“BOURNBROOK, BIRMINGHAM
“_October 13th, 1906_
“DEAR MR. BUCKELL,—I regret that I could not give you the information
earlier, being up to my eyes in work. I have filled in the sizes I think
suitable for each kind of game gathered from our clients’ own opinions
formed from experience. You will notice that in some cases I have
mentioned the .450 high velocity rifle. As regards India, this rifle
will now be unavailable; a recent alteration of the shooting regulations
excludes the .450 bore, which like the .303 cannot be imported into that
country for private use.
“The new accelerated express rifle .375/.303 will no doubt, on account
of its being associated in the minds of the officials with the actual
.303 bore, come under the same ban. But this is a powerful rifle, as you
will gather from the enclosed particulars, and when used with the capped
bullet becomes a most formidable weapon, and has been satisfactorily
employed against Tiger.
“I have just introduced a new extension of the accelerated express
system .318 bore, 2500 feet velocity, 250 grains bullet, muzzle energy
3466 ft. lbs., and this ranks only second to the .400 bore rifle. It is
remarkably accurate, and as it is used in conjunction with the
copper-capped expanding bullet, it will take the place of the .450 bore
now prohibited.
“I merely give you these particulars, as you will see that very shortly,
if the Indian regulations continue in force, as I have no doubt they
will, the other information might be considered out of date.—Yours very
truly,
“LESLIE B. TAYLOR
“_Rooks._—.250; some prefer .297/.230, a similar one.
“_Rabbits._—.250 or .300; latter preferred if country will permit.
“_Red Deer, Scotch._—Many sizes are used, from .256 Mannlicher; the .360
high velocity is effective. For those who prefer a very flat trajectory
superior to the Mannlicher, the new accelerated h.v. .375/.303 is taken.
“_Chamois._—Nothing less than .360; the .375 with copper-capped bullet
is very effective, although the .256 is often used: it is found not to
kill the beast.
“_African Antelopes._—.360 and nickel-capped bullet, a .375/.303
accelerated express; many sportsmen are using the .303 with
nickel-capped bullet.
“_Indian Deer, Ibex, Tibet Wild Sheep._—.256 Mannlicher, Mauser .275,
also .360 and .375 bore with capped bullet; some use ball and shot guns
12 bore.
“_Lions and Tigers._—.360 to .450 h.v. express; the new .375/.303 has
proved successful at Tigers with the capped bullet.
“_Eastern Elephants._—The best weapon I know, of which I have the most
excellent accounts, is the .577 h.v. rifle, 100 grs. cordite and 750
grs. solid and capped bullet.
“_Eastern Buffalo._—.360, .400, and .450 h.v. express.
“_African Buffalo._—.450 h.v. express and .577 h.v. express.
“_African Elephants._—The .577 .100/.710; some use the .450, but the
former is a most deadly weapon.
“I have just received information from an African sportsman that he has
shot an African buffalo with a Westley Richards 12 explora, the horn
measurements of which are strikingly fine, and promise to be a record.”