A revival! I was lamenting that my British heritage (on Mum's side) has been let down by my use of the 30-06 when I understand that, but for the war, the 318 WR may have been destined for greater things. With a 250 gr bullet it seems to be close to the 35 Whelen and 338-06. But then I read that it is smaller than the Whelen, slower than both, and maybe not a versatile as the '06. So, did the American calibers best the British fairly or is the 318 a victim of history?
Pheroze,
It is the ballistic twin of our .338-06.
IE: Both launch a .33 caliber / 250 grain bullet at about 2400 fps.
Although the .318 uses .330 diameter projectiles and the .338 is actually uses .338 diameter like its name implies.
I have fired a .338-06 and really enjoyed it but if I ever decide to have either of those built to my specs, I likely will choose the .318 for the nostalgia factor.
Bell is famous for taking many elephants with the .275 Rigby, AKA the 7x57, but in reading his book "Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter", it seems clear to me that his favorite was the .318 Westley Richards / 250 gr RNS.
(Incidentally, there seems to be paper record indicating Bell purchased two .416 caliber Mausers from Rigby and at least a thousand rounds of ammunition for same, loaded with "solids", during his ivory hunting years. Hmmm).
Last but not least, my favorite PH in Africa (Limpopo / South Africa) once told me that for his own personal stew pot and braai rifle, if he lived where the laws were not so tight, he would have a Mauser built to his specs in caliber .338-06, as his Number One Go To PG Rifle.
Blah, blah, blah,
Velo Dog.