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Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Double Rifles
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dnovo
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Reged: 21/02/05
Posts: 490
Loc: Chicago & SE Wisconsin
Name That Cartridge?
      #98632 - 08/03/08 12:18 AM

Okay, this one puzzles me. Below are two shots of a Westley Richards Fixed Lock showing the Receiver and the underside of the barrels with the proof marks and load data. What the heck is it? I can see the "32" and 20 grs of presumably cordite as the max load, but what cartridge? "32?" Not a British load, obviously. 32-40 Winchester? 32 Winchester Special? I have seen a few doubles chambered for the 32-40 from the time at and after WW I but never a WR. I was wondering if those of you more astute than I at reading these marks can offer an answer, and figure out the appropriate proof load as, even if a 32-40, I doubt if the current 'cowboy loads' will regulate properly and handloading may be the order of the day.

Thanks Dave





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Time Wounds All Heels

Edited by dnovo (08/03/08 12:22 AM)

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xausa
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Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 2037
Loc: Tennessee, USA
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: dnovo]
      #98647 - 08/03/08 01:58 AM

A chamber and bore cast would settle that question in a hurry.

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Huvius
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Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3556
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Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: dnovo]
      #98651 - 08/03/08 02:23 AM

A 165rg. bullet would be correct for a 32-40.
If you are not near a GS to do a chamber cast, you can do a quickie one yourself with a hot glue gun. Just make sure you lube the chambers well and use some tissue in the bore as a plug. It's not the most accurate mold, but works for a quick ID.

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He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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500Nitro
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Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: Huvius]
      #98676 - 08/03/08 05:47 AM


I have seen a WR 32-40 so quite possible.

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5284
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #98680 - 08/03/08 06:18 AM

My guess would be .32-40. Why not call the proof house. There should be some reference material there.

Curl

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YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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500Nitro
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Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: CptCurl]
      #98681 - 08/03/08 06:27 AM



Why not ask Westley Richards themselves ?

Much more likley to have the answer.


Huvius's answer is logical -match load and the bullet weight
from an old Kynoch ammo catalogue to what is on the gun.

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dnovo
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Reged: 21/02/05
Posts: 490
Loc: Chicago & SE Wisconsin
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #98684 - 08/03/08 07:17 AM

Thanks. Took one or more of your advice and guess what, it IS a 32-40. They did build them, the proofs appear original, the loads are correct, and all else matches up. Obviously a gun for light game. Interesting comment was that these were done for more casual 'meat in the pot' use than real hunting, with not only light recoil but with a cartridge that was very cheap to buy and (at that time) produced by many companies. Since most of the more traditional nitro loads were expensive and from Kynoch or only a few others, it makes sense.

I have a penchant for lighter doubles in addition to the big honkers I already own, including 500NE and a great 476 Droplock. This one should be fun to shoot as well. Thanks Dave

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Time Wounds All Heels

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CptCurlAdministrator
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Reged: 01/05/04
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Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: dnovo]
      #98686 - 08/03/08 07:25 AM

Congratulations Dave!

The small bore light rifles are truly a joy to own and shoot. This little WR should be a delight.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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Huvius
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Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3556
Loc: Colorado
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: CptCurl]
      #98695 - 08/03/08 11:24 AM

Westley Richards double used for "meat for the pot"! I LOVE IT!!
Talk about respecting the game...

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He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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Marrakai
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Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3599
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: CptCurl]
      #98698 - 08/03/08 11:34 AM

Going by stuff brought back to Australia from India during the early 1980s, the .32-40 chambering is fairly common in light DRs of British make. Kynoch loaded the cartridge for several decades. I have a red and yellow box around here somewhere. Also, a friend has a nice Tolley chambered for the cartridge, and I too have seen a couple of WR .32-40s in Darwin.

Note that the proofs on the Tolley read: 32/40 EX Cordite 27 1/2 -- 165 MAX. Twenty grains would seem way too light! You may indeed have a mystery on your hands, Dave!


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Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
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www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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dnovo
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Reged: 21/02/05
Posts: 490
Loc: Chicago & SE Wisconsin
Re: Name That Cartridge? [Re: Marrakai]
      #98758 - 09/03/08 12:52 AM

Interesting photos, thanks. It appears that mine was regulated for the lighter load, but shows the same "max" load as in your photos. I assume that whomever bought the gun originally specified the lighter load to have WR regulate it for what they wanted to shoot. My handloading friends are trying to track down the correct loads for this rifle. Again, thanks for you input. Pretty clear that 32-40 Winchester was the original chambering. I appreciate all the help, guys. Dave

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Time Wounds All Heels

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