Shooting the 577 Snider British Sporting Rifle.mov

In this video we shoot an 1860s vintage British .577 Snider sporting rifle marketed by R.B. Roda. We'll shoot it with both roundball/shotshell loads as well as with conventional bullet/brass cartridges.

[@kpadmirer]

When I was in high school in the mid-60s, a teacher brought in one just like this to show. It was smooth-bored, though. Can't imagine doing that today!

[@canadianclassics]

Just bought three of these one is a full stock 1963 snider enfield and the other two are carbines I’ll do a video on them in the future I’m sure

[@grahampalmer9337]

! A 1963 Snider-Enfield Wow!

[@duelist1954]

@licespray I paid $325 for mine and spent $200 more restoring it...well worth it. I'll do a video with the restored one at some point.

[@44gunsmoke]

X-Ring Services makes a bullet mold for this and other Brit guns, they are miles ahead of the minie and are the proper .60" diameter.

[@wildrangeringreen]

all depends on barrel specs, the very first Snyder-Enfield's used the progressive-depth rifled barrels off of the P53's (and shoot the .57ish" ML HB bullets just fine), but later MK's and civilian-market guns used bores and rifling depths all over the place. If you have a uniform depth rifled barrel with shallow grooves (.002-.005) and a .577-.58" bore, you can use the HB bullets for ML's, if you have deeper grooves or an oversized bore, you will need bigger bullets. In theory, they should be able to use the same bullets as .577 BPE's, but the bores are often not in spec lol. The biggest reason you don't see this issue with American Trapdoors converted from .58RF to CF is that that model (1865) wasn't in use long enough to run out of it's supply of musket barrels lol.

[@duelist1954]

@TheHossstyle Thanks. I went nuts looking for an elephant target...couldn't find one, so I started looking at elephant art prints to find a big head picture that wouldn't cost a house payment. Finally found the one in the video and bought a couple. If you watch the video on the .72 cal Gibbs African Hunter you'll see the other one.

[@survivalaustralia01]

I have one of these it was used as a volunteer miitia rifle in Australia. I love the thing,

[@cromag7766]

Mike, i have to thank you for the tutorials. I'm having alot of inexpensive fun with my 1860 Canadian three-bander thanks to you. I prefer your methods as i have great accuracy and the rifle is easily cleaned afterward.

[@duelist1954]

When I first heard about the aspirin trick about a year ago, I immediately tried it with high hopes. However, I have now tried the aspirin trick, as well as clay plugs and wooden plugs, with no difference in the groups. Round balls and .590 solid-base bullets continue to shoot much better for me.

[@teru797]

can you just shoot 24 gauge shotgun slugs out of this?

[@duelist1954]

I can't say. I stick to 50 to 75 yards with the round balls. It really drops elevation quickly.

[@duelist1954]

@DoughboyJonesmk2 Hi Doughboy. I was shooting the Snider today...505 grain RNFP and 90 grains of 2Fg Goex. It kicks significantly harder than any of my .45-70s. Not awful, but, after a few rounds, it really has your attention.

[@duelist1954]

@licespray When I bought it it had awful homemade sights. I had a folding two-leaf rear sight and a ramp front sight with a brass bead installed.

[@duelist1954]

@jeffshootsstuff Hi Jeff, That must be the magic of video. Sometimes it goes well, but other times the cases stick tight in the chambers and it's a bugger to get them out..

[@phillycheesetake]

These guns are totally legal to own in the UK, no license or anything. Of course the fun's still banned though.

[@dr.donaldhurley2922]

Sad. Sorry for your loss.

[@benewgillian6823]

Totally legal here in France , you just need to show an identity card when purchasing any of the black powder stuff ..

[@duelist1954]

I got mine at an antique gun show in Baltimore, Maryland a couple of years ago.

[@murphysmuskets]

Mike, I have been playing with my Snider for about a year now and I can tell you that you will be much happier using thick walled mini's and 1F powder. Regards!

[@duelist1954]

24 guage

[@999SilverDog]

Great, informative video Mike. Did you ever get around to slugging and trying 580+ minnie's ? My MK2* Cavalry Carbine model Snider slugs to .585, I hope to try the .600 Round Ball loads at my range in a few weeks.

[@D33Lux]

28 gauge shotgun shells are easy to load and shoot out of the .577 snider and cheaper than the brass.

[@MrTudenom]

This is great, I love the shot shell idea. How does it perform at range? Our local Cowboy Action Shooting match sets rifle ram targets out to 300m for a fun shoot. Do you think the 60 cal ball would stay on target at that range?

[@TheHossstyle]

Awesome video! Thanks for showing us. I especially enjoyed the elephant target... those old big bores are awesome!

[@JoanieKennedy]

Looks you and I both seem to have better luck with the round balls.

[@ab-lymphocite5464]

can I use a minie ball instead of round ball in those plastic shells, or will it break something?

[@duelist1954]

You can, but it is undersized to the shell. You can use a stiff line to hold it in place

[@longtotem6580]

Seems like that hat was giving you too much trouble

[@vwmountainman9701]

Nice touch with the elephant target !!! I love it - you are always soo uniform/dress appropriate. Nice job !!

[@licespray]

@duelist1954 Thank you for the swift reply. I'm a member on a forum you are too (BMF, shortened) Those guys are very helpful. Will PM you one im looking at, no where near as nice and probably asking too much for it.

[@urbanesoul8400]

From 2011 so you've probably already heard, but just in case... Your round balls shot well bc they're .600 while your minis were only .577 The Snider has a tapered barrel so does well with a larger bullet, sometimes even a .600 mini Great lil guns & everywhere up here in Canada; we used it instead of the Martini Henry except in small batches.

[@PhilReturns]

Can you make a video about how to make the shotgunshell ammo, that would be nice. By the way great video about the snider.

[@DoughboyJonesmk2]

What's the recoil like on that beast, like a .45-70 or .444?

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Interesting mechanism. From what I can see the loading/extracting process is much smoother and less fiddly with the trapdoor Springfield.

[@DoughboyJonesmk2]

@duelist1954 Yeah, I'd imagine slinging something that heavy is probably going to push back a bit. What a monster, I want one more every day!

[@GRMGR1]

You sir, do some excellent videos.

[@lawrencestanley8989]

My question is why in the world are gun manufacturers not producing rifles like this today? Today, there are extremely few rifles produced that are designed with the correct drop for iron sights, IF they are designed for iron sights at all!

[@steelgila]

It's a shame too as you would think simple one shot low velocity antique weapons like this would be welcome by everyone.

[@teru797]

So can you just shoot 24 gauge shotgun slugs out of this?

[@koolaidblack7697]

I thought you were joking at first but now I am unsure, so I'll answer you seriously. No. The gun would probably explode.

[@1anthonybrowning]

.577 should destroy the plywood that holds your target pretty effectively.

[@deatheternal720]

5:48

[@kenibnanak5554]

So which action is easier to manipulate, this snider or a trapdoor?

[@duelist1954]

Ken ibn Anak The trapdoor is easier.

[@kenibnanak5554]

duelist1954 okay. i have a Martini Henry coming so i can compare it to my Sharps.

[@rumeunner3245]

Snider and Enfiled made a good choice when they decided to go into business together.

[@Bearlake1624]

Ok ...thanks for doing what you do. 👍🏻

[@KRRabbit1]

Mike, how long do the plastic hulls last, can you get more than one loading out of them?

[@duelist1954]

I only use them once. I find that the heat of burning black powder makes the plastic very brittle.

[@MrDavidTiller]

Try 1F powder for the Minie balls. I seem to remember it gets better groups with 1F.

[@steelgila]

That would seem feasible given the exceedingly large caliber size. Or perhaps 'musket' powder?

[@BPaul-hk2jh]

Hmm. I think this might be my new hunting rifle.

[@nakoawarrior3186]

great video.

[@SVT40]

Mike, do you see any problems if I was to load some 3 band .577 bullet instead of the round balls, in the 24 Gauge shotshell?

[@duelist1954]

No problems except for a very loose fit. I would fill the space by really trowelling some lube onto the .577 bullet. I have done this with .577 Minnie Balls with no problem, but accuracy was indifferent. If you are using flat based bullets, I'd expect poor accuracy.

[@SVT40]

Thanks Mike, and yes they are Minnie type bullets. Can't wait to shoot it for the first time...Cheers!

[@WhiskeyRiverRifleman]

great vid! very interesting piece, Mike!

[@string-bag]

Beautiful rifle.

[@standard.capacity]

Are the shotgun shell rounds safe to shoot? like will they blow up the gun

[@duelist1954]

They are perfectly save...probably the most common way of shooting the .577 Snyder.

[@standard.capacity]

Thank You. the guy at the local gunshop said it would be a bad idea

[@The_Austin_Doell]

PrimeTimeOutdoors Some "guys at the gunshop" don't know there own ass from a Chiclet if you know what I mean hahaha.

[@sergeantbigmac]

+PrimeTimeOutdoors Dont trust anything gun shop guys say until you can look it up for yourself... Even the few that are knowledgeable will make stuff up instead of admitting they dont know.

[@robertrobert7924]

Only use with black powder. Smokeless powder loads will blow you and the gun up.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@gregbetts8057]

have you tryed stuffing the hollow mine with some kind of plug ?

[@robertrobert7924]

I cast Lee .578 minie balls from pure lead, compress/swage them to .588 by using a 1/2" steel rod in my drill press, and use a 3/8" wooden hole plug in the hollow base. Shoots great in my Carbine, but oversized for my rifle chamber. The rifle loves the .585 round balls for accuracy.

[@rre9121]

Do you still have your snider? I would love to see an updated video on it!

[@duelist1954]

I still have it. I'll see what I can do.

[@DickTickles]

Me too! I've like to know how a shot load works with this huge rifle bore.

[@licespray]

What sights does this rifle have? I am also looking at a Rodda Snider enfield. It lacks the barrel band for the sling though, and doesnt have the fancy trigger guard. Has 1 standing 2 folding sights. No idea on year etc though. Cheers.

[@jacksbark]

Hi Jeff - I am also getting great results with Fiocchi 24 Ga plastic hulls, 65-75 grains of FFg or substitute with the grease over the ball ... easy 2"-3" groups all day ... most definitely 'deer', even 'hog', medicine. I too was having no luck at all with the brass cases and Minie balls. So I paper-patched a batch of .575" Minies and shoved those into the same charged Fiocchi cases, seated by thumb hard against the powder, topped with grease and ... MAGIC ... 2"-3" groups! +Sore shoulder!

[@billybud9557]

Old vid.....but hope you are still burning powder, thanks for showing

[@duelist1954]

This is a bit of serendipity. I just got a batch of plastic 24 Ga hulls in the mail today to load some more of these.

[@billybud9557]

@@duelist1954 Hey, good to hear.....I have some 24 ga, but they are difficult to find. Love the Snider....and the '53 rifled musket.

[@Tonyv1951]

No it isn't. Just join a rifle club and fire away. Of course, if you are a criminal or a nutcase, you won't be able to get your hands on guns. Most people can, and I have been doing it for forty years.

[@jasonbuck489]

I don't know how I missed this video... I thought I saw all of them that you put out... I looked at one of these quite a while ago and could have bought it fairly cheap... I wish I did... But at the time I was ignorant to the fact that ammunition could be made for it.... Knew nothing about them... Great Video!

[@anderwmarcell9503]

The Snider Sporter has always eluded me, except for a much used Egyptian cut down rifle with fixed rear sight. It is a relic. Thank you for showing this fine rifle. I have used your method for making ammo from 24ga shot shells to shoot my snider carbine and RIC short rifle. Thank you.

[@jsalaska2854]

The issue with the miniball is because you used mini balls! The hollow base is the killers. Either fill the hollow up or get solid base .600 conical ball

[@dalroache]

great video my only thing I not like is the target as I love animals I know if u were in Africa in the 1800s n a bull elephant coming at you I suppose it is a huge round is the 577 round considered an elephant gun? I not clued up to what is classed as elephant gun I will Google it now....awesome video I know the Snider rounds can be made from 24 gauge shotgun shells etc

[@kirkstinson7316]

The Snyder was (in my opinion) a better system than the Allen conversion. The Allen was chosen over the Snyder in trials due to Allen having ties to the US ordinance dept

[@dalroache]

great video my only thing I not like is the target as I love animals I know if u were in Africa in the 1800s n a bull elephant coming at you I suppose it is a huge round is the 577 round considered an elephant gun? I not clued up to what is classed as elephant gun I will Google it now....awesome video I know the Snider rounds can be made from 24 gauge shotgun shells etc

[@556deltawolf]

Don't know if you know this, but famed Australian bushranger and outlaw Ned Kelly had a British Snider rifle nicknamed "Betty". Reportedly, it was his favorite and most prized gun he ever owned.

[@lazhernandez7079]

I am trying to make a shotgun load like the one you made, but I am not sure if the .600 round ball is the right size. It seems to be too tight. I have 577 Enfield Snyder riffle. How tight should the round ball be if I am testing it on the front of the barrel opening ? I placed it on the end of the barrel and it doesn't drop in at all, it sits about halfway in at best. It that normal or do I need to go with a smaller ball?

[@fordfan3179]

I like it. Anything different is cool just because it's different. I'm just about done with a musket build but I'm stuck on the front sight. I don't know the distance between the muzzle and the front sight. I know it also serves as the bayonet lug as well so it's gotta be right. Any ideas?

[@swamprat9018]

Mr. B you ain't changed a bit in 9 years.

[@jacekwielgosz9794]

Do tego karabinu pasuje amunicja 12 ga

[@bradhaumesser1278]

Picked one of these up last week. Where can i find some ammo or casings?

[@duelist1954]

You really have to make cases. There is no loaded ammo. I have other videos on Loading the .577 Snider here on the channel.

[@bradhaumesser1278]

@@duelist1954 ok thanks

[@bullboo1]

2" is well enough to take enemy down at a decent range. One of these could take a limb off and in a torso shot make to big a mess to fix even these days.

[@steelgila]

There's got to be some advantage to a gun that shoots more accurately the dirtier the bore gets!

[@susannezellerhirzel1382]

EAR PROTECTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@duelist1954]

I know they are hard to see in the video, but I am wearing blue ear plugs.

[@susannezellerhirzel1382]

OK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BigPuddin]

+Petrosilius Zwackelzahn LOUD NOISES!!!

[@weitzfc1]

have you ever considered a .577 minie as the projectile, with the plastic hulls?

[@duelist1954]

I have tried them. In fact, I've tried Minies from .575 up to .585, all with poor accuracy in this gun.

[@weitzfc1]

duelist1954 i hate people , who get to play with nicer toys than i have . or is it envy? probably both.

[@weitzfc1]

duelist1954 I was given a snider mark 3 enfield . the barrel still seems bright and shiney and the rifleling in good shape. I was considering this rifle for deer season next year . I was hoping to have the same knock down power as a slug at short range . I am debating whether to use plastic hulls or brass.

[@Bearlake1624]

Hi Michael I was curious did the larger mini balls. Do better with accuracy thanks Curt

[@duelist1954]

No. I had lousy luck with every Minnie that I tried. I finally had a custom, solid based .590 bullet mold made, which works much better

[@TheEvilmooseofdoom]

Do you use the solid .590 in the brass or the plastic hull? I was planning to try both with a .600 bullet from xring or accurate molds. Thanks!

[@duelist1954]

Lensflare Deviant Yes. I have been using the solid .590 bullet in brass cases for quite awhile. It works very well

[@trum4n6969]

So I'm curious Mike, which would you prefer to use, a Snider or a Trapdoor rifle?

[@duelist1954]

I love the look of my Snider, but the trapdoor is a better mechanism.

[@UrielX1212]

The more accurate comparison would be the martini henry and the trapdoor.

[@trum4n6969]

Plutonius X I would personally disagree. The Martini-Henry was a rifle built for cartridges from the ground up, and was pretty different from its predecessor. Although the Trapdoor rifle was a purpose-built cartridge rifle, there really isn't much of a difference between it and the earlier rifled-muskets that were converted to fire the .50-70, at least from what I can tell.

[@UrielX1212]

True. But they served at the same time for their respective nations.

[@trum4n6969]

Plutonius X Absolutely correct, they did. But the Allin Conversions and the Snider Conversions came out around the same time, and were designed to do pretty much the exact same thing. The United States doesn't have an equivalent to the Martini-Henry because we just skipped that stage of military firearms, essentially going from the stop-gap Trapdoor to the Krag bolt-action. Essentially, my point is that in terms of development and design, the Snider is a much closer comparison to the Springfield in terms of design and function, than the Martini-Henry, which was an actual step forward. Kind of like comparing an M1 Garand and a Mosin Nagant. They both served around the same time, but one was clearly more advanced than the other, and the comparison isn't quite as apt.

[@kennymoores3641]

the elephant is going to have one hell of a head ache lol, enjoyed seeing video, and I bet that would make a great bear gun????

[@TheAlexagius]

A single shot bear gun? better not miss.......

[@pacman10182]

and that's why we have revolvers.

[@frostedfur]

It would teach the bear to sit, stay, and roll over. Plus it would start smoking the meat. All in one shot.

[@pen25]

wow. must be deaf shooting with no ears or proper eye protection. range seems to be lax on the rules i see.

[@duelist1954]

Though they are hard to see in the video, I an wearing dark blue ear plugs that fit deep in the ear, but there are small blue tabs for removal. Also, the glasses I'm wearing have poly carbonate lenses, and they stop debris from hitting my eyes without shattering. I wear them in competition too, and they pass as safety glasses. So...wow....maybe you could ask instead of leading with sarcasm.

[@DickTickles]

Isn't this considered a Destructive Device by the NFA since it's bore is greater than half an inch?

[@12799MaDeuce]

No, it's a pre-1898 so it's considered an antique and is exempt from most firearms laws. You could actually buy one online and have it mailed straight to your door, no license or dealer needed. I have one myself that I'm working on restoring.

[@DickTickles]

+12799MaDeuce So for cartridge firing guns, as long as they're made before 1898 they are exempt from the NICS checks and the NFA. Is this only applicable to black powder only guns or does it also apply to smokeless guns also?

[@12799MaDeuce]

+Dick Tickles Google "antique firearms law" the first link is from atf.gov and explains it all. Technically, the Snider would be non-exempt because it's a cartridge gun, but the ammunition is not "readily available" so it's exempt.

[@ryann5247]

+12799MaDeuce not true. its exempt because its made before the cutoff date. firing system (blackpowder or cartridge) has nothing to do with it. this gun, first off, cant fire smokeless powder cartridges, only black powder cartridges. The atf's view is that any gun made before 1898 isnt a gun, its a collector's item or has only a sporting purpose, so no threat.