I think I want to build a general purpose rifle that's not so vanilla. I envision a rifle for larger plains game in Africa and maybe Red Stag and similar sized game. I would like to use an FZH action for the basis of the rifle and designed around a classic British style. My problem is the chambering. I'm kicking around the idea of a 9.3x64, 350 Rigby, or 10.75x68 (range would be somewhat limited). Your suggestions are most appreciated.

.318 Westley Richards

That's another option, but are Woodleighs the only bullet option?

quote:

Originally posted by congomike:
.318 Westley Richards

My thoughts exactly, thought about the .318 as soon as I read the thread....good thinking CM

If I had a .318 WR, Woodleigh would be high on my list of bullets to use....even if several others were available

I have customized m/640 Husqvarna Mauser in 9,3x64 but if I´m going to build new rifle I would try .350 Rigby. Very interesting caliber.

Several fine choices! From the exotic-9.3x64 or 10.75x68 I have two of both and remarkable calibers to boot! On the more pedestrian side 9.3x62 still a very fine round especially for plains game and loaded with 300 gr. bullets, plenty for bears. None are a true stopping rifle but that's not what you were looking for anyway.

After hitting the books, the 318 has joined the list, quite toward the top. Thanks for the suggestion.

Must be the Republican in me! "Be sure you can feed it before you make it".!! Choose a round where it meets your premise, and can find components fairly easy. When I choose a new project I always do the following: once the Exotic caliber is chosen I buy the proper barrel, the loading dies, and a lifetime supply of brass and bullets. Then choose the proper action, then the metal smith, then the stocker.No sense owning a custom made for me rifle if I can't feed it properly. I have three projects in the making but not finished due to missing critical item!

lb404

I am the same. I won't move forward until I have the components secured, then I know our public servants can't affect me midstream. Thanks.

The 318 is a good option although I think a 333 Jeffery may be worth looking at too.
Building one up with a 338 barrel would help in the bullet selection options.
There would be some work on the action and bolt though which could be avoided by going with the 318.
Cant go wrong with a 350 Rigby though.

Does FZH build a standard sized M98? The ones I've seen are magnum length and are overly heavy for the cartridges under consideration. If it were my money, I'd build a 9.3X64 on a high quality standard M98....doh! I already did that and love the rifle.

I heartily agree with the premise of making sure you can feed it before you build it.

quote:

Originally posted by lb404:
On the more pedestrian side 9.3x62...

AR may be the only place in the world where the 9.3X62 is now considered pedestrian.

ForrestB

From what I have seen on FZH is that they have three action sizes. Your 9.3x64 is, actually the inspiration for this project. I really liked that rifle.

i am building a 10,75x68 .. but for a really neat meat hunting rifle .. 358 winchester loaded with sierra 225gr gamekings

quote:

but for a really neat meat hunting rifle .. 358 winchester loaded with sierra 225gr gamekings

I am half buried with project rifles now.

1. an OM 70 in 450 RUM. Jim Kobe did a masterful job fitting and chambering the barrel, and making DSB bases for it. Got the barreled action cera-koted, and a wow! walnut blank (from WGG) about 90% inletted, waiting on my stocker to finish the Elmer Keith Sharps so I can send him this one.

2. the Keith Sharps is on its way home. I needed about an inch or a bit more length of pull.

3. an octagon barreled pre-WWII guild-style in 257 Roberts. An FN commercial, DST's, engraved with side lever floor plate release, and an NECG vartridge trap. On another XXX Walnut blank inletted for a crescent butt plate from Walnut Grove Gunstocks. It is so neat to be able to drive an hour NW and choose from a couple thousand nice walnut blanks.

4. a Brazilian M1908 (DWM) action from an ad here that someone else had, with all of the sporterizing work done, along drilling and tapping the action for bases and rings done. It is on its way, in the morning to Iowa to have the 9,3 barrel that was for sale in the classifieds last week fitted, and chambered in 9,3x62.

5. last, but not least, the stretched VZ24 in 404 Jefferys. Another WWG 90% inletted XX piece of walnut.

Two need iron sights, and then all of them my stocker's attention.

One a month, enough to keep me destitute until September sometime.

Then, in 2015; back to RSA for Eland and Leopard.

take care all,

Rich
just getting by here...

The 9.3x62 outperforms the 350 Rigby by a small margin, while the 9.3x64 outperforms the 9.3x62 by a small margin. A magnum length action would be preferred for the 350. The 318 WR is basically a 338-06, which is no faint praise, but it is a step behind the 9.3's. I think the 9.3x64 is so close to the 375 H&H that you might as well go with the more ubiquitous round. Ammo for the .318, 350, and 10.75x68 is quite scarce. This all would lead me to choose the 9.3x62. There is now a very good selection of factory loads available from most of the major brands with premium softs and solids. With good bullets, any of the rounds up for consideration would serve you well, and FZH makes an action size for everything.

Roger Green imports FZH actions in the U.S. His email is: rmgreen@rogermgreen.com

Feinmechanische Zerspanungs GmbH manufactures a near copy of the Original Oberndorf Mauser Double Square Bridged actions. These actions are very similar in design and finish as those provided by the famed Hartmann and Weiss Company of Hamburg, Germany. Actions are available in 3 sizes for the right and left handed shooter. FZH actions come complete with all newly manufactured parts, bottom metal, 3-position model 70 styled safety and without a trigger. Long Magnum length action accommodates cartridges like 505 Gibbs, 450&416 Rigby, *460/375 Wby, 404 Jeffery, *340/300 Wby, 375/300 H&H. The standard length action accommodates cartridges like 458 Win Mag, 300 Win Mag, 30/06, and 7X57. Short size actions are designed for cartridges like the 300 WSM, 284 Win, 308 Win and 22-250. Optional by *special order, single square bridge, take-down system, integral scope mounting systems and other custom features. FZH actions are designed for the professional gunmaker who is familiar with final fitting and finishing. Case hardening or color case hardening of the action/bolt and all stress parts is necessary prior to live firing.

Extra depth magazine boxes are standard on Long Magnum actions. Optional are standard depth magazine boxes: Standard and short actions come with standard depth magazine boxes. Actions can be ordered without bottom metal, follower, follower spring and action screws: Deduct: $500.00

I had an original WR .318, and like an idiot sold it. Bullets back then, 25+ years ago, were difficult to come by. Now they are quite a bit easier. If you are worried about components, you might do something similar to what another poster said, 338-06. I still have an action that is planned to become a rifle in 338-06 Ackley Improved. The cartridge looks almost identical to a .318 WR but with the advantage of using .338 diameter bullets. I know, looks aren't everything, but I guess that is good for all of us who are interested in doing projects like these.
If you want a true classic caliber, I still say go with the .318 WR, if you want the same basic cartridge but with a much better selection of bullets, go 338-06 or the Ackley Improved version. It comes pretty darn close to the 338 Win. Mag. and should require minimum action work for feeding purposes.

.333 Jeffery.

300 grain @ 2280 ft/sec. That´s all one need.

Here two triple 3 Jeffery´s flanked with 7x57 and 8x57.

Hornady makes spire point cup 'n core bullets for the .318 WR...they just don't say so. But, fact is the .318 WR uses .329-330" diameter bullets, and Hornady makes .329" bullets for the 8x56R Steyr. My stash of them measures right at .3294-.3295"

If anything, the Steyr has the higher velocity as usually loaded, so the bullet being adequate strength for game should not be a problem.

As an oddball I'd seriously consider 8x60S but as a more serious contender I'd look at 8x68S (although personally I don't like the concept of it much). Or as I've added at the end 8x64S.

As you say that you want a red stag capable rifle.

So Herman Goering's favourite and maybe a German style sporter...think Mauser A or Mauser B style?

The only real major feature different on a British rifle specifically for Africa as against a British rifle for India or elsewhere was, of course, the fitting of a 1,000 yard or greater ladder sight.

My Ross 1905 Sporter had such a sight. Stand and fold to 300 yards and a ladder out to 1,200 yards.

So that herds of beast could be browned into a then trackers sent to follow them up as the shot animals dropped for meat.

Which in India or elsewhere, Scotland etc., wasn't needed to be done. So no ladder sight.

But back to 8x60S and 8x68S...either will fire relatively easily available 227 grain bullets or the very easily available Speer 200 grain cup and core.

I would NOT be tempted by the 318 WR as, honestly, it offers no advantage at all that you won't get WITH READILY AVAILABLE AMMUNITION in 338-06 or 8x68S.

Or another German factory cartridge the 8x64S whch is pretty much what the excellent wildcat 8mm-06 is a duplication of.

quote:

So Herman Goering's favourite and maybe a German style sporter...think Mauser A or Mauser B style?

If so the caliber should be 9,3x70 (.404 Jeffery necked down)...

be pretty hard to argue with an 8x68S unless DG is on the menu.

Then, I also pack either my 404 Jefferys, or the 450 RUM (aka 460 G&A).

The 318 has really got my attention. In the process of checking component availability right now and I appreciate the feed back. Thanks all.

quote:

Originally posted by ozark hunter:
I think I want to build a general purpose rifle that's not so vanilla. I envision a rifle for larger plains game in Africa and maybe Red Stag and similar sized game. I would like to use an FZH action for the basis of the rifle and designed around a classic British style. My problem is the chambering. I'm kicking around the idea of a 9.3x64, 350 Rigby, or 10.75x68 (range would be somewhat limited). Your suggestions are most appreciated.

I had the same thought about a year and half ago. I kicked around the .318 but decided to go the .350 Rigby. My barrel just arrived yesterday, will be sending to the GS next week.

Action is a 1909.

Buffalo arms sells Hornady 205grn .329" and .330" bullets.
Matt

Thanks.

Just got some from Graf and Sons, but good to have another source.

Ozark, here's a test to see if you're serious about building a 318. If you get a get a little tingle while looking at these photos, then the 318 is right for you.





I would strongly recommend getting an accurate weight measurement for the FZH action you are considering before you commit to using such an action. I can think of no reason to choose the FZH over a commercial Oberndorf or high quality military Oberndorf action.

Edited to note this action just posted for sale in the AR classified section. It would be perfect for a classic 318.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...1078981/m/9251013002


I would love to build a 318 take-down on a 1909 Peruvian action I have in my safe. Too many ideas and so little time.

Things have change since moving toward the 318. I have had on order a Granite Mountain Arms G33/40 action and I think this will be the basis for the project. ForrestB, thanks for the pics, confirmation of my decision. Thanks.

A small ring 318 would be sweet. I'm jealous.

My only remaining piece of advice is to make sure your reamer, dies and brass are cut to the same spec. The 318WR is one of those cartridges that seems to have a wide range of tolerances among components.

Who will be building the rifle for you?

quote:

I had the same thought about a year and half ago. I kicked around the .318 but decided to go the .350 Rigby. My barrel just arrived yesterday, will be sending to the GS next week.

the 350 is a classy round. Please keep us in the loop.

I'm hoping to have James Anderson and Roger Kehr team up, as the Ruger No. 1 they did for me was great.
http://forums.accuratereloadin...221090571#5221090571