The .303 Epps Improved

NiksaNovovic · #1 12-19-2010, 11:24 AM

Hello everybody!

I have been doing some research on the .303 Epps Improved cartridge and have not found all that much to be honest. Anybody have any firsthand experience with this cartridge? Any more information that could be offered would be greatly appreciated!

Niksa

Leeper · #2 12-19-2010, 11:28 AM

The cartridge offers significan improvement in performance over a standard 303 IF THE ACTION IS A STRONG ONE. Rechambering any model of Lee Enfield accomplishes little but in a P14, A Ross, or a Ruger No.1, it will match a 30/06. GD

NiksaNovovic · #3 12-19-2010, 11:46 AM

Thank you for the quick response! The reason I ask is because I will eventually be getting a Ruger No1 chambered in .303 British and if I can squeeze longer case life and better performance from the .303 Epps I would love to get it re-chambered. Does anybody know of a gunsmith that has a .303 Epps reamer, and what it would cost me to get it re-chambered?

Niksa

PoppaW · #4 12-19-2010, 01:25 PM

I would call Elwood Epps store. I think in Ontario. I am sure they would have all the info needed and more.

Leeper · #5 12-19-2010, 08:25 PM

The No.1 is a great platform for an Epps. The No.1 is a bit of a pain to rechamber just because one has to remove the quarter rib to remove the barrel. I would charge about 150.00 to do that job.
The Epps version of the 303 does increase capacity significantly. In a No.1 the cartridge can easily achieve 2700 fps or better with 180's. Of course, in a Number One, the standard cartridge can be loaded to exceed 2600 fps; so the increase isn't quite what one might expect.
Loads which drove 180's at nearly 3000 fps may have existed but they had to be HOT. I suspect these were estimated velocities. The means of estimation remains a mystery. Leeper

gitrdun · #6 12-19-2010, 09:14 PM

So, I gotta simply ask this silly question. If you're looking to nearly duplicate 30-06 performance in a .303 Epps using special reamers etc. Why just not go with a 30-06 to begin with?

nanuk-O-dah-Nort · #7 12-19-2010, 09:43 PM

I'd like to get my MK3s chambered for the Epps.

for saving brass life.

not for the increased velocities.

catnthehat · #8 12-20-2010, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gitrdun

So, I gotta simply ask this silly question. If you're looking to nearly duplicate 30-06 performance in a .303 Epps using special reamers etc. Why just not go with a 30-06 to begin with?

Because then you would have a 30'06, NOT a 303 EPPS! :>)
Crap, why do we mess around with hot rods, sleds, guns, and bows for that matter? because we CAN!! LMA!!
Cat