thinking of buying a ishapore in 7.62*51 /308 does any 1 know if they can handle full load cup pressure of 308 rounds which can go upto 62000 cup pressure
ishapore 308
- Thread starter Nonad terry
- Start date
This thread might do better in the vintage rifles section, theres several Enfield variant experts over there. I looked at one of these a while ago it seems the conventional wisdom with them is not to push for hot loads. Given the twist rate 1/12”, my guess is that they were intended to run144 gr or 147 gr. M80 Ammo rather than the 175 gr. M118 loads so i wouldn’t try for super hot loads, I don’t know how more modern factory Ammo or 150 gr. .308 win commercial stuff would do in one. If you’re planning to reload for it I would definitely start at the bottom of the book loads and work up slowly checking for pressure. What’s your planned use for this? Any reason not to go with a SMLE in .303?
FYI, there’s a couple of threads on CMP forums about .308 win vs. 7.62 nato rounds in the ishapore rifles, lots of internet squabbling over which way to calculate bolt thrust and what brass to use. No real consensus other than lower pressure rounds are probably best.
Most of these are in well worn condition and have excessive headspace. Verify headspace before buying. Do not use saami .308 gauges. Use 7.62 nato, preferably those made to British MoD spec.
Headspace can be corrected (usually)but be aware that the bolt lug locking shoulders on Lee Enfield rifles were surface hardened only and it's not uncommon for the hardened area to wear through with bolt set back being the result.
So, even if headspace is brought back into spec it will open back up within a couple hundred rounds.
Personally, I'd pass.
If you want a 7.62 Enfield save your $$ and keep an eye out on GB for an Envoy, Enforcer, L39, L42a1 or 7.62 range rifle built on the much stronger No.4 action or better yet a P14 in .303.
Just my .02 worth.
Headspace can be corrected (usually)but be aware that the bolt lug locking shoulders on Lee Enfield rifles were surface hardened only and it's not uncommon for the hardened area to wear through with bolt set back being the result.
So, even if headspace is brought back into spec it will open back up within a couple hundred rounds.
Personally, I'd pass.
If you want a 7.62 Enfield save your $$ and keep an eye out on GB for an Envoy, Enforcer, L39, L42a1 or 7.62 range rifle built on the much stronger No.4 action or better yet a P14 in .303.
Just my .02 worth.
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Monitor head space and you should be fine. Look for excessive stretch and ballooning near the head of the case.
Also understand it's a 60 year old military rifle from India... as with any milsurp the safety is condition dependent.
Also understand it's a 60 year old military rifle from India... as with any milsurp the safety is condition dependent.
It is my understanding that the L2A1 receivers were newly made from modern ordnance steel, as opposed to the original carbon steel used in the No. 1 Mk III receivers. That being said, I advise that you only use standard 7.62 x51 rifle ammunition with 144gr projectiles (preferably .307” diameter as opposed to the .3075” diameter bullets typically supplied in .308” labelled bullet boxes) OR lower pressure loads. Have fun! 
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