Fyre,
Thanks for the info and could you get me the diameter at the muzzle of the 1-S? My 1H in .375 Holly mikes .750" at the muzzle.
Here's my deal...I got a 1A in .35 Whelen. An awesome and cool cartridge with lots of panache to go with the No.1. However, now that I've had it a while I'm really thinking it is a little too light in the barrel contour. If I hold it right in front of the trigger guard (as I would in hunting) it is noticeably butt heavy (it's got a lot of muzzle jump as well). While the rifle is very trim I think Lipsey's would have been better served putting it in a 1-S contour. I prefer a little muzzle heavy balance as oppsed to the opposite. While my .375 is noticeably heavier, it actually balances better than the 1A.
Here's the rub. I can never find No.1's in stock to handle. As I mentioned, I have a 1H in .375 H&H and the 1A. I have handled other 1H's and 1V's but, oddly, have never had a chance to feel a 1S or a RSI. So I am trying to get an idea of how the 1S stacks up to my 1A.
I am debating going to a 9.3. The question is, do I rebarrel my 1A Whelen to the equivalent of a 1S (or a tad heavier) or do I say 'screw it' and trade it for a 1S in 9.3x74. I was debating making the Whelen into a 9.3x62 due to plentiful, cheap bullets and brass. If I had it rebarreled, I might even go for a slightly shorter barrel (say 20") and put a peep sight on it. If I went the rebarrel route I would try to have it look as 'factory' as possible with barrel band and front sight band attached along with the quarter rib (of course, extra work with a different contour).
I've never had work like that done so perhaps my cost would end up being prohibitive vis a vis just getting a 1S in 9.3x74. Not quite as unique but still pretty dang cool (I do like that long rimmed case!).
If it was in the budget, I would just flat out buy a new 9.3x74 but with things they way they are the Whelen will probably have to go (which pains me a little). Not to mention, I also NEED a RSI in 7x57 here soon, as well!
Oh well, maybe this is all crazy talk and I should just live with the Whelen, but i can't help but think a heavier barrel would make that rifle about perfect.