I have a Winchester 1917 with bird bath and ears nilled off. Also have 3 complete bolts and spare parts. Has anyone tried or done one of these before? MM
338 LM on a 1917 enfield
- Thread starter mexicanmatch
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Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
I've seen an Enfield in what I recall was a 375 H&H before....
If it'll fit, then I'd say go for it. But there were some of the early Enfield receivers that were heat treated by eye, so they ended up not having a good treatment. As I recall, the receivers were acceptable with the original barrel, but were not to be rebarreled. All I'm saying is check out what you've got before you put a lot of money in it.
I've seen an Enfield in what I recall was a 375 H&H before....
If it'll fit, then I'd say go for it. But there were some of the early Enfield receivers that were heat treated by eye, so they ended up not having a good treatment. As I recall, the receivers were acceptable with the original barrel, but were not to be rebarreled. All I'm saying is check out what you've got before you put a lot of money in it.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
Well hold on a sec, the 375 mentioned above is a fairly low pressure round, and the 338LM is on the higher end of the scale, I would call around to some reputable gun smiths and go through this with them before I ever would try it. Granit, the 1917 is a strong action, but is it that strong?
Well hold on a sec, the 375 mentioned above is a fairly low pressure round, and the 338LM is on the higher end of the scale, I would call around to some reputable gun smiths and go through this with them before I ever would try it. Granit, the 1917 is a strong action, but is it that strong?
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
The 1917 Enfield is plenty strong in my opinion. I don't see an issue there. I would look at a couple of things though before you dive into it and start cutting etc...
Measure the bolt face/head area. See how thin the edge around the bolt head is going to get. I don't like them pencil thin but it doesn't do a ton just really supports the rim of the case when the extractor is around it.
You will most likely have to open of the lips of the mag well opening for proper feeding. If you have to open up the feed ramp area watch how much you take out of it. That also is your bottom bolt lug recess area. Also most likely you will have to modify or get a new magazine box assy. in order to hold the rounds etc...These are the areas I would watch.
I've got a 1917 Enfield made by Remington that was sporterized years ago before I got it. It was my first custom gun I built. Put a new stock on it and had the bolt face opened up and rebarreled it to .264 Win. Mag. Didn't have to modify the mag box or feed ramps etc....on mine. Installed a cock on opening firing pin assy made by Dayton and installed a Timney trigger. I use the gun for deer hunting when I cover open fields etc....Built it back around 1987.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
The 1917 Enfield is plenty strong in my opinion. I don't see an issue there. I would look at a couple of things though before you dive into it and start cutting etc...
Measure the bolt face/head area. See how thin the edge around the bolt head is going to get. I don't like them pencil thin but it doesn't do a ton just really supports the rim of the case when the extractor is around it.
You will most likely have to open of the lips of the mag well opening for proper feeding. If you have to open up the feed ramp area watch how much you take out of it. That also is your bottom bolt lug recess area. Also most likely you will have to modify or get a new magazine box assy. in order to hold the rounds etc...These are the areas I would watch.
I've got a 1917 Enfield made by Remington that was sporterized years ago before I got it. It was my first custom gun I built. Put a new stock on it and had the bolt face opened up and rebarreled it to .264 Win. Mag. Didn't have to modify the mag box or feed ramps etc....on mine. Installed a cock on opening firing pin assy made by Dayton and installed a Timney trigger. I use the gun for deer hunting when I cover open fields etc....Built it back around 1987.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
If I'm not mistaken, the 338 L is based on the 416 Rigby case, or at least the same size.
The first rifle I build, in the late 70s was a 416 Rigby on a 1917 Enfield Remington Action. I openned up the bolt face, and rails allowing the case to get into the mag. well. It works quite well. I still have that rifle.
Except IT KICKS LIKE A MULE. I think I made the rifle a bit too light for the Rigby.
I got the ideal from Jim Carmichal (Outdoor Life Gun writer) who used it in Africa. I'm more of a wimp I guess, he didn't complain about the recoil.
Back then you couldn't get Rigby cases,you had to use 460 Wheatherby cases, by cutting off the belt and running them through the Rigby dies.
Later, in 1990 or so, I built another 1917 in 340 Wheatherby for a fellow cop. It also worked well but another Kicker.
No doubt in my mind you couldn't make a 338 L out of a 1917 action.
If I'm not mistaken, the 338 L is based on the 416 Rigby case, or at least the same size.
The first rifle I build, in the late 70s was a 416 Rigby on a 1917 Enfield Remington Action. I openned up the bolt face, and rails allowing the case to get into the mag. well. It works quite well. I still have that rifle.
Except IT KICKS LIKE A MULE. I think I made the rifle a bit too light for the Rigby.
I got the ideal from Jim Carmichal (Outdoor Life Gun writer) who used it in Africa. I'm more of a wimp I guess, he didn't complain about the recoil.
Back then you couldn't get Rigby cases,you had to use 460 Wheatherby cases, by cutting off the belt and running them through the Rigby dies.
Later, in 1990 or so, I built another 1917 in 340 Wheatherby for a fellow cop. It also worked well but another Kicker.
No doubt in my mind you couldn't make a 338 L out of a 1917 action.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I'm not mistaken, the 338 L is based on the 416 Rigby case, or at least the same size.
The first rifle I build, in the late 70s was a 416 Rigby on a 1917 Enfield Remington Action. I openned up the bolt face, and rails allowing the case to get into the mag. well. It works quite well. I still have that rifle.
Except IT KICKS LIKE A MULE. I think I made the rifle a bit too light for the Rigby.
I got the ideal from Jim Carmichal (Outdoor Life Gun writer) who used it in Africa. I'm more of a wimp I guess, he didn't complain about the recoil.
Back then you couldn't get Rigby cases,you had to use 460 Wheatherby cases, by cutting off the belt and running them through the Rigby dies.
Later, in 1990 or so, I built another 1917 in 340 Wheatherby for a fellow cop. It also worked well but another Kicker.
No doubt in my mind you couldn't make a 338 L out of a 1917 action. </div></div>
Your are correct that the .338 Lapua is based on the .416 Rigby.
Looking back thru our records we did install two barrels on 1917 Enfield actions and we chambered them in .338 Lapua. We didn't modify/work the actions though.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I'm not mistaken, the 338 L is based on the 416 Rigby case, or at least the same size.
The first rifle I build, in the late 70s was a 416 Rigby on a 1917 Enfield Remington Action. I openned up the bolt face, and rails allowing the case to get into the mag. well. It works quite well. I still have that rifle.
Except IT KICKS LIKE A MULE. I think I made the rifle a bit too light for the Rigby.
I got the ideal from Jim Carmichal (Outdoor Life Gun writer) who used it in Africa. I'm more of a wimp I guess, he didn't complain about the recoil.
Back then you couldn't get Rigby cases,you had to use 460 Wheatherby cases, by cutting off the belt and running them through the Rigby dies.
Later, in 1990 or so, I built another 1917 in 340 Wheatherby for a fellow cop. It also worked well but another Kicker.
No doubt in my mind you couldn't make a 338 L out of a 1917 action. </div></div>
Your are correct that the .338 Lapua is based on the .416 Rigby.
Looking back thru our records we did install two barrels on 1917 Enfield actions and we chambered them in .338 Lapua. We didn't modify/work the actions though.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
As to strength of the 1917 actions. The action and bolt were made of high quality nickel steel so it did not have the weaknesses of the early springfields.
The 1917 Enfield was probably the strongest military action made.
It will take the pressure of the 338L.
The difficulty is in finishing the action (removing the ears, and rounding off the reciever), it will take a bit of work to make a quality (cosmeticly) rifle.
As to strength of the 1917 actions. The action and bolt were made of high quality nickel steel so it did not have the weaknesses of the early springfields.
The 1917 Enfield was probably the strongest military action made.
It will take the pressure of the 338L.
The difficulty is in finishing the action (removing the ears, and rounding off the reciever), it will take a bit of work to make a quality (cosmeticly) rifle.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
If it fits you can build it. Some Enfield where hard and barrels were screwed on way to tight. This would crack the receiver. After you pull the barrel have it magnafluxed or Brownell sells a dye and powder kit.
If it fits you can build it. Some Enfield where hard and barrels were screwed on way to tight. This would crack the receiver. After you pull the barrel have it magnafluxed or Brownell sells a dye and powder kit.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
skog i have seen several cracked receivers from barrel removel. Most were Eddistone. With this one we did a relief cut around the barrel as close as we could to the receiver and it came off without much problem and no loud crack. I thank you all for the help. MM
skog i have seen several cracked receivers from barrel removel. Most were Eddistone. With this one we did a relief cut around the barrel as close as we could to the receiver and it came off without much problem and no loud crack. I thank you all for the help. MM
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
If the it's all in good shape there should be no trouble handling .338LM.
Remember Art Alpin (A-Square) used Enfield actions as a basis of many of his monster magnum custom builds.
If the it's all in good shape there should be no trouble handling .338LM.
Remember Art Alpin (A-Square) used Enfield actions as a basis of many of his monster magnum custom builds.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
No way! No how this will work!
Just give up and send the action and parts to me.
No way! No how this will work!
Just give up and send the action and parts to me.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
You learn something new everyday. I had no idea that action could handle a .338 LM. Pretty neat, and a clear indication they knew what they were doing back then.
You learn something new everyday. I had no idea that action could handle a .338 LM. Pretty neat, and a clear indication they knew what they were doing back then.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
The 1917 action can be used for the 338 LM. I am currently having one built and will be finished in a few days. Before I decided to rechamber it, it was chambered in 338 win mag. I will let you know how it shots and post some pics if anyone would like to see it.
The 1917 action can be used for the 338 LM. I am currently having one built and will be finished in a few days. Before I decided to rechamber it, it was chambered in 338 win mag. I will let you know how it shots and post some pics if anyone would like to see it.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
I'm wondering about this. Yes - the 338 Lapua is based on the 416 Rigby case which the 1917 action can handle, but the 338 is a 61,000psi round. The 416 Rigby is 47,000psi round. Won't the bolt thrust (stress) on the action be more with a 338?
I'm wondering about this. Yes - the 338 Lapua is based on the 416 Rigby case which the 1917 action can handle, but the 338 is a 61,000psi round. The 416 Rigby is 47,000psi round. Won't the bolt thrust (stress) on the action be more with a 338?
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
Well mine was test fire about 4 days ago with 6 rnds put through it and it held up just fine.
Well mine was test fire about 4 days ago with 6 rnds put through it and it held up just fine.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
I'm surprised there seems to be so much "guess work" regarding this. Don't actions have strength ratings - in psi?
I'm surprised there seems to be so much "guess work" regarding this. Don't actions have strength ratings - in psi?
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
I have done some research and on magrifles.com they have a .358 BOS they built on a 1917 enfield action and they show the chamber pressure charts and they exceed 65000 psi. As far as a posted psi limit, I have not been able to find one.
I have done some research and on magrifles.com they have a .358 BOS they built on a 1917 enfield action and they show the chamber pressure charts and they exceed 65000 psi. As far as a posted psi limit, I have not been able to find one.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
Never heard of that round. It seems like it pushes the enfield action to its limit.
Quote from the site:
<span style="font-style: italic">"Spring 2003
Testing of the Enfield has begun. This barrel is proving to be one of the best yet. Sub
minute of angle is the norm. I have purchased a strain gauge and a module to measure
actual chamber pressure when connected to a laptop. This has verified what the
chronograph told me. Measured pressure in the chamber is the same as the parent
cartridge, 65,000 PSI
Continued <span style="font-weight: bold">testing caused a head space issue</span> on the Enfield action. Again, the edge of
the threads proved to be damaged from the recoil. The rifles had fired <span style="font-weight: bold">Approximately 900
rounds</span> at this point in 2005. The head space was reset and the rifle is back online. It was
used successfully in 2007 to take a deer at 700 yards."</span>
Never heard of that round. It seems like it pushes the enfield action to its limit.
Quote from the site:
<span style="font-style: italic">"Spring 2003
Testing of the Enfield has begun. This barrel is proving to be one of the best yet. Sub
minute of angle is the norm. I have purchased a strain gauge and a module to measure
actual chamber pressure when connected to a laptop. This has verified what the
chronograph told me. Measured pressure in the chamber is the same as the parent
cartridge, 65,000 PSI
Continued <span style="font-weight: bold">testing caused a head space issue</span> on the Enfield action. Again, the edge of
the threads proved to be damaged from the recoil. The rifles had fired <span style="font-weight: bold">Approximately 900
rounds</span> at this point in 2005. The head space was reset and the rifle is back online. It was
used successfully in 2007 to take a deer at 700 yards."</span>
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
I had never heard of it either. Just done a search for pressure ratings in the 1917 actions and it was one of the results.
I had never heard of it either. Just done a search for pressure ratings in the 1917 actions and it was one of the results.
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
Having the same thoughts on mine at moment, have you looked into cost of rebuild yet?
Having the same thoughts on mine at moment, have you looked into cost of rebuild yet?
Re: 338 LM on a 1917 enfield
Mine was chambered in 338 win mag prior to the rebuild and the action and everything had already been worked. The barrel was rechambered, action face opened, extractor and ejctor work, feed ramp reshaped, and muzzle brake added. So my estimated cost from my gunsmith was about $400. I will let you know the total cost when I pick it up.
Mine was chambered in 338 win mag prior to the rebuild and the action and everything had already been worked. The barrel was rechambered, action face opened, extractor and ejctor work, feed ramp reshaped, and muzzle brake added. So my estimated cost from my gunsmith was about $400. I will let you know the total cost when I pick it up.
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