What would you all think of as the best barrel profile for a 318 WR. The barrel is going to be a one off so wont have to stick with factory profiles. I will be stocking the rifle as iron sights only so I have taken that into account when putting together a proposed profile
Starting with the Kreiger page and the #3 medium sporter with these changes
Finished at 25 inches
.570 at the muzzle ie .120 either side over groove dia this will keep it from being muzzle heavy but have enough to hang nicely in hand
I would reduce the neck dia (G) to .815 and all up this should keep the finished weight just under the 3 lb mark to keep the rifle nice and portable but still have the weight where it will enhance the handling.

Your choice is a good one.
Myself I would pick the # 2 sporter and the same muzzle change you proposed.
The barrel would come in near 2.5 pounds.
Although barrel contours are a personal choice and I lean towards light and ultra light, I do like your choice.
Good luck with your project!

I have just heard from the guy the rifle is to be for that the length F should be shortened from 6 in to about 3 1/2 but in all else he is in aggreement with my proposal

Lother Walther
Contour #5130: Mauser Type E Sporter (for type A rifles)
Or
Contour #5125: Holland's 375 H&H Original Contour

Having handled your 404 Jeffery with open sights, I see why you go for a slightly heavier rifle.

How ever I suggest a 2.5 lbs barrel and a trimmer rifle, like a Wesley Richard original. I trust you will have it rust blued like the 404.

I am a real sucker for classic English finish.

Check TradeMe for nice Walnut blanks from a guy in Matamata. http://www.trademe.co.nz/sport...ction-1155302993.htm

He has some really nice well dried English walnut blanks for under $400 - plenty of mineral streaks & figure. You can contact him here - http://www.wood.treeworkx.co.nz/contact-us/

I got this one for my project a few years ago & paid around $260 landed. Now he has increased prices.



He still has some of these I think

I have a pair of original Vickers .318 Express rifles that are well balanced and a pleasure to carry. Using the chart you have, these are the measurements. A 1.200 B 1.150 C .620 F 4.80 and G .815 . Hope that helps

there is a chance that an unused model 1530 may be for sale but otherwise a guy in South Africa is going to quote on the guys prefered profile. Will know by next week which way he is going to go. For myself I would go with the 1530 but it is not my choice to make.

The .318 is a dandy cartridge for the handloader, and its about the equal of a 30--06 balistically and historically has been used with heavy for caliber bullets..

Id pick the same barrel I like on a 30/06 and that would be a 24 inch #2 cut Lothar Walthar... A #3 LW at 26 inches isn't bad choice but that's pretty heavy for a .318 in my personal opinnion...I am using Douglas stats but Woody at LW will cut whatever you want.

It turns out that the 1530 I heard about is not for sale so we are waiting for the quote from SA at the moment

Garry, I know you'll do a spectacular job!



P.S. Hope to have the Lee Metford rebored to .375 2 1/2 Flanged in the next couple of months.

VG
I can only think of two guys making barrels here. Maybe there are more.

Do you know who is quoting?

quote:

Originally posted by AFRICAN LEADWOOD:
VG
I can only think of two guys making barrels here. Maybe there are more.

Do you know who is quoting?

Frans Odendaal. A friend of mine over there put me on to him.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Garry, I know you'll do a spectacular job!



P.S. Hope to have the Lee Metford rebored to .375 2 1/2 Flanged in the next couple of months.

Look forward to seeing the results bill, at least on paper and hopefully on meat.

The 318 will be a slow build as the guys funds permit but it will be something like this 6.5x57 I have just done for myself except it wll be open sight only with a banded rear express sight.

http://www.gunsite.co.za/forum...Erfurt-custom-6-5x57