Sanity check...Enfield no4 MK1

[OKSaddletramp]

I've got an Enfield no4MK1 that's sure purty. the bore mics out at .312/.313 (calipers, not micrometer) and is clean and sharp. The bolt head looks to be a no1 or 2 (again, not mic'ed) without any discernible markings. I recently picked up some fired/unsized Remington brass that, for the most part, chambers easily and smoothly. Waiting on a set of Lee dies now. The one that won't chamber easily I'll save for another thread.

I already have a box of Sierra 180g Spitzers for long range shooting, and the shipment bringing my dies has a 2cav Lee TL314-90-SWC for cat sneeze plinking. To fill inj the gap for plinkiong out to 100 yards or so, I'm thinking of using .32 JHP loaded with ~5.5g Unique. My estimate (don't have quickload to calculate it) is that this should give me about 1100fps with under 12,000 CUP. Besides not being sure if my figures are realistic, I'm worried about such a short, light bullet stabilizing with the Enfield's rate of twist, which I believe is 1-10.

Does this sound doable, or should I use a light load (~20g) of 3031 with dacron filler and try to keep it supersonic? Will either option stabilize a 85-90g .32 jacketed bullet?

If this won't work, I'll just have to suck it up and get the Lee 155g RN.

[Outpost75]

I would not use a charge that light with a jacketed bullet, because you might stick one in the bore. Your 5.5 of Unique would be fine with a lubricated lead bullet. With a jacketed bullet I'd up the charge to about 8 grains to be sure that it exits.

[hardy]

Yep,I,ve used 10.5 grains of Unique behind .32 JHP 85 grainers for 20 plus years.Mild,accurate and good windage in several Enfields.Good Luck,Mike.

[OKSaddletramp]

Thx, guys. I was worried that 5.5g was a little light, but didn't want to risk over pressure. After all, it's easier to ram out a stuck bullet than to track down a missing bolt. Plus, that's why i come here. There's always someone that's already tried whatever I can dream up.

I guess I'll start with 9g of Unique and work up. BTW, have you tried Bullseye with a jacketed bullet. I have almost as much BE as Unique.

[gew98]

I've got an old marbles "converter". You snap a 32 S&W short in the top and load it like a regular round in the mag or chamber. The floating pin in the steel body gets struck by the rifle's pin and bang...32 lead bullet downrange and dang accurately too. When I was a wee tyke I shot alot of squirrels with it in a beat around SMLE. Still works like a charm 35 years later.

[Outpost75]

BTW, have you tried Bullseye with a jacketed bullet. I have almost as much BE as Unique.

Yes, Bullseye will work with a jacketed bullet. 5 grains with 55-grain M193 Ball in 5.56mm; 6 grains with 122-grain PS Ball in 7.62x39; 7 grains with 150-grain M80 Ball pull loaded BACKWARDS in a .30-30; 8 grains with 150-174 FMJ in the. 303 British, or 7.62 NATO; and 9 grains with 152- grain Ball M2 pulls in the. 30-'06, the pre-WW2 "Guard" cartridge for the Springfield.

[OKSaddletramp]

Yes, Bullseye will work with a jacketed bullet. 5 grains with 55-grain M193 Ball in 5.56mm; 6 grains with 122-grain PS Ball in 7.62x39; 7 grains with 150-grain M80 Ball pull loaded BACKWARDS in a .30-30; 8 grains with 150-174 FMJ in the. 303 British, or 7.62 NATO; and 9 grains with 152- grain Ball M2 pulls in the. 30-'06, the pre-WW2 "Guard" cartridge for the Springfield.


Thx, Outpost75; So I'll try starting out with 9g Unique and 6g of Bullseye pushing 85-90g JHP in my no4MK1 Sounds like a fun day at the range.