After reading these forums for a while I've decided to jump in and build my first big bore. Actually I just purchased one but have decided not to hunt with it (Browning Medallion Grade in 458)and no it's not for sale and never will be so don't ask. I've got a 275 Rigby being finished now on a Mauser action and have a spare Mauser action gathering dust. I also have BARs in .270 and '06, and a Ruger RSI in .308 so I think I have the small end covered.

I was thinking of the .425 Westley Richards or 416 Taylor. I'm really leaning toward the 425, I mean, doesn't 425 Westley Richards sort of roll off the tongue, and it has the added advantage of being a classic British cartridge. I've just started reloading for my .300 Sherwood Martini rifle so I'm committed to reloading for either the 416 or 425. Most of my hunting doesn't involve use of anything heavier than the '06 (whitetail/axis/antelope/pigs) so this is really just to go bruise my shoulder with, although a friend and I are looking at a plains game trip to RSA in 2004.

Anyone with experience of either cartridge please jump into the fray.

.425 Westley Richards may roll off the tongue easily, but I seem to recall where its rebated rim kept it from rolling into the chamber very easily. You may want to read this article before you proceed. http://www.hataritimes.com/d/leseproben/arms1.html
A .404 might be a better choice.

[ 10-08-2002, 05:53: Message edited by: KurtC ]

I will second, third and fourth Kurt's comments: Feeding a 425 out of a standard Mauser is a supreme test of the gun plumber's ability and generally has poor results. Stick with the Taylor if you are set on a Mauser.

Thanks for tthe input, does the 404 Jeffery fit in a standard action? I was worried it was a little too long.
Thanks,

I had a friend who bought a .425 Westly Richards for $300 at a gunshow in the mid eighties. It was a higher grade take down with huge interuppted threads. Unfortunatley it had a sleeved chamber, not uncommon but with no corresponding re proof marks. He ended up selling it for $4500 in the mid nineties and it eventually ended up back east somewhere with a dealer.

The rifle shot well and the recoil was not bad, about like a .404. It did not have a recoil pad.

I would suggest a .404 also if you want a traditional rifle and not get one of the new and unneeded .416's.

Unneeded, Mickey, have you seen the ballistic data on the new .416/.404 Jeffery wildcat?!

[ 10-08-2002, 07:07: Message edited by: KBGuns ]

The .404 will fit in a standard action, it was designed for it. There are probably thousands of them worldwide. The only difficulty you will have is finding a gunsmith with .404 experience, as it requires removing metal from precise locations. My .404 is on a magnum mauser action and the cartridge looks small sitting in that long breech.