Long lever Martini Henry 1886

[craig61a]

I've been thinking of getting a MH in 577/450 for a few years, but I didn't really want to have to form brass for another rifle. Came across one I just couldn't pass on... I'll add photos later after I make them a little smaller in size...

[Red River Rick]

Nice...........

A No.4 MK1, High Hump. Problem is.................it's not a M-H, but rather a M-E. But close enough!

Now you need to spend some $$$ on the rest of the components. You'll have lots of fun............just ask 10,000 ZULU's!

RRR

[zuke]

There's a guy in Wasington state that sell's formed brass made from 24 gauge CBC brass

[curator]

Actually, It is a .402 Martini-Enfield that was converted to 577/450 Martini Henry configuration. The .402 M.E. cartridge was developed in 1886 for longer range than the older 577-450 but was shelved in 1887 in preference of the .303 British cartridge. The No.4 Mk1 (long lever) .402 Martini Enfield rifles were turned in to be converted to the common 577-450 cartridge for use by second level and Native troops. For more information check out the British militaria forum: http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.c...y#.U0hBjFcV_18

Nice...........

A No.4 MK1, High Hump. Problem is.................it's not a M-H, but rather a M-E. But close enough!

Now you need to spend some $$$ on the rest of the components. You'll have lots of fun............just ask 10,000 ZULU's!

RRR

[Preacher Jim]

i have one of those i converted to 44 Mag lead bullet mid-range loads that is a tack driver. i just aquired a 303 that the bore looks like the grand Canyon that i want to rebarrel to something any suggestions??
preacher Jim

[craig61a]

I sized CBC shotshells using the Lee 577/450 die yesterday, now I just need to trim... I called L.E. Wilson, and they said they could make a case holder for the 577/450 to go with their Stainless Standard trimmer for $22. So I'm going to send off 3 cases so they can get it made. Said turnaround would be within 48 hours.

I'm still trying to decide how I want to go as far as boolits are concerned. I still have to slug the bore, but I don't know whether I want to paper patch or just use grooved/lubed boolits. I'm temped to go the route of paper patched, even though that would be something new for me.

[zuke]

i have one of those i converted to 44 Mag lead bullet mid-range loads that is a tack driver. i just aquired a 303 that the bore looks like the grand Canyon that i want to rebarrel to something any suggestions??
preacher Jim

That barrel should screw right onto a Martini action.

[zuke]

I sized CBC shotshells using the Lee 577/450 die yesterday, now I just need to trim... I called L.E. Wilson, and they said they could make a case holder for the 577/450 to go with their Stainless Standard trimmer for $22. So I'm going to send off 3 cases so they can get it made. Said turnaround would be within 48 hours.

I'm still trying to decide how I want to go as far as boolits are concerned. I still have to slug the bore, but I don't know whether I want to paper patch or just use grooved/lubed boolits. I'm temped to go the route of paper patched, even though that would be something new for me.

I'm going PP for mine.
My biggest hurdle is finding a case filler like kapoc/dacron. I'm headed to Fabric Land this afternoon to see what they have.

[curator]

craig61a:

The Martini Henry has a very long (>6") tapered throat going from the round case-neck size to the seven-sided bore. My MkIV begins at .485 (cylindrical) to .472/452 (groove/bore) They were made this way to deal with black powder fouling. The original bullets from several manufacturers were around .450-.455" in diameter, mostly paper patched soft lead. There is a lot of information on the BritishMilitaria website about loading this very specialized cartridge. For low-recoiling target shooting I am using the Lee .475/400FP and SR4759 with great success.

[craig61a]

As Lee molds are relatively inexpensive, I'll have to give that a try.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

As Lee molds are relatively inexpensive, I'll have to give that a try.

Try Cast Bullet Engineering, they specialise in several moulds for the 577/450 up to .470 diameter.

http://www.castbulletengineering.com.au/

[LtFrankDrebbin]

i have one of those i converted to 44 Mag lead bullet mid-range loads that is a tack driver. i just aquired a 303 that the bore looks like the grand Canyon that i want to rebarrel to something any suggestions??
preacher Jim

Bore out to 303-35 may-be?

[craig61a]

While I was able to get some 24 ga shotshells (still tough to find) I was interested in getting some Jamison brass in 577/450 and 577 Snider (another project). Alas, I talked to Captech and it's not on their production schedule for this year... Maybe next year.