doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Info on the .256 Westley Richards cartridge

I'm looking for any information on the .256 Westley Richards cartridge. A friend picked up a nice Westley Richards single shot chambered for it and is looking for load data, etc.

References like Cartridges of the World don't have anything (at least the editions I have) and a quick internet search brings up a custom Mannlicher Schoenauer chambered for it that was at auction a while back, but that's all I can find.

Any help is appreciated.

Bryndon

I think you will find that the cartridge you are looking for is the 6.5x53 Mannlicher. The Brits called this cartridge the 256 and in their writing, it is often confused with the 6.5x54 Mannlicher Schoenauer. Both these calibers were popular with the Brits. at the turn of the century.Custom loaders use .303 British cases to make ammo (30-40 can also be used).
Mike

I think Der Ami is correct. If rimmed, it is the 6.5x53R Mannlicher, also listed as Dutch or Romanian Mannlicher. Loading data for those or for the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer or for the 6.5 mm Italian will give reasonable starting points. A few years back, Sellier & Bellot loaded this cartridge & they were imported here. Those have Boxer primers. I have a set of case forming & trim dies, for making cases from .303 British. To me, it is a lot of work for what you get. If you can find the S&B ammo, and if your time is worth anything, that is thre way to go.

Also, Phil Sharpe's Complete Guide to Handloading covers the cartridge. Sharpe's book is available as a free download on the net.

I agree with the earlier posters, .256 is the British designation for the 6.5x53r. here is my .256

SKB, That is a super looking 1897 ! A take down as well ! How much better can it get ?Thanks for sharing.
Chris.

Wal thought it was nice too and placed it on the cover of his book. I do like it. My go to rifle is my H&H built on a PD Farquharison action in .30 super. I've killed a bunch of deer with it and if I have any time in the next few weeks I'm going after a doe Pronghorn with it.

last year's Whitetail. I missed him running at 75 yards, he paused at 200 yards out and that was his last mistake. By far the longest open sight shot I have made on game and it took out his heart. I was tickled.

Lovely Westley Richards SKB, do you know any of the rifles history ? Shooting deer with an open sighted falling block, it doesn't get much better than that !