Thread: Lithgow 303

Hi guys, just got my dads old 1942 303, trouble is at 100 yards it's dead on with 6 shots but the bullets are tumbling, where and how could i get a new barrel? what sort of money would i be looking at? its only got open sights and i want to keep it that way but would like to use it on club days on the range. any idea?

have a look at 303 S.M.L.E. heavy barrel | Trade Me

"could" be an option depending on the state of the barrel

Originally Posted by Kiwiman

Hi guys, just got my dads old 1942 303, trouble is at 100 yards it's dead on with 6 shots but the bullets are tumbling, where and how could i get a new barrel? what sort of money would i be looking at? its only got open sights and i want to keep it that way but would like to use it on club days on the range. any idea?

What ammo are you using? It may not like 150's if that's what you're using. 174's would be worth trying.

I agree with ishoot try other ammo,

Originally Posted by Tertle

have a look at 303 S.M.L.E. heavy barrel | Trade Me

"could" be an option depending on the state of the barrel

If you can get the above barrel(and it's good?) then it should be viable ?.if not it gets rather a waste of money.
Think a cost of around the $700+ mark for a new barrel fitted.

Could the existing barrel just need re-crowning?

Doubt that would make em tumble .

They are defiantly tumbling ? As in some sideways holes in the target-?

I got a brand new barrel for mine you can have my old one if you like. Its not good but they are not tumbling yet.

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Hi Veitnamcam, yep they tumble alright looks good going through target perfect side on projectile shape. how much for your barrel? thanks

Yep got this on watch list thanks

You can have it just pay freight.

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Originally Posted by Kiwiman

Hi guys, just got my dads old 1942 303, trouble is at 100 yards it's dead on with 6 shots but the bullets are tumbling, where and how could i get a new barrel? what sort of money would i be looking at? its only got open sights and i want to keep it that way but would like to use it on club days on the range. any idea?

are you using 180gr rounds? if you are try 150gr before doing any thing else my old girl had a well used barrel it would not stabilize 180 but 150's were bang on.

I hope I don't offend anyone but....

In respects to the comments re 150gr projectiles and 174 gr fmj's

I think what you may be missing the underlying issue, that being the actual diameter of the bore, I have one or two Lee Enfield's, I slug most bores to see what size projectile I should be casting to get the best out the old girls. Also One or two I have barrels that have not seen more than a dozen rounds through them (if any) and are in immaculate bore condition, HOWEVER they measure anywhere up to .317 / .318 ! let alone any wear! but projectiles not stabilising or tumbling at 100 meters using jacketed projectile is indicative of a f*^&ed barrel (yes I agree though re crowning can make a difference but that's due to another theory I have)

Whilst the biggest diameter projectile I've seen on the market is .312, unfortunately most are .3105, and while yes going to a bigger sized projectile may give you a bigger bearing surface it doesn't fix or negate the state of the barrel that was made 75 odd years ago!

But well done for getting the old girl out hunting and good on you Vietnamcam

Originally Posted by Tertle

I hope I don't offend anyone but....

In respects to the comments re 150gr projectiles and 174 gr fmj's

I think what you may be missing the underlying issue, that being the actual diameter of the bore, I have one or two Lee Enfield's, I slug most bores to see what size projectile I should be casting to get the best out the old girls. Also One or two I have barrels that have not seen more than a dozen rounds through them (if any) and are in immaculate bore condition, HOWEVER they measure anywhere up to .317 / .318 ! let alone any wear! but projectiles not stabilising or tumbling at 100 meters using jacketed projectile is indicative of a f*^&ed barrel (yes I agree though re crowning can make a difference but that's due to another theory I have)

Whilst the biggest diameter projectile I've seen on the market is .312, unfortunately most are .3105, and while yes going to a bigger sized projectile may give you a bigger bearing surface it doesn't fix or negate the state of the barrel that was made 75 odd years ago!

But well done for getting the old girl out hunting and good on you Vietnamcam

no offence taking but the fact was 150gr belmont ammo worked well and grouped well as the 180gr highland would tumble every round.

Just to add my 2c, I no my rifle is old and probably almost worn out but I did some target round's at a mate's place yesterday with my 1901 .303, I used 2 types of ammo, And this is what happend - CAC 150gr (left, Straight through) and PMC 180gr (right, Tumbling), Open sight's.

i may have a trueflite 303 barrel for sale, near mint condition. Will probably let it go very cheap, make an offer