Follow up on BSA Martini cadet, range time.

[koger]

I slugged the barrel and did a chamber cast, someone had chambered it to .32 Win special an rebored and rifled it as well. That was why the barrel was so pristine. I dug out some 30/30 brass and ran it thru the .32 WS sizer die, then loaded them with some 190 gr sptizers, I had cast for my 32/40. I loaded them with 9.5 grs of Unique and the dropped right in the chamber. I took 4 out and shot them, it was shooting a little right, I adjusted the micro adjustable sights, and got it on at 100 yds. I got 5 more rounds and put 4 out of 5 offhand on a steel clanger 4x6". I have a functioning shootable rifle now. I wont be running factory ammo thru it, i would think that would be too hot for the little rife. Anyone know what pressures they are rated at.

[pworley1]

I have one that was re-chambered to 32 40. It is a great cast shooter. I hope you enjoy yours.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

I have a Cadet in 25/35 and there does not seem to be any pressure issues.

https://i.imgur.com/2tDJ9vFl.jpg

[koger]

I have a Cadet in 25/35 and there does not seem to be any pressure issues.

https://i.imgur.com/2tDJ9vFl.jpg

Do you shoot any J words at factory velocities.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

Yes 87gn RN

[jdgabbard]

Well, I can't say I have ever shot one in 32WS, but I can tell you I have a 1921 Afghan Contract Rifle in my possession that is chambered in .303, So I'd presume that it's more than capable of handling the 42k PSI of the 32WS since the 303 has a pressure of 49k PSI.

That's just my two cents...

[challenger_i]

Your 303 Martini is a large frame: different breed of cat from the Cadet rifle.

[jdgabbard]

Your 303 Martini is a large frame: different breed of cat from the Cadet rifle.

Good to know. I can't say I know much about the Cadets other than they were originally designed around the 30 Cadet, were used as training rifles and called up for civil service during WWII. Apparently a lot of people also converted these to .357mag/max.

But again, I've never had my hands on one...

[challenger_i]

If you ever do lay hands on one and shoot it, you will be hooked! :)
357 Mag is a good round, 357 Max is just a tad long to chamber easily. My next Cadet project will
be in 32-30 Remington (yes, you read that correctly!). Has just enough taper to the case to feed
good in the Cadet.

[spfdpete]

Boolit Buddy;Read your post I have a cadet in 32/20.thought about 32/30 I had to settle.Still looking for 32 Ideal reamer.thanks Pete

[challenger_i]

The joy of the 32-30 Remington is that it uses a .321 pill, and 357 Max brass is only a tiny bit short. Can make it from 222 Rimmed brass, but that stuff is SCARCE! :)

[koger]

I finally got around to scratching a itch, to see how this rifle would do with jacketed, modern loads. I loaded up 40 rounds with 29 grs of IMR 3031, behind a J word 170 speer, lower end of jacketed data load. It kicked a little with the metal butt plate on it. I slipped on a limbsaver slip on pad and sat down at the bench, and with the micro adjustable rear sight, I got it shooting a ragged hole at 25 yds. I went to 100 yds on my 4x6" clanger and wore it out, proceded to hit leaves, small sticks and such out to 150 yds. Ran thru 15 rounds with no pressure signs and it is a shooting machine, may take it deer hunting this fall.

[challenger_i]

Sound's like a keeper, she does! :)

[Baltimoreed]

I have one that’s been bored out to .32-20 which is waaay too small bullet diameter. I use 32-20 brass and .321 150 gr rnfp and bullseye. A super cute rifle. Had a sporter Martini Cadet in 357 mag. Shot fine but I like the full stock military look.Shoots good.325185

[Bad Ass Wallace]

Rarest of the rare - A WW2 310 Cadet bayonet!

https://i.imgur.com/PpOpiY3l.jpg

[challenger_i]

You folks Down Under have ALL the neat toys! :)

[john.k]

Seems the original 22" twist barrel is a bit slow for 32/40 or 32 Special,but the guns seem to work OK......I would say the Cadet action was considerably stronger than the military Martini Henry action use in the 303 conversions.........The limiting factor is the smallish 3/4" barrel tenon.

[tward]

I remember when Kleins in Chicago sold them for $9.99 in 310 cadet, $12.99 for 32-20 and I think $19.99 in 32 Win Special or 357 Magnum. But who could afford $20 for a single shot rifle! This was in 1959 or 1960. Crazy amount of money for a kid with a paper route. Bought one last year for $350 and thought it was a good deal.Tim

[Abert Rim]

Tim, that was a very good deal if in any sort of decent shape.
Bad Ass, your Cadet sporter is simply drop-dead gorgeous.

[wkndwarrior]

Bad Ass - That's beautiful. Is that a left hand stock? I'm just curious because I've seen some on GB with a similar cheek weld on both sides of the stock which I thought was a little unusual.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

Yes, left hand stock. The smith did a wonderful job finishing the barrel at 22" with 1:10" ROT. It shoots 100gn cast boolits as well as "J" boolits!