DoubleD,

Thanks for the advice. I got the whole thing up and together this morning with minimum tension on the front band, just enough to retain the front sling swivel. The forend has a bit of play up at the front end but is solid over the rear band with its packing in place.

I only have 19 cases so I will load them pretty much as suggested and try it.

I only have .459 500 grain bullets and have paper patched them to .470. I will try to get another mould soon but UKicon is not so easy for these things or cheap. Was the .470 measurement including the patch?

Also how would you gauge the overall cartridge length? The throat seems to be an awful long way in there. Should I mount the bullet very high in the case so there is contact or back into the case and leave a gap that has to be traversed by the bullet upon firing?

How would you tell it is a B model of a Mk II?

All this advice gratefully received.

Richard,
The cleaning rod is in good shape but does indeed shake loose upon firing. I take it out before firing and don't use it for cleaning as I have better rods at home for this task.

Do you use a muzzle protector when you are cleaning? I see Peter Dyson has some for sale.