doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com WESTLEY RICHARDS EXPLORA

Hi Forum, I think I posted this on the wrong part of the forum.

Here is the link to my post. If anyone has any thoughts, it would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=299752#Post299752

Kevin,

Wonderful rifled choke gun, I'm definitely envious. The Exploras originally were regulated for the 2 1/2" Explora round that used the LT (Leslie Turner) cap bullet. Basically it was a pointed copper cone that has a lead base which is swagged on (could be the other way around, can't remember.) I am not sure if anyone has successfully recreated the actual thing, but I believe Ross Seyfried used to make them for his 20 and 28-Bore Faunetas. I'm sure there are a few people on here who would know if anyone has actually made a LT cap bullet for their Explora or Fauneta. If one had the know how and the proper equipment I'm sure it could be done.

Here is a cut away image of a Super Magnum Explora round with an LT cap bullet:




I do know that Exploras have been regulated for new Holland and Holland Paradox ammo with success.

Charlie

Here are some more photos of the LT cap bullets that I have found:

Great data! Is it possible to shoot with conventional ball ammo?

What exactly do you mean by conventional ball ammo? Handloads using Paradox bullets? Spherical Balls?

Paradox style bullets are what you want to be running through this gun, or if you can find a source for LT caps somehow.

If you don't want to handload, I would definitely check out Holland and Holland's fatory Paradox ammo that they make now for their new Paradox guns. I have heard and seen pictures of someone using this ammo in their Explora. I think it would have to be re-regulated for it though. Not sure if there is any other options beside handloading or the factory Paradox ammo. I am hoping someone else will chime in on this.

If you are looking for anymore info, particularly on handloading, I will let the experts chime in as I have neither owned one of these guns or reloaded for one.

Here is a link to a thread on nitroexpress.com that might help. They talk a little bit about handloads, as well as the LT bullets:
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=71907&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1


Charlie

That's a beautiful gun, ejector and I see pins so not a droplock. Single or double trigger? Westley's aren't that hard to figure out. Explora = 2 1/2" cartridge 730gr @ 1250 but with a capped bullet. It should regulate with a lead paradox style bullet to 50 and 100yds but might need some tweaking. Do you have bore and choke measurements? The gun looks to be pristine. The Holland ammo may be too slow to shoot well in your gun but it is worth a try. There are no capped bullets commercially available. Don't use modern slugs of any kind in this gun they are too hard. The cap doesn't really contact the choke.
I have a gun that shoots the capped bullet also, send me a pm.






A capped bullet should have a tighter grouping and better ballistics. Pretty impressive for a " ball and shotgun"