Any Experience with .400/360 Westley Richards?

[Tom Leoni]

Hello,

I've been flirting with the idea of buying a Westley Richards single shot chambered for the .400/360--proved for 41gr cordite and 314gr max bullet. I wanted to know if anyone here has any experience with this cartridge--specifically the Westley Richards variety. I've read conflicting reports about the groove diameter (some say .358," some say .360," some say .366") and I'm trying to figure out whether this rifle would end up being a money-pit and an eternal project or if I could take it on my next safari without much trouble.

Of course, I handload and finding the components (except for the bullets, depending on appropriate diameter) is not too much of a problem.

Anyway, any help, info, or trivia regarding the .400/360 WR would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IvW]

.400/360 Westley Richards - Is this a suitable cartridge for DG?

I have a question for the collective wisdom of the Forum members: The .400/360 Westley Richards cartridge is a old some might say obsolete round that fires a 300g, .358 in (9.1 mm) calibre, bullet at a velocity of 1,900-1950 ft/s with about 2,537 ft⋅lb of energy at the muzzle. This was...

www.africahunting.com

 

[Tom Leoni]

Thanks, I saw that thread--I was looking for more information if it's available.

 

[degoins]

I say go for it. If the groove diameter falls within the ones you mentioned, I'm pretty sure .358 bullets can be made to work without too much trouble or expense.

 

[Tom Leoni]

@degoins - I'm seriously considering it... Just waiting on the seller to tell me what the groove diameter is. I want to make sure that I can get jacketed bullets for it.

 

[Tom Leoni]

The seller just contacted me. While he confessed that he was more a shotgun guy and not too used to slugging bores, he tentatively measured the groove diameter at .364." Also, he said that the grooves are fairly dark (pitted). Hmmmm....

 

[degoins]

The seller just contacted me. While he confessed that he was more a shotgun guy and not too used to slugging bores, he tentatively measured the groove diameter at .364." Also, he said that the grooves are fairly dark (pitted). Hmmmm....

Yikes!!! I'd bow out.