380 2 1/4 Rigby Express???

[15meter]

A buddy told me about a 380 2 1/4 Rigby that he found wandering the innerweb, he had never heard of it, nor had I. It is in a Jones underlever single shot type action.

Has anyone had any experience with round?

From what little I have found on the net it sounds like a proprietary Rigby version of a 38-55.

Any case dimensions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[marlinman93]

Haven't seen or heard of the particular cartridge? I am familiar with the 360-2 1/4 Express, but not the 380.

[15meter]

Haven't seen or heard of the particular cartridge? I am familiar with the 360-2 1/4 Express, but not the 380.

It exists, apparently not many of them made, the one listed above that I knew about already said he was just thumb pressing bullets into cases to shoot it. I was hoping for a little more info. Looks like this is a fun one to load for if the info is available and cases don't have to be turned from solid brass because there are not donor cases to convert.

[marlinman93]

I would guess that cartridges could be loaded and bullets seated using a .38-55 die set. Might not work for any case forming, but at least a sight crimp could be done if desired. I have several guns and calibers I reload for and don't own doe sets for. Using my M dies to expand case necks, fire forming, and then using another die set adjusted to seat bullets. One example is my .40-85 Ballard that I reload for using my .40-70SS die set. I try not to ever full length size if I can avoid it, so the .40-70SS dies work great.

[sharps4590]

As with marlinman I'm aware of the 360/2 1/4 but not a 380. COTW doesn't list it nor does Donnely's.

[Huvius]

Hoyem's book lists it but all that is known of it is this ammunition box.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg312/Huvius/Mobile%20Uploads/371BC7CA-8305-4B39-A0BC-30A124763949.jpg (http://s251.photobucket.com/user/Huvius/media/Mobile%20Uploads/371BC7CA-8305-4B39-A0BC-30A124763949.jpg.html)

[Larry Gibson]

From Nonte's Cartridge Conversions, published '61 and '67

200261

[15meter]

From Nonte's Cartridge Conversions, published '61 and '67

200261

Thanks,

This is the kind of info I was looking for, my friend is semi-interested in one that is posted for sale on the web, was curious about difficulty in reloading before pursuing. I have Donnelly's book and several Cartridges of the World but couldn't find it. I really needed exactly what is listed here.

Certainly looks doable if he decides to pursue it. I have a stack of 38-55 starline brass and a couple of 38-55 style molds. Already load for 38-55 and 375 Flanged 2 1/2" Nitro Express. This would fit right in the middle.

I measured both the 38-55 and the 405 Win brass I'm using for the Nitro Express and I think the 405 may make a better donor case, being slightly oversized, as opposed to being undersized and short. It's nice having that South Bend 9" on the bench. Gives me a bunch more options.

Thanks again.

[BigEyeBob]

Strange that Rigby called it a 380 bore when the projectile is .360 " , .
But I have a francotte actioned rook rifle made by TAndrews of London or Birmingham that is inscribed 380 Rook , but slugging the bore it mikes out at .362" over the grooves . The 380 rook is supposed to be. 378"over the grooves and a heeled projectile . The 360#5 is the same case but uses an inside lubed projectile.
Strange these English gun makers .
Also have a Francotte single shot in 300 Sherwood , but the barrel slugs at 312" instead of .300" but this one is of Belgian origin .

[Bouldersmith]

I am the seller of this rifle. Cases can be made from 9.3x72R very easily. Bullets were purchased from Montana Precision Bullet. The owner was shooting it over 23 gr of H4198 and Dacron fill. I have a similar rifle that is personally own built by A. Henry in .360 bpe and I use the same cases and Hawk bullets. Fun little rifles. If you any further questions please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.
Steve Bertram

[BigEyeBob]

Would nice to own save for the **** I have to go through to get it into Australia .Its difficult enough to get brass or even a magazine into the country .

[Bouldersmith]

This one is antique....easy to send to Australia through an exporter named Borderview. They ship in batches to save cost. If you are really interested we can get it there, reasonable too. I just sent a Westley shotgun to NZ using them and every one was happy.
Steve

[Huvius]

Bouldersmith, so what, then, is the bore of this rifle or the bullet dia.?
Did the seller provide the type or product number for the bullets he has used?

[Bouldersmith]

Montana Precision bullets. I have loaded rounds. I think .375" diameter. I can check.

[BigEyeBob]

This one is antique....easy to send to Australia through an exporter named Borderview. They ship in batches to save cost. If you are really interested we can get it there, reasonable too. I just sent a Westley shotgun to NZ using them and every one was happy.
Steve

NZ is a whole different ball game to Australia ,they dont have
restrictive gun laws like we do .

[Bouldersmith]

Tis true but I can still get it there, easily. They do bulk shipments to both countries. If you are interested we can make it happen, for sure.