Thread: Lee Enfields and the 30-40 Krag.

Greetings All,
Some time ago I mentioned that Din Collings had rebarrelled No4 Lee Enfield actions to 30-40 Krag using take out target barrels. I thought I would provide a little more info in case someone has an old .303 with a shot barrel and family history and is looking at options for getting it shooting again.
The 30-40 Krag was a rough copy of the .303 by the US developed to replace the 45-70 about 1892. It had a very short life and was obsolete by 1903. Its rimmed case makes it a natural for single shot rifles so it was produced for these for many years. The case is similar to the .303 but neither will chamber in the other.

Above are left to right. My .303 handload with 174 grain RN, my handload .303 case reformed to 30-40 Krag and 150 grain RN and Din Collings handload 30-40 Krag Win case and 150 grain softpoint.
Reformed .303 cases come out a little short but shoot fine in my rifle. Although the Krag case rim looks thinner this is due to a bevelled edge and the rim thickness is the same.
A .308 target barrel or heavy sporter barrel can be cut of at the breech, threaded and rechambered which is what happened with my Martini. Excellent new barrels for the .303 are available but cheap they are not. The Krag, even with reformed .303 cases, has a long neck which is great for cast lead.
I would love to know if anyone has a Din Collings 30-40 Krag Lee Enfield. These barrels would have never seen a corrosive primer and should still be in good nick.
Regards Grandpamac.