303 Brit./375

[RU shooter]

Is there such a cartridge already? A 303 case but just necked up for a 375 bullet with basicly no other changes ? or something similar that would still feed nicely through a Enfield action without much modification at all. How about 303/400?

[NVcurmudgeon]

RU, start your search with Elwood Epps. Mr. Epps was an ingenious Canadian gunsmith who invented the .303 Epps Improved and other wildcats. There is still an Elwood Epps shop in Canada. Also try www.303 British.com Steve Redgewell can probably point you in the right direction.

[floodgate]

RU, NV:

Abby at <www.cornellpubs.com> has a 1965 Elwood Epps catalog reprint for $14.95 + $3.50 pp., made from a copy I got from a friend in Canada; original is now in the ASSRA Archives. As I recall, it has a dozen or more of Epps' variations on the .303 case (he was Canada's answer to Papa Ackley).

floodgate

[Frank46]

Is there such a cartridge already? A 303 case but just necked up for a 375 bullet with basicly no other changes ? or something similar that would still feed nicely through a Enfield action without much modification at all. How about 303/400?

I seem to remember a 375/303 british cartridge called the 375 2 1/2 or something along those lines. It is a rimmed cartridge. I see no reason why you should not be able to have fit a 375 bbl and get what you want. Should make a great cast boolit cartridge. You may want to do a search on posts by JeffinNZ as he has something similar along these lines. Hope this helps, Frank

[JeffinNZ]

I have one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/JeffinNZ/Shooting%20stuff/38303group.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/JeffinNZ/Shooting%20stuff/38303.jpg

Built on a MLE action of 1901 circa. Mainly I shoot BP in it for competition but have worked up a smokeless load for game also. 297gr bullet over 37gr W748 for 1670fps and the accuracy above at 110m.

Cases are easy to form. Anneal a .303 case, charge with 15gr of Green Dot, top off with polenta and let her rip!

There are a few knocking around NZ as the late Tony Hawkins made them. Lots of .303 bits here you see.

Dinky round with the capacity for pushing heavy bullets for BPCR and lots of downing powder for game.

[45 2.1]

Ken Waters did this also on an old express rifle rebore. It was written up in one of his "Pet Loads" installments.

[4060MAY]

basically a 38-50 Remington, with a 40 cal bullet it is a
40-60 maynard.
I shoot both, 38-50 on a Hepburn and the 40-60 on a rollin block. Black powder of course

[RU shooter]

Thanks for posting the pics Jeff That looks very interesting, I Take thats a 303/400 ? any feeding issues from a standard rifle and box mag. or are some modifications in order?

[JeffinNZ]

.38/303; sorry forgot to say.

No magazine changes and it does not feed more than one but I use it primarily for BPCR so that doesn't matter and for hunting one shot is just fine.

No other modifications. Just slap a .38 or .40 barrel on a Lee Enfield action and away you go.

[The Double D]

I seem to remember a 375/303 british cartridge called the 375 2 1/2 or something along those lines. It is a rimmed cartridge. I see no reason why you should not be able to have fit a 375 bbl and get what you want. Should make a great cast boolit cartridge. You may want to do a search on posts by JeffinNZ as he has something similar along these lines. Hope this helps, Frank


No the .375 2 1/2 Rimmed Nitro Express is a shade longer than a blown out .303. I beleive that cartridge is to long for a Lee Enfield conversion

http://www.fototime.com/2F3B59B2CABB5B1/standard.jpg

Here's some aditional Data on the H&H conversion of .303 to .375.

http://www.fototime.com/BC086376BCD7F58/standard.jpg

Wal Winfers book British Single Shot Rifles, Volume 5 Holland and Holland has a lot of information on the 303/375 cartridge. They imply that this cartridge will fit a Lee Speed Magazine.

[Frank46]

No the .375 2 1/2 Rimmed Nitro Express is a shade longer than a blown out .303. I beleive that cartridge is to long for a Lee Enfield conversion

http://www.fototime.com/2F3B59B2CABB5B1/standard.jpg

Here's some aditional Data on the H&H conversion of .303 to .375.

http://www.fototime.com/BC086376BCD7F58/standard.jpg

Wal Winfers book British Single Shot Rifles, Volume 5 Holland and Holland has a lot of information on the 303/375 cartridge. They imply that this cartridge will fit a Lee Speed Magazine.

Thanks Double D, you learn something new every day. Frank

[Story]

Has anyone had one of those 375 Holland & Holland barrels made up??

[Bigjohn]

You fella's have just got to stop asking these questions for which I may have answers for on file! :roll:
Oh well, I love the challenge.

While I was searching for some other information to post here, yesterday, I came across an article (copy) on a .35/303 conversion. This round actually has a shoulder upon which to headspace. Not much technical info in the article IIRC, just a appetite wetter.

Let me know if you want me to dig it out and copy it for you.

Pleasure to help,
John.

Postscript; "SMLE: The short-barreled Brush Gun" by Dan Cotterman in Gun World June 1978.