. A lot of gunsmiths have done that in the past to clean up a botched threading or mate a non-standard barrel to a receiver.

I'd explore the possiblity of trimming it to fit and recutting the face with a mill and a lathe if the costs aren't oppressive.

Sounds like it would be a nice wood-walking cartridge once its mounted.

Bruce
Brithunter
05-16-2012, 03:22 PM
I have done a chamber cast and cannot find a drawing that matches. I'm hoping someone will have drawings of the varioius 303/22 chambers. The closest match is a 22 Krag Short. Best, Dan

Steve Redgwell has some drawings I believe. 303British .com. I have seen him post on the forums before so might be worth dropping him a line.