The data related to many medical, environmental and ecological variables are often measured in terms of angles wherein its range is defined in [0,π). This type of data is referred to as axial or half circular data. Modeling based on half circular data has not received its due share of attention in statistical literature. In this paper, we introduce a new half circular distribution based on inverse stereographic projection technique on modified Burr−III distribution, called the half circular modified Burr−III (hcMB−III) distribution. The basic properties of the proposed distribution are derived. It is common observation that while estimating the parameters of a model, one usually adopts maximum likelihood estimation method as the starting point. In this paper, we consider seven frequentist methods of estimation, besides using maximum likelihood method for estimating the parameters of the hcMB−III distribution. Monte Carlo simulations are performed for investigating the performances of the considered methods in terms of their biases and mean square errors using small, medium and large sample sizes. Finally, one data set related to posterior corneal curvature of the eyes of 23 patients, is analyzed to check potentiality of the newly proposed model.