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.318 Westley Richards vs .333 Jeffery

Not wanting to hyjack the eljefedouble thread on the .333, so starting a new thread, but somewhat a very similar topic.

I have previously mentioned a strong interest in the .318 WR, on my Tiger Rifle thread. But secretly was always tempted by the .333 Jeffery.

I also am getting very soon a barrel in 8x68S (.323) for my Mauser M03 and put the .318 idea on hold as really what could it offer over a 8x68S for practical hunting purposes? The 8x68S will have more power, a greater range of projectiles to use, and be an excellent hunting calibre.

But having taken up BGRC shooting, the Group 1 competition requires a calibre over or including .330 . So the .323 8x68S will be too small for this. I can use my .375 and have and will, but would like something around the .330 level in addition.

Not interested in a .338 WM, .338/06,.35 Whelan etc at all so no need to bring these up. I want it in a classic calibre with a classic "British" style period stock.

While both of these cartridges are usually loaded with 250 gr type bullets, I would hope to be able to use a sub 200 gr porjectile for normal deer and medium game hunting. Therefore my interest in 180 gr range or thereabouts bullets.

So this is my analysis:

.318 Westley Richards

.330 calibre

Bullets available:
180 gr listed by Kynoch perhaps a Woodleigh?
180 gr Bertram SP
250 gr Woodleigh FMJ
250 gr Woodleigh RNSP
165 gr GS Custom HV109
180 gr GS Custom HP023
Any others?

Ballistics
180 gr MV 2700 fps ME 2900 ft lbs
250 gr MV 2400 fps ME 3200 ft lbs

Per the chamber reamer list elsewhere on NE, there are reamers available for the .318 WR.

Brass? I have not investigated the availability of brass. However I believe .30-06 brass can be substituted, and if building a rifle from scratch perhaps have the rifle made to take the .30-06 in the first place.

.333 Jeffery Rimless

.333 calibre

Bullets available:

250 gr Woodleigh FMJ
250 gr Woodleigh RNSP
300 gr Woodleigh FMJ
215 gr GS Custom HV248
Any others?

Ballistics
250 gr MV 2400 fps ME 3200 ft lbs
250 gr MV 2150 fps ME 3100 ft lbs

Per the chamber reamer list elsewhere on NE, there are no reamers currently available for the .333 Jeffery.

Brass? I have not investigated the availability of brass.

Comemnts welcome and appreciated, criticisms etc.

Some questions & comments:
* Will a 180 gr spitzer bullet stabilise in the calibre?
* What sort of velocity would be possible with a 180 gr projectiles?
* A key for me is I want to use say a 160 gr or 180 gr or at most 200 gr for most game hunting. It needs to have good projectiles available, and also perhaps cheaper ones, for feral and target use.
* An advantage of the .318 is 300 gr .333 bullets could be swaged down to .330 as well. Suitable .338 bullets could be swaged down to either.
* Is brass available for each of the cartridges?
* Does a .333 offer any ballistic advantages over a .318 WR? From first glance, my opinion is "No".
* Where did either cartridge see 'action'? Which was the most popular? Remember my original concept was to build a "Tiger" rifle (name only of course) so the cartridge should have seen considerable use in India, as well as Africa.
- I know the .318 saw a lot of use by hunters such as WDM Bell, and Burger amoung others in Africa.
* What weight should such a rifle be? I am assuming it would use a M98 action. I assume the standard length action is fine for both?

Probably have some other thoughts but will start with these.

Please contribute.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Edited by CptCurl (26/05/11 09:12 PM)