Thread: 303 conversion to 7.62x39

As the title says - has anyone here done it ?
Google tells me this is a relatively common conversion in the states, use a No.4, apparently same bore, shortened/modified chamber & something like a mini 30 mag ?
Yep i hear u say prolly not cost effective, but i have mucho ammo and a desire to do something different since my soon to be frying pan AK will be no longer.
Any thoughts ?

Correct, the .303 and the Russian 7.62x54R and Soviet 7.62x39 will run each others' bullets.

You could just pull the bullets and powder and refill / reseat into a .303 case. The LE apparently likes the lighter bullets OK, similar twist rate of barrel as AK/SKS. Will also enable you to fill more rounds into a mad minute, what with the lighter recoil and cartridges less sticky in the chamber post firing. And you can use the .303 stripper clips.

The Aussies did a No 4 conversion to 7.62x39 which accepted banana mags from the AK, but given that >10 rd mags are now out, maybe less point in going that way anymore. Here is a video with such an ugly rifle featured. Needs different bolt face with a recess for the cartridge head, different extractor, chamber shortened (but not re-reamed as roughly similar deeper in) and barrel thread shoulders set back.

@Cordite thanks for that
Bloke on a range - priceless !
Could be confused here in NZ with full semi auto tho

Originally Posted by Luke556

@Cordite thanks for that
Bloke on a range - priceless !
Could be confused here in NZ with full semi auto tho

(-: Not a problem unless you take it with you - over your shoulder without a case - to a public toilet.

I have done a couple of the conversions over the years. The caliber change is the easy part - just set the barrel back about 16mm and recut the chamber. The bolt face, extractor, ejector, and magazine well changes are where the time goes! From a purely financial aspect, a mini Howa will be much cheaper.

Originally Posted by GDMP

You would be far ahead to simply purchase a Howa mini in the 7.62x39 caliber........10 shot detachable magazine,quite well make,probably cost less than doing the conversion of a .303....

Looked it up, the Howa Mini 1500 has only 70 deg bolt lift (close to the Lee Enfield's 60deg bolt lift and significantly better than the Mauser's 90deg bolt lift). With its extra short bolt it should be fairly quick to cycle, even if not a rear locker.

Originally Posted by gundoc

I have done a couple of the conversions over the years. The caliber change is the easy part - just set the barrel back about 16mm and recut the chamber. The bolt face, extractor, ejector, and magazine well changes are where the time goes! From a purely financial aspect, a mini Howa will be much cheaper.

Thanks sound advice, i thought as much
But if we only ever do things that are financially prudent it would be a pretty boring existence
10 shots tho - right on the verge of evil there aye

Originally Posted by Luke556

Thanks sound advice, i thought as much
But if we only ever do things that are financially prudent it would be a pretty boring existence
10 shots tho - right on the verge of evil there aye

The 10 shots of the Lee Enfield is not what it is made out to be. It works best if you only stick in 5 rounds. The 10 capacity is just so that at any time during a skirmish the soldier was able to dump in a full 5-round stripper clip. The HOWA on the other hand is not a top loader, is designed for mag changing, so 10 is a practical 10.

Id say the ability to re charge without pulling a mag out is a real bonus. Maybe we need to start a tactical .303 shooting comp? Camo gear mandatory, commando rolls optional.
High fives in the shower frowned upon.

Originally Posted by 40mm

Id say the ability to re charge without pulling a mag out is a real bonus. Maybe we need to start a tactical .303 shooting comp? Camo gear mandatory, commando rolls optional.
High fives in the shower frowned upon.

Gum boots and shorts mandatory. None of those full wood milspec Lee Enfields, have to be sporterised, shot out barrel extra points.

Originally Posted by Cordite

Gum boots and shorts mandatory. None of those full wood milspec Lee Enfields, have to be sporterised, shot out barrel extra points.

Iv got a match rifle then!

I remember reading an Aussie Sporting Shooter mag back in the early 80's and due to the gun regulations many people were re barreling 303s to 30-30

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I remember reading an Aussie Sporting Shooter mag back in the early 80's and due to the gun regulations many people were re barreling 303s to 30-30

Harrassive legislation vs. sheep

I'm thinking about a Ruger american ranch rifle in 7.62x39. Had a look at one and they seem like a nice rifle. Make an ok bush gun I would think with the 16" barrel on it. They take the mini30 mags and seem to rate pretty well. You used to be able to put 30 round mags in them.

Hikock45 does a pretty good review of it on YouTube.

yes I will be thinking about a 7.62 replacement... I AM a Left Hander so basically screwed as far as bolt actions go.