No. 6-1/2 Ballard Rigby ... what caliber?

[JoJoDo]

Hello All,

I am new to this sight. I just purchased a Ballard No. 6-1/2 with a 28" Rigby barrel. The rifle is in very good overall condition with a very good bore. It is serial number 264X. I have looked at a few books but am confused if the caliber is .40-63? ... or .40-65? There are no caliber markings on the barrel or under the forearm. Any help is greatly appreciated. Also if anyone knows where I can find a few original cartridges for display that would be helpful too. I would like to get some new brass, moulde, dies etc and have this at the range in the Spring. Thank you, Joe

[Jim D]

JoJoDo,

Do a Cerro-Safe casting of the chamber. It is the best way to determine what you have. Cerro-Safe is available from Brownells.com. Check it out and let me know if you need help.

-jim

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Joe;

According to John Dutcher in his Ballard book, on pages 308 & 309, the .40-65 and .40-63 Ballard Everlasting cartridge both measure 2 3/8 inches in length. Both cartridges were used in the 6 1/2 Rigby Ballard rifles.

[JoJoDo]

Thank you guys. I may have to rely on a chamber cast. Can anyone tell me how to post photos please?

[Sure-Shot]

Host them online in a place such as Photobucket, which has a free version. Once hosted click on the link that starts [img]urlherenospaces[/img] then paste it in your post.

[marlinman93]

The .40-65 Everlasting is the most common caliber found in the 6 1/2 Rigby, but as JimD said, you should really chamber cast it before spending any money on reloading supplies. You should also slug the bore to see hat size bullet it will need.-Vall