The Accurate Reloading Forums
Holland/Woodward 500-450

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9421043/m/4101028772

12 April 2024, 18:04
Steve Bertram
Holland/Woodward 500-450
They do not come much nicer than this, Holland/Woodward 500-450 proofed for the tropical loading of 70 grs of cordite and a 480 gr bullet. Should be a joy to shoot with a 350 gr Hornaday RN. Cased and all original, built for George DuPont Pratt who was one of the heirs to the Standard oil fortune.






















12 April 2024, 19:00
bghntr416
What a treasure. Nice find there Steve.
12 April 2024, 21:00
rikkochet
Grease the chambers?

Back in the 1950's shooters in the UK (and probably elsewhere) dipped the tips of their .303 bullets in grease before loading.
The idea was to lubricate the bore, but some grease often got on the chamber walls.
Several bolt heads were cracked, and I'm sure a spectator was hit in the thigh by part of one.
13 April 2024, 13:21
Rockdoc
Wonderful rifle! Great cartridge.

Has anyone seen a rifle chambered for the 500/450 3 1/4” not proofed for the 70gn Cordite load? The so called Tropical Load.


DRSS
14 April 2024, 17:58
Fjold
It's a beauty!


Frank



"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."
- Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953

NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite

15 April 2024, 09:50
Peter Connan
Beautiful rifle!

quote:
Originally posted by rikkochet:
Grease the chambers?

Back in the 1950's shooters in the UK (and probably elsewhere) dipped the tips of their .303 bullets in grease before loading.
The idea was to lubricate the bore, but some grease often got on the chamber walls.
Several bolt heads were cracked, and I'm sure a spectator was hit in the thigh by part of one.


This action probably has 3-4 times the recoil abutment of a Lee Enfield, but extraction in older falling blocks was often marginal.
What's good for the goose is not always good for the gander.
31 May 2024, 17:58
asdf
Oh, that's nice!
27 December 2024, 02:42
Returnspring
I love the rifle. Particularly the takedown function. Given the rarity, I'd be afraid to hunt with something so fine.
27 December 2024, 03:10
Steve Bertram
The Holland Woodward rifles are indeed rare, in this condition, more so. The Take Down feature on these rifles just drops the trigger group, similar to a Gibbs.

I have another in .303 that is undergoing restoration, pics when it is complete.
27 December 2024, 05:06
KDGJ
Winfer’s book estimates about 140 Holland Woodward type actions were made. The drop out feature is simple.



Ken