Richard Boothroyd's Blog

Thanks to Rolly G and others who answered my question about 357 Mag performance in rifles. As I expected it all related to LA rifles but that’s not important as the data will be the same for other action types. Indeed, with fast powders like MP and S265 there is no benefit in barrels longer than 18 inches. Besides, the velocities quoted are more than enough for what I’m looking at.Just for general interest I’m looking at converting an SMLE to a pistol calibre for short range use. Why not 22LR? Don’t like it, too boring, I like handloading. I don’t mind travelling occasionally to a range suitable for centre fire rifle, but I want something that looks and feels man sized that will be fired on my local 50m range. I argue that 50m is hardly satisfying for rifle but some shooting can still be enjoyed at that range. But there’s not much point in the cost of centrefire rifle ammo, even handloads. Yeah, I can shoot cast 303 loads as I do in my 308, but I fancy something different, something unusual.The other issue is SABS. We have no guarantee that our range will be OK’d for rifle, especially as we have had a running battle about it with the council, and residential development is getting closer. It will be more difficult to refuse handgun calibres in rifles.My idea is to fit a medium heavy barrel, one piece laminated stock, and a decent override trigger that I will have to make. The SMLE bolt will extract a 357 case easily. It won’t eject reliably without extractor and possibly bolt head mods but that won’t be necessary for single shot.Before somebody mentions it, I know there are other suitable cartridges, some of which will work with the existing barrel, like the 32 S&W Long and the 32-20. But they are a bit light if one wants the flexibility to reach a bit further occasionally. The smaller cases also need bolts head mods.Several years ago Lithgow made a batch of 22 Hornet sporters for Slazenger. They told me that they had considered also making them in 310 Cadet which was popular in Australia. So the idea of converting the SMLE to small calibre is not new. In fact No1 and No4 rifles are presently being converted to 223 in Australia and the UK. I might post something about that later.Am I crazy? Yeah, a little. I’ll probably never get it done either. It’s a lot of work for an amateur with too many other more pressing things to do. So don’t ask, it will only embarrass me. There’s no harm in dreaming provided that’s not all one does.[Originally posted to SATalkGuns -- Admin]