I've just acquired a double rifle by Thomas Bland & Sons, chambered for the 577/500 2-13/16 inch cartridge (aka Westley Richards No 2 Express). It was advertised as a 500 Express taper case, maybe 3-1/4 inch, but my taper 500s just fell in the chamber and I realized it was a 577/500 (the barrels are simply marked 500 Ex). At first I thought it was a 577/500 3-1/8 inch, but I did a better job of measuring the depth to the shoulder. It was built in the early 1890s and has modern Enfield rifling.

I don't have any dies yet. Any suggestions? CH-4D is the only outfit that I know makes these.

I am also interested in the experiences of anyone who has loaded for this cartridge. I want to find a load that I can regulate for what was termed the Special Long Range loading of a 570 grain bullet. But I also want a basic 440 grain (or equivalent) express load.

Regards

Hal