Soon to arrive Martini Henry

[Desertbuck]

I know I know I don't even have the rifle yet! I have to wait for Christmas. But I decided to start having some fun anyways.

I've been doing my research and I understand the Martini Henry mark IV run anywhere from .469 to 472. The 500 gain came out a little bit smaller than I had hoped but I'm going to have to fire form some cases anyways. I'll find some thicker paper later.
The 200 grain I did just for fun I kind of hope that they shoot ok as I would like my wife to shoot the rifle as well it would be considerably less punishing. But I doubt they'll even stabilize properly we shall see. I have nothing to add just really excited about something I've been wanting for some time.
The Martini Henry rifle is a big part of firearms history. It was the first true metallic cartridge purpose-built rifle adopted. And it was one of the most advanced if not the most advanced military single shot black powder rifle. It's also in the transitional period of firearms history where they were trying to modernize their weaponry while still holding on to some of the old muzzle loading technology.
Anyway have a good day guys.

[zuke]

I use green bar paper on as-cast 300-400-500 gr boolit's. Bring's them up to .472

[Buckshot]

..............I have a MkIV Martini that has had a brand new original barrel put on it. The barrel was one of 12 in an original wooden crate. The barrels were complete with their rear (military) sights. Amongst all the proofs and other markings was the manufacture date of 1892



These are the Lee 457-405-F slugs wrapped with 2 wraps of 20# bond. They mic .472" over the patch.

................Buckshot

[Idaho Mule]

That's a pretty picture Buckshot. JW

[craig61a]

Wow... 12 Martini barrels NOS. What are the chances...? I'm going to start paper patching for a Gahendra, the fire formed case mouths run .473". I'm thinking of using a 1-30 .461" 405 that I use in my 45-70's. I'm not sure how well those will work with the large lube grooves though. I fire formed with Lee 457-405 lubed - didn't get great accuracy, but they were on the paper.