new guy:

IIRC, both bore 1925 rule proof marks, meaning post 1925 and pre 1955. Both were in fine condition.

As to the reason for the failures, I've always wondered and can only speculate. I think the problem the 9.3 had with Norma ammo likely had something to do with case head dimensions. In general though, it strikes me that the rimless set-up has to be finely tuned to begin with. The pawl spring must be strong enough to prevent the pawl from popping out of the extractor cut and slipping over the case head during extraction. At the same time, it must be weak enough to allow the fired cartridge to eject, as the pawl rides the case body all the way out. Too much tension will cause the case to hang up on the pawl causing incomplete ejection. Of course, a weak ejector kick can cause the same thing and I would think that both systems have to be tuned together. Fired cases hung up and failed to completely eject with both of the Westley's, especially so with the 9.3. I don't know, but it seems to me that this system could get out of tune rather easily over time with normal wear.
---------------------------------