Can use a 240gr cast bullet in Enfield No.4

[Whizzbang]

I recently acquired a rather tired 1944 Long Branch Lee Enfield No.4 Mk1* (too cheap not to take the chance!) My intention is to shoot cast bullets, initially at 100m. It may see longer range use. This is my first Lee Enfield, and though I cast for other guns, I'm still on the steep part of the learning curve. I've read a lot on here (including the CE Harris guide) and on the Castboolits forum but can't find an answer to my question about using the 240gr bullet (below) until I find something more suitable (200gr Lyman 314299 or the NOE 314/316 version of it).

I've slugged the bore but, being a 5 groove, I'm not sure what it tells me (measuring from a land to a groove.) I made a cast of the chamber but not an impact cast, do some shrinkage will have occurred. The throat measures approximately .311, not allowing for shrinkage of the cast, so probably at least .313?

Since I have three 30cal molds, I had hoped one might be casting at a big enough diameter to work in the No.4, at least as a short range load.

Unfortunately, the two molds for gas-checked bullets drop at .311, they are the pointed and flat nose (larg-ish meplat) designs shown below.

The 240gr bullet is .314 and looks to have a bore-ride section that might work, if I am interpreting my crude tests properly. Needless to say it would be quite a sedate load, presumably with a fair bit of bullet below the neck

240gr .314 bullet


Gently pushed to ensure rifling engraved a little


A Rifling marks just visible



Flat nose GC bullet:


Flat nose drops in:


Pointed GC 150gr


Drops in:



So, can the wise cast bullet-makers guide me? Can I use this 240gr plane-Base bullet or is it too heavy, long, narrow, etc.

Perhaps I should just wait for the Lyman 314299, which I have available in next few days.

Thanks in advance.

[dromia]

No reason why the 240 gn wouldn't work, in fact at the muzzle end it looks a better fit than your other bullets.

I would make up a dummy cartridge with a couple of slots cut in the neck, cover the bullet with ink and gently seat it into the chamber with the bolt and then gently withdraw. This will give you the maximum overall length for that round and some indication of how the bullet fits the freebore/groove/bore at the chamber end.

Generally speaking you want a heavier cast bullet for the jacketed for the calibre so for the 303 they should be over 174gn.

[dromia]

BTW my 100 yrd plus 303 cast bullet weighs in at 225 gns.

[Whizzbang]

Thanks Dromia.

I'll do as you say to get OAL estimate.

Working up a load will be interesting.

[Alpha1]

It should be fine the Lyman cast bullet handbook quotes loads for a 200 grain . Lyman 314299 bullet.

[Whizzbang]

Hmm. Seems like a long way to the rifling...

[dromia]

I suspected that as these guns are prone to throat wear,

From the photos I can't see any touching marks on the bullet, are there any.

What was the freebore dimension from your cast.

Always best to get a bullet that is sized to the freebore/throat especially in guns with a long freebore.

[Whizzbang]

The first glimpse of rifling on the chamber cast was 0.26" from the "mouth of the case". The diameter was about .311-.312, not allowing for shrinkage.

You are correct that there are no clear rifling marks on the inky bullet.

I can possibly pick-up the Lyman 314299 mold tomorrow, though I'm tempted by the NOE .316 equivalent, as this would allow me greater leeway (I could size down to 314 or less, And would have .316 as an option for future rifles.)

[dromia]

I would definitely go for the .316 NOE, more chance of getting a good freebore fit.

[Whizzbang]

Thanks. More money, nicer mold!