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Glenn_Fewless
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Reged: 08/05/08
Posts: 103
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Fraser Barrels and Chamberings
      #111543 - 11/08/08 07:57 AM

Gentlemens:

I am looking for information on what form of rifling was favored by Dan'l Fraser for his single shot rifles. I find no reference in Kirton's book.

Also, I am interested in what mid bore chambering were available. I am specifically wish to learn if any were chambered in .375 2-1/2" Express or in .400/.350 Rigby.

Thanks for your help!

Glenn

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A10ACN
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Reged: 30/01/05
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Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: Glenn_Fewless]
      #112431 - 25/08/08 12:09 AM

Fraser had his own proprietary 360 cartridge(s) so I wouldn't expect too many outside of his own chamberings BUT with all the grand old makers nothing is for certain. Since Frasers are not that common to begin with your chances of tripping over something outside the "norm" may be a bit slim.

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Glenn_Fewless
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Reged: 08/05/08
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Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: A10ACN]
      #112445 - 25/08/08 02:56 AM

A10ACN:

Thanks for the reply. I hope to be building a rifle on a Fraser action in the near future and want an original mid bore chambering if possible. Or perhaps if practical.

There does not seem to be a lot of information available on the Fraser rifles. There is a picture of a Fraser in Kirton's book that the author believes to be a .400-.350 Rigby, but most of the known non big bore chamberings seem to be .360 and .303. The attraction of the .350 Rigby is the availability of .358" diameter bullets.

Best regards,

Glenn

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400NitroExpress
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Reged: 26/11/03
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Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: Glenn_Fewless]
      #112574 - 26/08/08 09:58 AM

Quote:

The attraction of the .350 Rigby is the availability of .358" diameter bullets.



Glenn:

Choice is much better in .366" diameter, and a .400/.360 will be more representative of original Fraser. I've never seen one in .400/.350 (not to say there weren't any mind you) but I've seen a lot in .400/.360. There's a Fraser double .400/.360 on Cabelas site now. I've also seen Fraser's in .375 2 1/2" NE. The .350s and .360s are a better choice though, as brass is easier.

The difference between the .400/.350 and the various .400/.360s, both physically and ballistically, is invisible, excepting the thick rim of the Westley Richards .400/.360. They all use the same case (you can use .400/.350 brass if .400/.360 isn't handy) with very slightly different loadings, with very minor differences in bullet diameter and weight.

.400/.350 2.75": 43 Cordite, 310 grain .358" bullet = 2000 fps/28" barrel

.400/.360 2.75" Purdey: 40 Cordite, 300 grain .367" bullet = 1950 fps/28" barrel

.400/.360 2.75" Fraser: 40 Cordite, 289 grain .360" Oblique Ratchet bullet = ?fps (but Fraser's always seem to be proved for 40 Cordite, 300 grain)

.400/.360 2.75" Evans: 40 Cordite, 300 grain .360" bullet = 1950 fps/28" barrel

.400/.360 2.75" WR: 41 Cordite, 314 grain .360" bullet = 1900 fps/28" barrel

The .350s and the .400/.360 Purdey used a max rim thickness of .050". (I always use shortened 9.3X74R, which has a max rim of .055", and have never had a problem). The Evans and Fraser .400/.360s seem to have used a max rim of .045". The .400/.360 Westley Richards used a max rim of .065". All cases are otherwise identical.

If you're looking for something representative of original Fraser with .400/.350 ballistics, I'd pick .400/.360 Purdey. There's a plethora of .366" bullets available - better selection than .358". RWS brass lasts forever - I've never had to discard one due to fatigue in 17 years of shooting mine. If you just want to have it, properly headstamped brass of excellent quality is available from Horneber. All of the above are far more effective on game that paper ballistics suggest.

--------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

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Anonymous
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Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: Glenn_Fewless]
      #114108 - 10/09/08 12:56 PM

From my understanding the 400/360 Fraser was his favored mid bore cartridge, for singles and doubles.

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Glenn_Fewless
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Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: ]
      #115706 - 28/09/08 04:28 AM

Gentlemens:

I apologize for not acknowledging these last two replies. I thought this thread was dead and had not checked in on it. Your ideas and information are greatly appreciated.

Mr. 400 NE:

I will have a serious look at the .400-360 as you (and Mr. generalwar) suggest. I have read (Winfer, Vol.4) that the Purdey chambering used a .367" bullet and the W-R a .360". Do you happen to know which variation Fraser preferred? I looked at Cabela's and they have a second Fraser double listed that is chambered in .360 #2 Nitro Express. Where does this fit into the food chain? I need to get Graham Wright's book, but the new edition won't be out until November.

Bullet availability is not really a problem with either diameter. Plenty of options for both. I confess to an irrational and unfounded preference for the .35 caliber, probably due to some childhood trauma. Howsomever, I am not opposed to the .366. As you point out, balistically they are all but identical.

Respectfully,

Glenn

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Russ_Gould
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Reged: 20/12/06
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Loc: OR, USA
Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: Glenn_Fewless]
      #191404 - 06/10/11 04:58 PM

I have a fairly early Fraser 400/360 proofed 40/300 but it seems to have a bore (crisp) of .370" (measured at the muzzle as well as nr the chamber). Anyone have anything similar or a comment?

BTW the 360 No2 is a totally different ctg with a lot bigger case that was loaded to a fairly low pressure but it's hell on cats.

--------------------
http://doublegunhq.com - specializing in fine English, German and American double guns; and http://bigfivehq.com, specializing in safari rifles and hunting safaris

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bonanza
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Reged: 17/05/04
Posts: 2335
Loc: South Carolina
Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: 400NitroExpress]
      #191431 - 07/10/11 10:50 AM

The 35 WCF drives a 250 grain projectile 2150 fps and is very effective on game up to 500 lbs in my experience. I'd think the 400/350 would match the velocity.

--------------------


"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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kamilaroi
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Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: bonanza]
      #191432 - 07/10/11 11:33 AM

The reading could be 40gns cordite or axite under a 300gn pill.

As the dims are "overbore" a lead alloy pill would be recommended to obdurate properly upon firing.

Barrel dims "varied", Alex Henry being a prime example.

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MikeRowe
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Reged: 23/11/11
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Loc: Arkansas, USA
Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: kamilaroi]
      #195629 - 03/12/11 01:24 PM

I am making a set of case reloading tools for a Fraser single shot at present.
It's groove dimension is .3745" at the throat. The only marking on the barrel is "350", and we believe it's a 400/360. There seems to be a lot of variation with the Frasers.

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georgegibbs505
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Reged: 19/01/07
Posts: 75
Loc: WV
Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: MikeRowe]
      #195634 - 03/12/11 04:13 PM

Anonymous,could you PM me, I have something you may be interested in.Sorry for going off the original thread.Glenn, I have some 400-360 Purdey brass if you decide to go that route.

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Milburn_Drysdale
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Reged: 04/01/12
Posts: 1
Loc: USA
Re: Fraser Barrels and Chamberings [Re: georgegibbs505]
      #198654 - 04/01/12 09:56 AM

I have a Fraser .375 in 2-1/2 express double pm if you want additional info

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