Building a .303 bolt action - but doing it better.

[CorditeCrazy]

I once managed to shoot a clover leaf group at 120m with a 303 and some corroded milsurp ammo. Sadly, I could not repeat the performance, but I have seen a few (very few) SMLE's that could actually shoot very small groups. The action is certainly capable.

I have a 100 year old CLLE that shoots MOA groups so yes they are certainly capable

[CorditeCrazy]

The only 303 double that I've ever seen with my own eyes was on the Durbanville shooting range and belonged to a collector here in Cape Town. Haven't seen him (or the rifle) for a few years but am pretty sure he'll still have it. Then I know of a double hammergun .303 that changed hands round about 2010 in the Mossel Bay area. I reacted a bit too slowly otherwise it would have been living in my safe ever since but at least I had a long conversation with the seller. I seem to recall that one was bought by a collector in Oudtshoorn.

If you Google .303 double rifle you'll come up with a few. That sort of calibre double rifle doesn't have too many practical applications so not many of them were built. In general, a double rifle is used close up on dangerous game and a .303 isn't the best choice for that sort of work, you'd rather want something where your thumb can fit into the muzzle.

I almost bought a Rawbone 303 double. Unfortunately the owner had tank blued it and that destroyed the solder holding the rib to the barrels…

[treeman]

I almost bought a Rawbone 303 double. Unfortunately the owner had tank blued it and that destroyed the solder holding the rib to the barrels…

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I do believe you were crying softly when you told me about this a few years ago.

[CorditeCrazy]

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I do believe you were crying softly when you told me about this a few years ago.

I still am!!!

[driepootx]

I am corresponding with an Aussie who has a Lee action 30-40 Krag rifle. Keeping with the rimmed cartridge but ballistics are down on the 303. He has not explained why this combination.