318 Westley Richards

nztimb

AH ambassador
Joined
May 5, 2009
Messages
5,410
Reaction score
22,290
Media
1,632
Articles
6
Hunting reports
Australia/NZ
4
Hunted
New Zealand, Austaralia
What would you all think of as the best barrel profile for a 318 WR. The barrel is going to be a one off so wont have to stick with factory profiles. I will be stocking the rifle as iron sights only so I have taken that into account when putting together a proposed profile
Starting with the Kreiger page and the #3 medium sporter with these changes
Finished at 25 inches
.570 at the muzzle ie .120 either side over groove dia this will keep it from being muzzle heavy but have enough to hang nicely in hand
I would reduce the neck dia (G) to .815 and all up this should keep the finished weight just under the 3 lb mark to keep the rifle nice and portable but still have the weight where it will enhance the handling.

 

Attachments

  • Kreiger barrel profiles_zpsiiazuaiy.png
    Kreiger barrel profiles_zpsiiazuaiy.png
    69.8 KB · Views: 290
Last edited by a moderator:
#2 (my preference) or #3 will be the basis of a very useful .318. I also like the 27" length.
 
I just measured my 9.3x62 Mauser and it is .565" at the muzzle. It is great to carry and shoot so I think you are on the right lines. It is about 23" barrel.
 
The rifle (UNFORTUNATELY) is not for me and the guy is not in favour of the longer barrel. I first sugested the traditional 28 in length but I think I can convince him to go for 25 in
 
I just heard from the guy the rifle is to be for that he is in aggreement with my barrel proposal except that the length F is reduced from 6 in to 3 1/2. That shoud reduce a few more oz from the barrel weight
 
I just heard from the guy the rifle is to be for that he is in aggreement with my barrel proposal except that the length F is reduced from 6 in to 3 1/2. That shoud reduce a few more oz from the barrel weight

yup you have lost me there.....way too many things in that option diagram......but with what i have seen you make/create on here i know you will come up with something special (y) but as i said 22 inches and 8lbs as i know best......:D look forward to seeing the finished product and the stages in between :D Beers:
 
The 318 traditionally had a barrel in the 28 inch range and as this build will be to look as if it was made in the 1920's to 30's Rigby shop, a 22 inch barrel would look wrong in many ways. Express sights with single square bridge and a barrel band sling eye dictate the longer barrel to balance visually.
 
Please talk him out of that stubby barrel.
 
The decission has been made as to the barrel profile and while it may not be my choice, it is what he wants so that is what it will be
This is the transition from chamber dia down to the start of the taper that will be the pattern


With these dimensions



This is a pic of the style he wants although the banded rear sight will be further down the forestock so it is about mid point with the forestock being in the 7 1/2 in range
 

Attachments

  • Ideal for Sean_zps0jea1mk9.png
    Ideal for Sean_zps0jea1mk9.png
    800.8 KB · Views: 927
  • The 318 Barrel dimensions_zpsqj290ngv.png
    The 318 Barrel dimensions_zpsqj290ngv.png
    181.6 KB · Views: 255
  • 318 barrel_zpszcjyrkww.png
    318 barrel_zpszcjyrkww.png
    337.4 KB · Views: 277
Last edited by a moderator:
I too will watch big this thread. I have been amazed at your work sir!
 
With the rifle above I like the way that the lines around the ejection port and along the forstock edge are slightly softened so that it denotes a rifle of ( a certain) age rather than the crisp sharp lines or a recently completed stocking job and that is what I will be recomending that I do for Sean.
 
With the rifle above I like the way that the lines around the ejection port and along the forstock edge are slightly softened so that it denotes a rifle of ( a certain) age rather than the crisp sharp lines or a recently completed stocking job and that is what I will be recomending that I do for Sean.
I see this thread is from forever ago, but I was curious how the rifle turned out. I am looking at building a custom Mauser on a 1909 Argentine action, and am thinking about barrel profiles. So I was very curious how this ended up looking. Also, I wonder if there is a way to make a hidden threaded barrel up to the front sight, or if it would make the barrel too long. I appreciate the recoil and sound reduction of a suppressor when shooting at the range. @nztimb
 
Sir, go to see a classic build. I design custom integral barrels and have an accurate spreadsheet for barrel weight. I used a Mauser 98 for the shank dimensions. Due to the 25.4mm diameter at the end of the transition, (G) or (B) below, quite a weighty barrel, 1.70kg or 3.7 lbs
Steve
below is from my calculator:

ABCDEFR (radius)GH+Weightmuzzle wall
WR 318 (mm)0.31833.0225.4015.2427.3160.33647.705.7127.9415.883.7443.58
1730407756606.png
 
Sir, go to see a classic build. I design custom integral barrels and have an accurate spreadsheet for barrel weight. I used a Mauser 98 for the shank dimensions. Due to the 25.4mm diameter at the end of the transition, (G) or (B) below, quite a weighty barrel, 1.70kg or 3.7 lbs
Steve
below is from my calculator:

ABCDEFR (radius)GH+Weightmuzzle wall
WR 318 (mm)0.31833.0225.4015.2427.3160.33647.705.7127.9415.883.7443.58
View attachment 644139
Thank you for the information, it is greatly appreciated.
 
Sir, go to see a classic build. I design custom integral barrels and have an accurate spreadsheet for barrel weight. I used a Mauser 98 for the shank dimensions. Due to the 25.4mm diameter at the end of the transition, (G) or (B) below, quite a weighty barrel, 1.70kg or 3.7 lbs
Steve
below is from my calculator:

ABCDEFR (radius)GH+Weightmuzzle wall
WR 318 (mm)0.31833.0225.4015.2427.3160.33647.705.7127.9415.883.7443.58
View attachment 644139
Hello, I have a Wesley Richards 318 Accelerated Express action that I WAS going to barrel in 35 Whelen or 9.3x62 but was soundly thrashed for thinking that. What is the cost of one of your 318 WR barrels as shown above and what would be involved in getting one to the state of Ohio in the U.S.? Thanks, Don
 

Forum statistics

Threads
63,738
Messages
1,402,906
Members
126,761
Latest member
FlorCorral
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Thank you for the bookings Gents August is now fully booked!

Updated available dates for 2026!

1-27 feb is open
5-31March is open
1-10 April is open
17-30 April is open
1-6 May is open
24-31 May is open
12-18 June is open
24-30 June is open
1-17 July is open
August is now fully booked
from September onwards is wide open!
1760558427422.png

Flights Booked
Hotel Booked
Booth Booked

We are very excited to come to Salzburg for the first time.
Should you at all have any interest in hunting with me and want to discuss different options please do not hesitate to contact me and we can set something up.
Hyde Hunter wrote on malcome83's profile.
where are you located? I would be happy to help you with you doing the reloading but I will only load for a very few real close friends as posted before liability is the problem. but will help you.
Screenshot 2025-10-09 at 7.53.47 AM.png
A two minute video I made of our recent Safari. I think it turned out well
 
Top