SMLE not chambering rounds

Pre 1945 action rifles. Muzzle loading.

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happyal

SMLE not chambering rounds

#1 Post by happyal »

Hello, I hope someone can help me.

I recently purchased a 1918 SMLE that is in great condition

Image

I have bought some H&N Sport 303 heads, and I have made some test rounds. The below picture, the one of the left is the H&N Sport round, the one on the right is a PPU head.

Image

My problem is that the H&N Sport headed rounds will not chamber, they will go into the chamber but not all the way. By about half an inch. The ones made with PPU head go in no problem. I have used the same case preparation with both loads, and an empty case will go into the chamber fine.

Does anyone have any ideas? Is there anything I can do to fix this?
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dromia
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Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#2 Post by dromia »

"H&N Sport headed rounds" "PPU head" what does all that mean?
Image

Come on Bambi get some

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Analogue Good Digital Bad

Fecking stones

Real farmers don't need subsidies

Cow's farts matter!

For fine firearms and requisites visit

http://www.pukkabundhooks.com/
happyal

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#3 Post by happyal »

dromia wrote:"H&N Sport headed rounds" "PPU head" what does all that mean?
Hello,

H&N Sport heads are the rounded ones in the picture I posted, the PPU heads are the pointed bullets I posted above.
DOGGER2UK

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#4 Post by DOGGER2UK »

You'r about to get your head bitten off.........
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dromia
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Posts: 20224
Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:57 am
Home club or Range: The Highlands of Scotland. Cycling Proficiency 1964. Felton & District rifle club. Teesdale Pistol and Rifle club.
Location: Sutherland and Co Durham
Contact:

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#5 Post by dromia »

So you mean bullets, the head is at the other end and is the part of the case where the rim is and the primer goes.
Image

Come on Bambi get some

Imperial Good Metric Bad
Analogue Good Digital Bad

Fecking stones

Real farmers don't need subsidies

Cow's farts matter!

For fine firearms and requisites visit

http://www.pukkabundhooks.com/
happyal

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#6 Post by happyal »

Sorry, Yes, I mean bullets.
25Pdr

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#7 Post by 25Pdr »

You appear to be producing a downloaded round.

You need to seat the bullet lower.

How low? Depends on the charge you are using.

The H&N Website doesn't appear to offer any reloading data.

http://www.hn-sport.de/en/products/bull ... s/303.html

You need to find loading data that includes 'Cartridge overall length'

I'm sure Dromia will advise much better than I can. razz

He will probably tell you to use cast Boolits. lol
happyal

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#8 Post by happyal »

Thank you for your help,

H&N Sport do have info hidden on there site,

http://www.hn-sport.de/en/products/bull ... ading.html

They say the overall length should be 73.8mm which is approx 2.90 inches.

That seems short to me, does that sound OK to people here?
Gazoo

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#9 Post by Gazoo »

Still, apart from not knowing your head from your bullet...very nice Smellie.
zanes

Re: SMLE not chambering rounds

#10 Post by zanes »

happyal wrote:Thank you for your help,

H&N Sport do have info hidden on there site,

http://www.hn-sport.de/en/products/bull ... ading.html

They say the overall length should be 73.8mm which is approx 2.90 inches.

That seems short to me, does that sound OK to people here?
That's a good data list for the H&N hi-speed bullets, thanks :)

I'd follow their data. As ever, work up to it if you are unsure.
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