New "classic" .318 Westley Richards?

[csmiffy]

All right then, how about for a mix of it all, doing a 318-06?
You could then say you were using the correct projectiles, in an easy to find action with easy to find brass and probably be able to reload cost effectively with a modified die and expander etc. No need for speshy expensive dies. New barrel notwithstanding of course.

 

[HunterX]

This has been a great thread to read and dream. Just checked and CH4D has .318 dies in stock…not sure how many. If you had two actions to build on, which would you choose for a .318 WR build….a 1909 Argentine or a Dumoulin action? I have been looking at RJ Renner as well. Any idea how much he would charge to take an action and wood blank and create a rifle? It looks like he will do an Old African style with a model 70 for around $3,500. I imagine it would be a bit more starting from a stock blank.

 

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

My vote would be for the 1909 Argentine (I'm biased). You can't go wrong with either.

I've never spoken to RJ but I'd guess that most of his work is semi-custom. Sounds like you are leaning full custom. There are few gunsmiths out there that lean traditional. One is Matt Roberts with MNR Custom. He does beautiful, classic work, loves safari, and the golden age of gunmaking between the wars. Not sure what you're looking to spend but I'd have a hard look at his work. He'd love to do a project in such a classic caliber.

 

[HunterX]

My vote would be for the 1909 Argentine (I'm biased). You can't go wrong with either.

I've never spoken to RJ but I'd guess that most of his work is semi-custom. Sounds like you are leaning full custom. There are few gunsmiths out there that lean traditional. One is Matt Roberts with MNR Custom. He does beautiful, classic work, loves safari, and the golden age of gunmaking between the wars. Not sure what you're looking to spend but I'd have a hard look at his work. He'd love to do a project in such a classic caliber.

Thank you for the advice, I have seen some of Matt’s work on his website. It might be out of my price range, but I will reach out to him when I have some funds set aside. I ordered two wood blanks…one is French Walnut (30 years old) and the other is Turkish (20 years old.) I highly recommend Hunterbid.com to anyone needing a beautiful piece of wood. Good communication, great price. I think I’ll use the lighter French walnut for this project. (Picture below).

 

[HunterX]

So .318 WR brass has been impossible to find with Bertram stopping importation. I just sent an email to Peterson Cartridge here: customersupport@petersoncartridge.com

Urging them to make a special run. If anyone else wants to email…maybe we can show them there is some interest. Just an idea.

 

[rdog]

About 18 mts ago I got caught up in the 318 thing built a rifle on a 30/06 Parker Hale M98 action , new old Bishop stock,
Swan Barrel , made brass out of 30/06 with CH dies an easy process , used Woodleigh 250 grain bullets got 350 before the fire . Atomic 29 made a run of 180 grain copper bullets have 200 of these. tested rifle at range . the woodleighs shoot about 1.25 Moa 3 shot groups the atomic 29s .75 moa just got 150 Bertram cases. Shot some pigs & 2 red deer . Fun project did it all my self except barrel fitting.
Truth is my 30/06 or 8x57 does the same thing . only down side is bullets, may be a 338/06 would have been a more sensible option. If you like a challenge go for it. Photos on this site some wear.

 

[HunterX]

About 18 mts ago I got caught up in the 318 thing built a rifle on a 30/06 Parker Hale M98 action , new old Bishop stock,
Swan Barrel , made brass out of 30/06 with CH dies an easy process , used Woodleigh 250 grain bullets got 350 before the fire . Atomic 29 made a run of 180 grain copper bullets have 200 of these. tested rifle at range . the woodleighs shoot about 1.25 Moa 3 shot groups the atomic 29s .75 moa just got 150 Bertram cases. Shot some pigs & 2 red deer . Fun project did it all my self except barrel fitting.
Truth is my 30/06 or 8x57 does the same thing . only down side is bullets, may be a 338/06 would have been a more sensible option. If you like a challenge go for it. Photos on this site some wear.

Thank you for the feedback. I don’t “need” another rifle. I think with what I have I could shoot about everything on earth. It does sound like a fun project and very different. I have found that in life it is the process that is the most exciting and not just the result. It would be great to have a beautiful custom rifle to take around the world, in a classic caliber. One where I picked the wood, everything. I did pick up a custom 7x57 that someone else on this forum had and it kicked off this obsession with beautiful classic Mausers. I get my Dads interest in them now. I have finally hit classic safari rifle age. Haha.

 

[HunterX]

I've been intrigued by the caliber for a while now as I'm a fan of the classics. Most options to purchase are either new custom builds or older used models. Recently, I came across a third option - converting a M70 to the old British style. Modern performance, classic looks, and the ability to mount a scope without destroying collector value. Yes, I know that there are probably cheaper rebarrel options, but a big part of the appeal to me is the classic look.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with R.J. Renner? Judging from their website, looks like the bulk of their business is taking factory models and prettying up to either classic English or Teutonic styles.

http://www.rjrenner.com/pre-war-77.html

@Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy: Did you end up building the rifle? How did it turn out? Pictures?

 

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

@HunterX I did not end up building. Found a nice custom that checked all the boxes for me, so I picked it up instead. Ken Owen built .318 WR on a Argentine 1909 action. Even came with dies and load data from Ken! Very accurate with irons. Haven't taken it hunting yet but I definitely will.

 

[HunterX]

Thank you for the update @Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy. Beautiful rifle! I decided to get a 9.3x62 Old African from RJ Renner first on an old FN action I have an English walnut stock. I’ll do a custom 318 WR when I can save up enough…but I bought dies and things so, it’s going to happen eventually. Maybe if I can sell a few other rifles in the safe, I can’t afford it. Anyone looking for a custom M98 Radon Mauser in 7x57? Haha.

 

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

That's a great classic caliber too!