Maverick223
Member
After following a recent thread about a new DG rifle and a couple requests for more information about the new beast, I figured it was time to make a thread about it. The rifle in question is a Whitworth Express rifle chambered in .375H&H. I chose it after a long search for something that fit my needs, my budget, my taste, and my svelt, manly figure. 
It has about everything that I was looking for including a well proven Mauser-based CRF action with a large claw extractor, a good (practical) DG chambering, walnut stock with cut checkering, barrel band swivel stud, express sights (one standing, two folding), and polished blue. The barrel was a bit longer than what I really wanted (a generous 24.5in.), but it is growing on me, and more importantly it fits in the safe without any trouble. I went on to add a Leupold VX-III 1.5-5x20mm with heavy duplex reticle on Leupold QR mounts (which lock in tight, but allow quick removal), both with polished blue finish to match the rifle, and toped it off with a split leather sling that I already had.
First impressions are that the photos didn't do this rifle justice. It looks much better than I anticipated. The sights come right up and the balance is great (despite a long relatively heavy barrel), so target acquisition is very fast. The checkering is deep enough to provide for a good grip, but not so sharp that it feels like sandpaper under recoil. Recoil is perfect. With my stoutest loads (70gr. of RL-15 pushing a 350gr. Woodleigh solid) it is just enough to let you know that you grabbed a rifle made to get work done, yet I could shoot it all day long (finances permitting). The bore was very shiny, if it had been fired at all it was likely less than one box of shells (which is the beauty of buying a used DG rifle), and was well cared for. After working up to all of my "proof loads" (slightly over my anticipated maximum loading), I was able to shoot for groups and sight in the optics. The rifle shot well and averaged about 1MOA with my moderate 300gr. SP load (The only load that I have shot for groups), unfortunately I did not save the targets, so I will be "forced" to shoot it again...and again.
One of the more notable targets that I chose for the experimentation was a nice piece of scrap steel. It measured 3/8in. thick, which apparently isn't remotely enough for a nice 300gr. interlock SP. It cut a nice nickel-ish size hole all the way through. It kept on going and lodged itself at the far end of a 4in. thick board used to prop up the steel, so it was about petered out after going through that much. The slug was perfectly rounded and sheered off the jacket upon entering the steel; it measured about nickel size as well. I don't even want to know what the solids will do to a plate...well yes I do, but I need someone to donate some thicker steel. I will be doing a bit of additional testing on the plate (already perforated by the .375H&H and several times by the .300WM; I will probably be using the .223Rem. and maybe even my hot loaded .45-70Govt. as well), so if you are interested, be on the lookout for a new thread with further details (and the new test cartridges) sometime on Friday or Saturday (weather permitting).
Thanks for looking.
It has about everything that I was looking for including a well proven Mauser-based CRF action with a large claw extractor, a good (practical) DG chambering, walnut stock with cut checkering, barrel band swivel stud, express sights (one standing, two folding), and polished blue. The barrel was a bit longer than what I really wanted (a generous 24.5in.), but it is growing on me, and more importantly it fits in the safe without any trouble. I went on to add a Leupold VX-III 1.5-5x20mm with heavy duplex reticle on Leupold QR mounts (which lock in tight, but allow quick removal), both with polished blue finish to match the rifle, and toped it off with a split leather sling that I already had.
First impressions are that the photos didn't do this rifle justice. It looks much better than I anticipated. The sights come right up and the balance is great (despite a long relatively heavy barrel), so target acquisition is very fast. The checkering is deep enough to provide for a good grip, but not so sharp that it feels like sandpaper under recoil. Recoil is perfect. With my stoutest loads (70gr. of RL-15 pushing a 350gr. Woodleigh solid) it is just enough to let you know that you grabbed a rifle made to get work done, yet I could shoot it all day long (finances permitting). The bore was very shiny, if it had been fired at all it was likely less than one box of shells (which is the beauty of buying a used DG rifle), and was well cared for. After working up to all of my "proof loads" (slightly over my anticipated maximum loading), I was able to shoot for groups and sight in the optics. The rifle shot well and averaged about 1MOA with my moderate 300gr. SP load (The only load that I have shot for groups), unfortunately I did not save the targets, so I will be "forced" to shoot it again...and again.
One of the more notable targets that I chose for the experimentation was a nice piece of scrap steel. It measured 3/8in. thick, which apparently isn't remotely enough for a nice 300gr. interlock SP. It cut a nice nickel-ish size hole all the way through. It kept on going and lodged itself at the far end of a 4in. thick board used to prop up the steel, so it was about petered out after going through that much. The slug was perfectly rounded and sheered off the jacket upon entering the steel; it measured about nickel size as well. I don't even want to know what the solids will do to a plate...well yes I do, but I need someone to donate some thicker steel.
I will be doing a bit of additional testing on the plate (already perforated by the .375H&H and several times by the .300WM; I will probably be using the .223Rem. and maybe even my hot loaded .45-70Govt. as well), so if you are interested, be on the lookout for a new thread with further details (and the new test cartridges) sometime on Friday or Saturday (weather permitting).Thanks for looking.
I do plan to invest in some armor plate for LR target practice at some point, but mild stuff sure is fun to experiment with.
