P14 question

[jmb]

I hope there is somebody out there who can help me. I have a custom rifle that my grandfather had built for me for Bisley. It has a Ferlach barrel with a P14 action in a very nice stock. The problem is that it is chambered at present for 308. This was fine for Bisley but I want to use it for hunting so I want to use the magazine. The mag is made for 303 and will not feed a 308 round. I also have a similiar rifle in 308 already on an RSA action. I want to change the P14 to 30 06. The gunsmiths I have asked all say it will never feed well out of the mag. I have however seen a 30 06 P14 that feeds well but do not know who did the work. Is there maybe a gunsmith outthere who can do the modification or if someone knows of one please let me know. The other option is a 6mm Musgrave conversion but then I cannot use my barrel.

[machann]

Hi JMB. I suggest you give the guys at Arms a call in Pretoria. I want to build a 338 Lapua and after speaking to him he suggested a P14 action. I sure if his able to do this with a P14 he will be able to help you with a magazine. I know that alot of gunsmith don’t work on P14 action at all.

[hagar]

The P14 and the model 1917 is essentially the same rifle, the P14 in 303 and the 1917 in 30/06. I believe the magazines differ, but should interchange between the two. I have one of each, if you need dimensions I can probably get it for you. Not sure if your rifle still has the original mag or not? I also have a sporterized 1917 in 25/06.

[jmb]

Thanks for info. Magazine is integral part of receiver on P14. Hope it is just a case of changing the followers then. Know about the P14 30 06 was used by American forces in wwII but have never seen an original here. Seems there is hope for what I want to do.

[300H&H]

there is much better options than 6mm musgrave. sorry i am a musgrave fan but the truth is the truth.

[jmb]

I agree H&H the only reason I was looking at the 6mm was because it uses a 303 case for which the P14 was built. You must also remember that the 6mm was loaded for Enfield pressures which is low. In the P14 you would be able to load to much higher pressure which will make the 6mm perform a lot better.

[300H&H]

ok that makes sense