Westley Richards 318

Mark Dube

Mark Dube

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Shannonville, Ontario
Hello all,

Well it's been less than a month since I acquired my first "vintage" rifle (275 Rigby Lightweight)

Now I have stumbled accross a nice Westley Richards in 318 Accelerated Express. Manufactured in 1954.

It is a single square bridge, and has no notch for loading from a stripper clip.

It had nicely engraved bases for quick release scope mounts, did WR have a proprietory system? Are rings available?

The bolt knob seems unusual to me as well what do you think?

Anyone shoot one? Any tips on reasonably priced dies etc?

Here are a few photos.

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Buy Ken waters Pet Loads he has a chapter on loading the .318 I believe after a while he had his converted to something like a .358 bullet in a .303 case or something similar. I believe the excellerated express has a nearly square shoulder, dies will be a custom order and bullets will I believe have to be swaged down from 8mm/.323. This class of cartridge is almost never seen today, when you get it shooting it will be sweet.
 
$ 3499 ?......now thats what I'd call a pretty big stumble !!
Congratulations on a very nice find, unless I'm mistaken they might be about .33 cal perhaps similar to a 338-06 for performance.
I'm sure I speak for a lot of us if I say we are looking forward to hearing about your shooting / reloading trials and tribulations....:)
 
"...they might be about .33 cal..." Yep. It uses a .330" bullet in a rimless case that's very similar to, but not exactly like, a .30-06. Shooter's Choice in Waterloo carries Bertram .318 Westley-Richards(same thing) brass at $99.95 per 20.
Dies are a special order item from RCBS. Uses an RCBS #3 shell holder.
Pop over to Epp's. They might have dies or they'll get 'em for you. They run $142US at Midway, so they won't be cheap at Epp's either.
 
I belive that the bore is a true .318" and the lands/bullet diamenter.330". I also remember reading that Barnes used to make the bullets but have discontinued them. Woodleigh in Australia doses make a 250 rn and FMJ Bullet.

As for cases, sorry I don't know.
 
Pop over to Epp's. They might have dies or they'll get 'em for you. They run $142US at Midway, so they won't be cheap at Epp's either.[/QUOTE]

I think thats where the rifle came from...saw it listed on their site...
 
It looks like a commercial action. Do you know the maker? Beautiful rifle. The front sight is a little unusual.
 
SO YOUR THE GUY THAT GOT THAT RIGBY FROM EPPS EH? I was about 4 phone calls behind you...Nice work. If you ever want to make some money on that 275 Rigby send me a PM.
 
Very nice gun Mark, I always like the moon or night front sight. According to Donnleys cartriage conversion book you can make brass from 30 06 cases and the 330 bullets are listed in midway. I not sure but the corbin company may have a list of bullet swageing companys that may also make bullets. I have found CH 4D die company in the US a good place to get dies for odd cases and a little less money then other companys. I have bought direct from them and was very happy.
John
 
josquin said:
That is just beautiful! For dies, contact CH4D.com. They list them at $78.25. I believe they will ship to Canada.

:) Stuart
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Yes, they do ship to Canada. When I needed a set of dies for my 30 Gibbs, I phoned CH-4D and talked to Dave there. A most accommodating fellow, who shipped me up a 3-die set for my Gibbs in jig time, and for a very decent price to boot! Excellent people. Regards, Eagleye.
 
I'll confirm on Woodleigh making a 250gr RNSN and 250gr FMJ for .330 cal.
This particular round inspired the 333 OKH which went on to inspire the 338 Win Mag.
It's a true gentleman's rifle and alongside your 275 Rigby the only thing a "puhka sahib" would need on a full hunting trip to darkest Africa would be a double in 450/400 3 1/4" NE.
 
The front sight looks like an adjustment lever for elevation or quick removal for changing heights.The Hungarian 95 uses .329-.330 and I think Hornady made a limited run.Lee makes a mold.......................Harold
 
Hello Gents,

A quick update, I have located dies and projectiles at reasonable prices. Brass is another story, I will attempt to resize 30-06 or 338-06 as suggested.

I have attached additional photos of the action in hopes someone may have some idea of the manufacture.

The front site is not adjustable, it has a flipdown "hood" for when glare is/is not an issue and a flip up "moon sight" made of warthog ivory for night (or deep dusk) shooting.

I look forward to your input.

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Mark
 
Mark, have you tried contact Westley Richards for ammunition? They are listing the .318 Westley Richards on their site. Acquiring it wouldn't be cheap but "cheap" and English firearms are rarely used in the same sentence.

http://www.westleyrichards.com/gun/ammo_metal.html
 
Claybuster said:
Mark, have you tried contact Westley Richards for ammunition? They are listing the .318 Westley Richards on their site. Acquiring it wouldn't be cheap but "cheap" and English firearms are rarely used in the same sentence...
Click to expand...

Amen to that! Also, Huelsen-Horneber in Germany might be able to help.
(www.huelsen-horneber.de/frame_engl.html) They list Huntingdon's as the only N.A. distributor, but of course they, like Midway, Grafs eyc. won't sell to Canadians due to the idiot State Dept. regs. H-H might sell directly to Canada or maybe Epps could order it for you.

:) Stuart
 
Mark:

Very nice piece, indeed ! :D.

Looks like WR used one of the '98 Mauser variations as the base. Unfamiliar with their mount system, however.

Have you been in touch ( e-mail, + photos ) with WR via the
US reps in Bozeman, MT or directly with Birmingham ?


BB
 
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