Large Martini strength

[Wayne Smith]

This may be a vain hope, but is the Large Martini action with a new barrel safe with a 40,000 PSI chambering?

[calaloo]

Don't know without looking up specs. but the Queen's government converted them to .303 caliber.

[RayO]

De Haas states that a sound Martini Enfield action properly barreled with the firing pin bushed should be able to handle up to 45,000PSI.Like calaloo said,they were converted to 303 Britsh which operates at 45,000PSI.

[John Taylor]

better be careful, some of those actions for the shotgun are made from cast iron. Don't know about the others but have seen a couple with cracks. The cadet rifle is made from steel.

[Buckshot]

...............Wayne, which Martini action is it and who made it?

http://www.fototime.com/953B6AFA1F12A79/standard.jpg

I built this one chambered .444 Marlin on a Greener action. One of these days I have to get rid of that cheek piece thingamabob on the buttstock :-) It's a killer. I'd think the .444 wold qualify as a 40K cartridge?

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

[Wayne Smith]

Don't rightly know who built it, but I'd guess it was an Enfield. It had a smooth bore .303 barrel on it when I got it. The lever wouldn't stay closed, my gunsmith is bushing the main pin holes now so it will close. It was well used in it's many years of life.

I've been dreaming of a 9.3x74R for years, ever since I first learned of the cartridge. I've read that it is a 40,000 PSI pressure cart. - so, the question.

I do know that the smooth bore .303 was used by the British as prison guard guns. Thus my assumption that it was an official British Army gun. Who else would smooth bore a .303?

[John Taylor]

the 9.3X74R may be to long to work in a Martini. The Martini was originally designed for black powder so it would be best to stay within black powder pressure ranges. The 9.3X74R came out around 1900 with a nitro load to compete with the "Nitro Express" cartridges. I have done a few on the #1 Ruger and it is a good cartridge.

[Frank46]

Wayne, the smooth bore 303 was origionally a 303 case made into a sort of .410 shotgun cartridge. If I remember correctly. However there is a 375 caliber cartridge that should be safe. 375 either 2 1/4 or 375 2 1/2 that has an operating pressure somewhat lower than 40k. Maybe Double D if he see's this could give more info as he has a martini in this caliber. Think of a 38-55 on steroids. Frank

[Wayne Smith]

Darn, I forgot about the length issue. I know the 45-120 is too long, I'm not sure about the 45-90, and need to check the OAL of the 9.3. It is a lot narrower than the 45 calibers, and that will help.

Rick, you don't have any 9.3 ammo laying around, do you?

[Wayne Smith]

I went out to my wood lathe and made a copy of the 9.3x74R at total length. I'll take that in to my gunsmith, who now has my action, and see if it will fit.

[jdgabbard]

Yes, it will hold the pressure if it was chambered in .303 brit. A lot of people convert those to 357mag/357max... Which we all know is in the 40-45,000 range. If you're going with a similar cartridge you'll be fine.

[Wayne Smith]

Went to see my gunsmith. Rick, it's an Enfield IV with an 1889 date. The 9.3x74R is just a touch too long :sad:. I'm back to the original dilemma, and will probably go with the 45-70 simply because I'm set up for it and have 4 molds.

[leftiye]

Use a lower proof vermouth or vodka? (couldn't resist) But larger IS better!

[Franklin Zeman]

There are a lot of Martini full size actions around that look like someone hacked out the inside with a hatchet. BE CAREFUL !!!!!!! Enfields should be your best bet, either that or Greeners.