The Mk I Lee Metford and the Mk III* SMLE: From Boer War to Great War - Firepower Compared

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Sorry for the re-upload everyone..... there was a technical problem... please re-comment here is you see fit. Again, sorry for the inconvenience.

[@joemoment-o1275]

Don't apologise people can handle things on their own. You're great

[@lordkitchener967]

I know this isn’t your thing, but what do you think about the whole pipeline thing with B.C, and Alberta.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Excuse me?..... not the place, i'm afraid... If somehow that has something to do with shooting, I'm all ears... if not, then politics are found elsewhere. Cheers.

[@prinzeugenvansovoyen732]

8:03 you should check your reloads and the rifles chamber, that either was a pierced primer or a sealing issue in the chamber

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The odd anomaly happens from time to time... the rifle is fine.... after thousands of rounds, if there is one little case rupture on highly used brass, I'm OK with that.

[@heliosdelsol]

Man I love the sound of those rifle shots cracking off the mountains! Your property is absolutely gorgeous!

[@j.mcq.8418]

It's not his property, it is everyone's property. BC Crown Land I'm guessing.

[@rb226r8]

Blows my mind that this channel gets so few views and likes. Such great highly informative and entertaining content. However I do have one massive issue with the channel as a whole, that being i keep buying Enfields and piles of .303 after watching videos!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is very kind of you to say. I heartily accept the blame for your Enfield acquisition "woes".... :-)

[@whatnowstinky]

i agree with the views, but the content exactly mainstream (or even remotely close to it). if you compare like to view ratio it is really high even when compared to some other firearms channels known for high quality content.

[@dumptrump3788]

Reece Burckhard I agree, he's got a no-nonsense style that is at odds with most gun channels on the web that are all cliched gun-porn. I'd rank his videos alongside Hickok45 & Iraqveteran8888, albeit with different presentation. You LEARN something here, plus he's a bloody good story teller, not just watch how good someone thinks he looks with a gun in his hand. One channel (no names mentioned) reviewed a vintage rifle I was thinking of buying & it turned out to be a 45 mins Stream Of Consciousness, including the non gun subject of his fiance & the same handful of info repeated over & over again. Likes? OH! Thousands. But that's the internet for you. Their loss, our gain.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

LOL and yet recently I had found a Lee Metford MK I* for sale on IMA-USA and it had just been sold:(

[@ETFRoss]

Going to be honest. When I first found your videos, I was on the fence with them. But the more I realized I had a thing for older guns, the more and more I loved your channel. Keep up the good work

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you have seen something that you are enjoying "more".

[@buddyjack1000]

don't be sorry for re-uploading it. for me it was even better the 2nd time around. great video's.

[@potatopeeler1862]

Seriously love your channel sir! The amount of effort you put into period clothing and gear plus the way you present your videos make this one of the best YT channels out there. Thank you! 🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@caroleansoldier382]

Canada was a british colonie

[@alexwilliamson1486]

Great video, I’m ex British Army, really interesting how the lessons learnt from the Boer war affected musketry in subsequent years, Spion Kop, was a salutary lesson. If I recall the BEF were excellent marksmen, but with Kitcheners battalions later on, the marksmanship was less so? Subbed!!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Spion Kop was indeed a lesson learnt but I believe that it was a lesson learnt in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory... :-) Thank you for the subby!

[@Dan-mw1le]

Always a joy to watch these videos, not to mention when I manage to get to one so early! Keep up the great work, my good man!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@Sheerwater909]

I can't remember my comment from yesterday but it incorporated an element of praise as I recall. :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you John... sorry about the cock up about the re-upload...

[@JohnRutherford205]

Great video! I have always liked the SMLE, but they're getting harder to find in the US. One day. As a historian, I especially appreciate your attention to detail concerning the kit and musketry of the era. I specifically studied African and African-American history at school, with particular emphasis paid to Southern Africa during the colonial period. When I'm eventually back in the classroom again, I may show some of these videos in lessons, if that's all right, in the hopes of making the history seem more real. Thanks again for all of your hard work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed it! You are welcome to show anything on the Channel for educational, non monetary purposes.

[@davidseale716]

I always have a big smile when I see one of your videos appear on KZbin screen.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very nice to hear! Cheers.

[@AE-jo2fy]

Amazing video! This is such a high quality channel all over! From the high fedelity information to the attention to prcedure in the musketry! This channel ought to be an educational rescource for anyone reasearching vintage warfare!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind! Thank you.

[@timdelia4609]

I have a 1919 MK III SMLE. Love it. Every time I take it to the range, people come over to see it and ask to shoot a few rounds. Really enjoy all your videos, keep it up!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Tim!

[@shafaet1194]

Fantastic video. Came here for the comparison between the two, ended up receiving a lot more information.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@survivalcomms]

Another incredible video ! Your videos are a must see for anyone who has in interest in infantry small arms development. Thanks for sharing !

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@desandbonville9254]

Outstanding presentation! Thank you so much for your efforts. Keep it up my friend!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@MisterOcclusion]

I enjoy your crisp and well disciplined presentations. In a more wry observation, I also enjoy how you don't need to show us how empty your rifle that you already know to be clear is. Seriously. Thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! You are right, I don't need to pay some silly game of "let's see if the rifle is loaded" bunk... a time and place for everything..... :-)

[@r.d.6546]

Another great video Rob. Now I have to give my #1 and # 3 a workout at the range this week. Keep up the good work. Rick

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Rick. Have a good time with your SMLE and P14!

[@jeffpurcell7035]

Excellent as always.

[@thomassalois3508]

I love your choice of music and Marshall Music on all your videos

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@peadarmacewen4710]

The music always warms my heart. Thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@PunchCatcher]

Another excellent video. I appreciate all the work that goes in to these presentations. Not just the time to get out set up, shoot, and break down, but in the research and the video editing to create a such a nicely finished product. Keep up the good work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@Mikepower1978]

Really enjoying your stuff. The tests look practical and even likely in the main. And I'm enjoying getting perspective over the different campaigns, periods, technologies. Cheers.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it Michael!

[@Mikepower1978]

@@britishmuzzleloaders I've read a fair bit of the historical military campaigns you cover. But I am very much enjoying how you tie them in along with the arms development and changes in doctrine. Cheers good man.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@Mikepower1978 The musketry side of things is so rarely covered.. I enjoy placing the events in the context of the weaponry which answers a lot of questions that straight history often doesn't.... Hopefully you do too!.. :-)

[@Mikepower1978]

@@britishmuzzleloadersoh I'm enjoying it all right. I have been watching forgotten weapons for a long time not because I am so much mechanically minded but because of the geo political historical context of the arms technology and its transference, application if any and societal impact. Your productions extend my knowledge in this area. Arms technology and global societies are intrinsically linked don't you think? It's all quite fascinating.

[@Strelnikov10]

I would love to do a "Lee Metford and the 1892 Krag Jorgensen" shoot with you to compare contemporary rifles from across the pond. In full uniform, of course. I absolutely love these videos you are making.

[@Irishpewtuber]

That's an excellent point. The Americans also had to suffer single loading their Krags facing charger loading Mausers and defeated the Spanish handily without resorting to the methods adopted by the British so it'd be only fair to say the quality of the soldiers is a critical factor not just their rifles. Highly motivated Boer volunteers will put up much stiffer resistance than unmotivated Spanish conscripts

[@overcastandhaze]

He stands so still I hardly noticed he jump-cutted his gear into a whole new century.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Pretty good, eh?

[@myparceltape1169]

I've sometimes wondered if he has a full length mirror and a helper to draw lipstick on the outline.

[@xboxisgay23]

you are a badass bro, respect.

[@ColRAPR]

Outstanding report !!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@andyfeil9713]

Very interesting test. Well done!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Andy.

[@SafetyProMalta]

As usual, excellent work Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Stephen.

[@darthtruk7206]

Always look forward to your videos!!! Keep up the great work!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@riverstyxarmory9782]

Continually loving the continuing series that continues with British weapons.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear!

[@haboob308]

I gave the video a thumbs up, however it is past my bed time. So I will have to watch it tomorrow. Thanks for all that you do!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@haboob308]

Just finished. Had some chores to take care of so it took a few hours to watch, But it was great! My dog, who LOVES your videos(his name is Sundance) loved it as well. Thanks again!

[@48vdcwrld]

excellent info and video Rob...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@matthewmoss1589]

Cracking video as always Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Matt!

[@robertsansone1680]

As always, I loved your video. Thanks Again, Bob

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you, Robert.

[@jherr888]

This is such a great channel it's a shame KZbin hates firearms channels and wont promote them especially since KZbin is a American company with our 2nd amendment

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed the Channel! Cheers.

[@MrRedbeard762]

Another excellent video, please keep up the good work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@DirtyDiksgunoroma]

Scientifically sound, entertaining and dramatically poignant at the end. Well done sir!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Richard.

[@colonialdad1]

Glad i found this. Really good and enjoyable videos. Thank you and subscribed.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Happy to hear! Thanks for the subby!

[@Pickelhaube05]

Great channel! Subscribed! A bit after my time (hence my profile picture haha). An excellent all encompassing examination of kit and philosophies. Cheers from NYC!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@flowjoe100]

Excellent video, keep up the good work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@matt6477]

Simply brilliant - TY

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Interesting. Thanks for the experiment. As a decorated SMLE .303 marksman/sniper, I rarely used charger clips. I always had at least 5 fully loaded replacement magazines prepared, in my webbing. My observer had another 10 magazines. He handed the loaded magazines to right under the loading-point, and recovered the empties for me at the same time. 160 rounds at hand, in an instant. A machine-gun. The only real peril was over-heating. Replacing a magazine of 10 rounds, (or 11 as some magazines could hold, depending on their spring), is so much faster than inserting two clips that it is astonishing! Try it for yourself, if you have the surplus magazines.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers. So did that mean you only used chargers sometimes?

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Only when I had no other options. I used stripper-clips to pre-load magazines, which I then stored in my webbing. But mostly, back in camp, I loaded the mags by hand, one cartridge at a time.

[@sepl0498]

Fantastic video these are really entertaining and very informative you'd be a great history teacher

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@АндрейЦиников]

Exellent video as usual !

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@Yeandle31]

As always, very informative video! Keep up the great work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@praack4563]

nicely done, was unaware that this period of colonial Britain was the cause of this movement to the smle, i had thought was simple progression of technology. thanks for the education.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to be of help!

[@lesjames5191]

Very informative and entertaining.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@glenmarshall8168]

Love this guys videos 🍻🇨🇦

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear! Thanks.

[@markadams7597]

Great vid, as usual. Thanks for the scientific analysis.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@zebradun7407]

Happiness is a warm gun.

[@B_Squadron_Y_Patrol_Planchet]

Great video and added to my knowledge :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@FayazAhmad-yl6spFZ]

Metford rifle was used in Tirah campaign in 1897 at Samana range about 68 kilometers from my home City Kohat.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Indeed!

[@coles201]

Very enjoyable video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@rudynorvelle2870]

As usual a well done and informative video. Your research is well done also. I have a No.I MKIII, however it is an Indian made one.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MrOlgrumpy]

Thank you for another incomparable presentation

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@chatdeblanc]

Hardly incomparable!

[@fastcars393]

Another smashing vid. :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@TwentythreePER]

An excellent production, very well done. Perhaps the sights had something to do with the slight variation in the time for the first 9 shots? Maybe it was just the human factor. Anyway, it's an amazing video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oh definitely human factor... this human.....

[@markhammond4265]

Excellent. The Mk VI ammo you showed early on is in the later, Mk VII charger, the earlier charger featured different cutouts. Oh, and it's correctly called a "charger guide", not a charger bridge.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi there. Glad you enjoyed it. One must use the resources at hand..... :-) Regarding the correct terminology, as with most things, the truth is in the middle... It's a "Bridge Charger Guide" from the the MR 1909(14). Cheers.

[@markhammond4265]

britishmuzzleloaders yes, its a great series, and if I can find one of my mk VI chargers, I'll take a picture for you. In practice, it was always called a charger guide. My Dad was in the 60th, before the war. Gun dealer post war, and all everyone ever called it was that. My personal guns were a no 5, and one of those broomhandle mausers. My Dad actually bedded in the no 1 used by the Queens Cup winner in '62. Opens sights, 1,000 yds and almost all thru the same hole. I distinctly remember, in 1963, a Luger cost £12. Can't remember any other prices, except at Bisley I used to get money collecting the empties during the Annual meeting.

[@Nic_odd]

Hello Rob. Great video like always for a Commonwealth gun lover that I am. Could you one day make us a video about the Charger Long Lee enfield please ? Best regard. A French collector and shooter.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi there. If I ever got one into my hands I could do a comparison video, yes.

[@tellyfanatic]

Great vid i'm hoping to get you shared a bit more.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Me too!

[@connarcomstock161]

"If there's an 1895 Mauser laying around..." *SUMMON C&RSENAL!*

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

One day!

[@jacoklopper4772]

Lank lewe die Boere! Another excellent video, as always

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@kevind3133]

You ask if someone has a boer mauser. Love history but not a real an expert by any means, but does a 1895 chiliean mauser count. As well I live in southern Ab. Would love to see you do a video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. They are quite similar.

[@mike89128]

U S Brig General Anson Mills obtained the patent for the canvas cartridge belt. Both the US and British armies rejected it in favor of the standard cartridge case. The Boers however obtained a shipment from the US and used the web gear effectively against the British. This changed the minds of the two armies and web gear was used after the Boer War. (My Story by Anson Mills, 1918).

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Actually, the British Army was wary of the use of webbing... this was partly due to incorrect assumptions and views taken out of context... this is why they opted for brown leather (P1903 Equipment) when first breaking away from buff leather equipment, post Boer War.

[@noelmajers6369]

Absolutely superb description and analysis throughout. It seems, through your own analysis, that you don't think that we British sent you Canadians into battle with some bad weapons (note added in posting, which the Canadians mostly manufactured for themselves). If anything it seems you appreciate them more than we did...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Not quite sure of what you are talking about...this video does not pertain to anything about Canadian manufactured rifles... Canada used the Magazine Lee Enfield in the Boer War, just like the British Army. The SMLE was adopted eventually by the CEF in the Great War... The choice to use the Ross (the only Canadian manufactured rifle in this era) was Canada's, not Britain's, though due to reasons that could have been mitigated by allowing licensing of the MLE design...

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@tykellerman6384]

Fine video thanks

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I love my 1895 Mauser...

[@gothamgoon4237]

It's a damn shame you didn't have a Mauser to compare them to. That would have been brilliant to see the difference.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

To a point... I think that you wouldn't see much of a difference in accuracy, but in the charger loading... that said, the SMLE loaded with five rounds at a time, would be somewhat similar... Regardless, a 1895 Mauser would make for a good video.. nothing like having the proper thing for the job of comparison...

[@legalvampire8136]

That will show Kaiser Bill! I know there were reasons and the same was true in most armies but I still find it surprising how long it took after the invention of repeating rifles for them to become standard issue.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Sometimes progress wasn't as fast as we'd expect today....

[@legalvampire8136]

@@britishmuzzleloaders True. Come to think of it the telephone was invented in 1870 but it took another 129 years before the Civil Procedure Rules 1999 permitted court hearings to be held by telephone in England and Wales, which is even slower progress.

[@richardrichard5409]

4:53...is that Dymchurch? Martello Tower in background?...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

If Dymchurch is at Hythe, then yes,... probably....

[@GEOHHADDAD]

Interesting video. I particularly liked the way you related the weapons to historic events and how the weapons impacted outcomes. I would be interested if anyone knows whether your method of reaching back for rounds is how soldiers were trained. Your head comes up and you have to look back. Not ideal. Also, your Sgt would have stomped down that left heel you have sticking up. :0

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

If you would like to know how soldiers were trained, then there are relevant videos on the Firing Exercise (of the Metford) and a whole series on musketry with the SMLE.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Although I did have the opportunity to shoot a Lee Enfield in the cadets in the early 80s, I certainly appreciated having the SLR for the amount of fire power that it could put down range.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@mattarmstrong9205]

Another great video! I really appreciate these. The systematic approach to particular topics make me feel like I’m attending some type of course on British firearms.... which is a good thing 😊

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Matt!

[@1.forestrunner]

Excellent information, well presented, very good camera work. (I don't care about the second upload). How long of preparation and execution time does a video like this will take?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you for the kind words... Time of production,..... let's see... a trip to the woods,.... an afternoon of filming..... a trip back home,... then (and this is an easy stye of video to edit) about 12 hours spread out over a week to edit and add the voice over and music.... not to mention the time to make the ammo, pack the kit and camera equipment, targets and such.... The type of stuff I do, takes a hell of a long time to produce...

[@1.forestrunner]

Thanks for the answer! I had a feeling that a lot of time goes into your videos...

[@gavincook4684]

Great videos very enjoyable. But why the kepi blanc? You sir need a pith helmet.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It's not a "kepi"... it's a covered Kilmarnock. More info in Part One of the "Kit" series, if you are interested. For foreign service helmets, see many, many other videos on the Channel.

[@jamie-fm6mx]

im new to your channel, got here via forgotten weapons. i like it a lot. I am British, you sound mildly North American. would love to understand your interest in British arms, Im going with Canadian at the moment?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I am Canadian... As 19th and early 20th century Canadian arms were 90% British ones, and my first interest was the muzzleloading rifles of the 1860s,.... well,.... that's how the Channel got it's name... Couldn't really call it Canadianmuzzleloaders... as they weren't...

[@zoggy2]

Could you demonstrate how the sling would be used on the Lee Metford?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It is used by extending it and putting the rifle over your shoulder and head. Are you wondering how it is fitted?

[@mikeryan9479]

Hi Rob, another great video. I was wondering if you ever tried dropping cast bullets into cold water straight from the mold? I use Lino type same as you and I’ve found doing this method tightened my group size at 100 yards. Doesn’t work with everything, Made little difference with my 30/06 P17 but with my 1895 7x57 Mauser and my .303 SMLE it really improved my average group size. Might be worth trying ? Ps don’t have the bucket of cold water to close to your casting pot! Made that mistake on the first go, never again !!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Mike. I have used water in the past but didn't see any advantage with the linotype. Certainly one of those things that "if it works, then do it!", I'd say.

[@dmw1262]

Do you normally just neck size your brass? Flawless presentation, as usual.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. Yes, I believe I mentioned that in the video. Have a look at the 303 reloading video on the Channel if you are interested in the whole process.

[@CJ-uf6xl]

Just stumbled across your page! Fascinating stuff. May I ask, what is your favourite rifle and why?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for coming along! I don't have a favourite rifle... Each fills it's niche... now, the one I have the most invested in is my Baker, because I made it (mostly).

[@CJ-uf6xl]

@@britishmuzzleloaders. Thank you for your swift reply, Keep up the fantastic work. 🙂

[@jgrandall4197]

Can u shed some light on the capability of the Egyptian Remington rifles that fell into the hands of the Dervish in 1884 during the Sudan campaign as compared to the Martini-Henry? Writing up a miniature Wargame scenario for my site on battlebook.com. Thanx.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Roughly the same as the Martini if slightly less quick in the action..

[@richardlathrop61]

Interesting that both US and Great Britain developed Mauser style rifles after being on the receiving end. What about the P14 for comparison?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It's not quite as simple as that, but yes, there was thought put towards it. It was more of an issue of charger loading than the type of action.

[@taffy311]

I have a Mk 4 No. 2 and is the best bolt action rifle ever! The bolt action pops back in your hand every round.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They are certainly smooth.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

The US Army came to the same conclusion using the Krag rifle against the Spanish Mausers in Cuba. Except the British Army was smart enough to double their magazine capacity and charger system on the SMLE to make it more lighter and shorter. The US Army just made a shorter version of the Mauser rifle in the form of the Springfield/Rock Island M1903 with a better cartridge the 30 Caliber of 1906.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They did indeed.

[@adamdubin1276]

Even with the issues with your brass you still exceeded the "Mad Minute"

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Lot's of info on that "phrase" on the Channel, if you are interested.

[@billdyke9745]

Faster & more accurate. Leaving a SMiLE on Tommy's face. Excellent comparison. Fumbling acceptable. There would have been loads of that when the targets were shooting back...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The speed, certainly inherent, accuracy, not so much... that is down to me.

[@itmaniscrazy]

just curious and hope it is non intrusive, but where do you live? i have been watching your vids again and i just find it so pretty!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I live in Western Canada.

[@francis400]

There were some complaints about the hitting 'stopping' power of the early .303 bullet.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There were indeed.. hence the MK II Special, the Mk III, Mk IV and Mk V....... this is talked about in the 303 ammunition video and elsewhere.

[@jacobb2449]

Hi, love the videos. What is the shirt you're wearing in this one?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

More info in Part One of the "Kit" series. It's a Canadian Bush jacket.

[@theoldehandgonne2503]

Commendable. How many different 'ranges' do you use for your videos? Or are they all located on the same land?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I have a few "spots".... :-)

[@minuteman4199]

Have you ever shot ammo that came packed in the original stripper clips? I have seen lots of videos of people reloading with clipper and they are always very slick. My only experience with clips is loading FN mags with 5 rd stripper clips and a magazine charging tool, and they weren't slick at all. In fact they were so stiff we just took the rounds of the clips and loaded them singly because it was easier.

[@joemoment-o1275]

I had this problem in the army.

[@TheOwenMajor]

Cheap commie ammo.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I have indeed... this was old surplus ammunition that was corroded green in some cases and showing rust on the chargers in others. Original, yes, indicative of the state on issue?.... not really... they cleaned up nicely.... and are the ones I use to this day.

[@minuteman4199]

keith moore - the thing is, they are intended to be one use then garbage. It would be interesting to know if people saved used clips, lubed them, and loosened them up for reuse. I can see doing that if you are concerned about fast reloads, because new, never used clips in my experience don't work all that well.

[@Treblaine]

From 1840 to 1910 firepower seemed to double every 10 years or so. Either the effective range increased so you could shoot for longer or you could shoot faster. - Percussion cap: improved ability to aim - Minie ball: massive increase in effective range - breech loading brass cartridge: massive increase in fire rate - magazine feed: doubling of fire rate again - smokeless powder: double range again - charger loading: double fire rate again - spitzer bullet: nearly double effective range. In this time period it was easy to fall behind the curve, though the end result was such firepower that no side could advance and led to the stalemate of the First World War.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

While I wouldn't necessarily agree with all of your assessments, there was a definite degree of steady and rapid advancement, for sure!

[@Treblaine]

@@britishmuzzleloaders though from the smoothbore muzzle loaders of 1840's to the magazine fed smokeless rifles of the 1890's the effective range had increased 10 fold and the effective fire rate increased 10 fold as well.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@Treblaine Yes it did.

[@Procket12]

Interesting how us Americans and the Brits ended up learning similar lessons in the same time period. The Boer War for Britain and The Spanish American War for us. Even funnier, both of our opponents were using Spanish made 1893 Mausers in 7x57 Mauser.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Indeed!

[@Procket12]

Funny thing is that the Krag isn't actually a bad rifle when you're using rimless cartridges like the Norwegians with 6.5 Swedish but it is when you chose a rimmed cartridge like we did with the .30-40 Krag. Danes didn't have much problem with it. But then again they were a neutral country that eventually got steamrolled by the Germans because of their lack of anti-tank weapons.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@Procket12 Didn't think that there was a problem with the Krag as far as the ammunition goes.... more about it's lack of charger loading capability...

[@Procket12]

Yeah, there's reports from soldiers about getting rimlock because you had to manually make sure they were alternating and thats difficult to do in the heat of battle. The Norwegians when they were trying to fight off the Germans didn't have as much problems because having a rimless cartridge meant they could just dump them in and they made it a point to train on it. Funny enough there were some strange experimental attempts at introducing stripper clip feeding to it. They're really weird and kind of steampunk looking.

[@neilthompson2341]

Was it standard practice at the time to load and fire one round at a time after emptying the magazine? I would think it would be more efficient to load as many as you could hold in your hand before firing again?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There is a video that explores that very question on the Channel in the Firepower playlist, if you are interested.

[@richard1165]

I know that this may be a bit beyond the scope of focus for this channel, but would it be possible to talk a little bit about Martini-Henry copies and their differences? (Kabul arsenal variants, the Nepal cache Gahendra, ect).

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't own any of them, I'm afraid. One day perhaps...

[@shiftygoose7230]

Are those shorts standard issue? always fun mate.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

No, but the knees are...

[@kevingray3550]

The Boers also used smokeless cartridges which meant that in the early set piece battles the British artillery which was far superior to anything the Boer had could not be used to any effect because it couldn't be ranged on Boer lines.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Everybody used smokeless cartridges in the Boer War... The 1900 campaign to relieve Ladysmith featured much successful of use of very well co-ordinated artillery fire......

[@crobulari2328]

The original (1890) .303" cartridge used a compressed pellet of black powder and a round nosed bullet. 2000FPS.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The original cartridge (Mk I) was patterned in 1889 and had a velocity of 1850 fps... if you are going to make statements, that is.