The Mk I Martini-Henry: Observations on Shooting to Potential

[@Homespunmusic]

You have one of the finest channels on KZbin, good sir. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Very informative!

[@grozaAC]

This is the best channel on KZbin.

[@adaml6917]

Agreed

[@robagrant1969]

Delving into first generation breach loaders is tricky stuff. I have a Remington rolling block in .43 Spanish and a 11mm Gras in which I have hit a brick wall in attempting to obtain components for reloading, at least in these times. The Martini Henry seems to be different. Because of gentlemen like yourself and Martyn of x-ring, Ive been able to find brass, molds and dies at very reasonable prices. With your instructional videos, x-rings products and a few extras easily found on the internet, I was able to make my MkIV come alive again. Your awesome Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@notarokescientist3003]

The channel has it roots in excellence and has only developed to further higher standards.

[@TheLordLaing]

Another interesting video. I'm sure there are many of us who greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into making them.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The-Lord-Laing Glad to hear that they are appreciated. You are welcome. To be honest, I make them the way I do, on the topics that I do, because that is what I like to see on YT.... The medium is great for exploring such topics, albeit them in small, digestible chunks... Cheers.

[@RabidMortal1]

I knew what was coming with that bayonet but I still LOL-ed! Another super informative video. Thanks.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

RabidMortal1 My pleasure... Very happy that you enjoyed it. I was surprised at the actual difference the bayonet made... I was expecting some deviation but there was quite a bit more than anticipated... Cheers.

[@RabidMortal1]

That amount of deflection was indeed surprising! And the fact that it went left AND up?!--I wouldn't have guessed that either.

[@jacoklopper4772]

In the rain and insects... thank you for the effort. As a young guy beginning to collect Martini's these videos are really useful and enjoyable.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear! Bets of luck in your new endeavours!

[@WhiteCavendish]

The rifle truly is a beautiful invention. I can't really explain it, but there's something really wonderful about the practice of causing little chunks of lead to punch tightly grouped holes in far away pieces of paper (or steel plates, or other targets for that matter). If I ever manage to get my hands on the sought after Martini, your channel will prove an invaluable resource no doubt! Thanks for another great vid!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

WhiteCavendish I agree... It's even better when you make the bullets, and then assemble the cartridges taking care to get everything right and then seeing your hard work rewarded on the paper! Glad you are enjoying the channel. Cheers.

[@TheSonicfrog]

That Martini-Henry is a CANNON! Nice work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Acoustics were good that day.

[@murphysmuskets]

My Martini's have varying bore sizes like most but I patch at .470 with excellent results! Great video as always man!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

murpheysmuskets Thanks Murph. I haven't fully explored the paper patch side of things yet.. What mould do you use? Cheers.

[@Jrhoney]

Bravo on another excellent video! I really like the breath tube you made from two pieces of spent brass. Much less cumbersome than one with a long rubber tube on it.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

JRhoney I agree. I wanted something that I could put easily in my bag... With no messing around with hoses and tubes... Seems to work OK.. Glad you liked the clip. Cheers.

[@paulmanson253]

britishmuzzleloaders Did you flange that 303 brass before solder or is just rim to base? If it does break,flange. NH4CL ammonium chloride,if you can find it does better than ZNCL zinc chloride. 95/5 tin/copper is a plus,70/30 tin/lead as well. Do not know how much soldering you do,but the 19th C tradesmen were expert. Old documents or trade school texts from about 1925 cover stuff much better than I can. Bacon in the babbit or sections of a drivers leather belt got many a flathead guy home or to sell the car,god help the new owner. Good stuff, keep it up. Cheers.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

paul manson Hi Paul. No, I didn't flange the 303 case... Just bevelled it and soldered it... No sign of any weakness... It is done with 50/50 solder.. Thankfully, it doesn't have to put up with much abuse... If it does break I'll just re-do it, I suppose... I am certainly no 19th century tradesman, but am happy enough with the job I can do with the solder on my little hobby projects...... :-). Cheers.

[@frankbrayman8076]

I commend you for your thorough and excellent research, well-designed and useful experiments, and superb presentation. // I bought my first MH Mk. II about 35 years ago, when it was just "an ol' gun ya can't get no bullets for" (back then, black-powder cartridge shooting had been a lost art for years.) The seller gave me 9 rounds of who-knows-what hand-loads with the rifle. My first shot missed a refrigerator box at 25 yards. Talk about discouraging!! I'm more stubborn than most, so I kept at it and duplicated quite a bit of what you've done. // I was invited to visit Atlanta Cutlery's warehouse when they received their half of the Nepalese Cache. It was breathtaking - a whole army's worth of weapons, repeated over at least five generations of arms. If even a fraction of a percent of buyers decide to shoot those guns, you've performed a real service.Regards,Frank Brayman

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you for your very kind words Frank. Glad you stayed with it..... :-)! Cheers.

[@peoplehavetherights]

britishmuzzleloaders Outstanding and thorough. I would like to own and shoot one someday, for now staying with my No. 4 MK1/2.

[@frankbrayman8076]

If you live in the USA, you can mail-order a Martini-Henry rifle from either Atlanta Cutlery or International Military Antiques-USA. IMA-USA also has new-old-stock arsenal replacement parts for the Mark II short-lever rifles. It's an antique firearm, so no Federal paperwork required. Don't buy a Francotte or Gahendra unless you just want a wall hanger.

[@peoplehavetherights]

Frank Brayman Of course they have them. They have them priced very high. I take it the "Francotte" is not the same as the high grade shotgun makers of the same name. I recent blew a chance to buy a 1878 carbine with two boxes of like dated ammo "For the British Expeditionary Force, Natal, South Africa." Still sticks in my craw the shop owner put it online after I inadvertently warned him I was interested in it.

[@baldyman1965]

Another interesting video. I love your use of different camera angles when shooting. Thanks for the links at the end, I'll check them out.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

baldyman1965 Glad you liked it. The gentlemen that run those sites are top shelf.... Great product and great history. (No personal gain by mentioning them, by the way...) Cheers.

[@matiasprimero2327]

Hi, from Argentina, i enjoy your channel. is very interesting for my. like old rifles and the long range shooting. Thanks for share your passion and experience. Matias

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

HI there! Glad there is something on the Channel that appeals! Cheers.

[@slowpokebr549]

That blow tube is genius. It really brings home the difference in case capacity seeing them soldered together like that.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The Martini case is whale of a case, for sure.

[@charlesinglin]

Interesting stuff. I've been fascinated by the Martini-Henry since seeing "Zulu" long long ago. Thanks.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Charles Inglin Glad you found it interesting. "Zulu" certainly has been many-a-man's gateway to these rifles! Cheers.

[@pgtmg4949]

Love how you round up.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

PGTMG Do you mean in the way I skew the numbers so I seem to shoot better?..... :-)...

[@BennettIsAmazing]

My God the midges!! I would've died!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

BennettC Bug juice..... The strong stuff.... and my naturally repellent nature, I suppose... :-)..

[@brandonbentley8532]

A quick dip in "bore buttet" helps a lot. With reloadable and surplus ammo taking Brasso and polishing your rounds on the projectile end helps worh feeding and I believe improves accuracy.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

All kinds of different solution to things, for sure.

[@corey8420]

I'm trying to watch this after not sleeping for three days...talk about confusing!! I saved it an will watch it later, I'm a gun guy but not your kind of guns and I watch all your videos

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Get some sleep.

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

Very interesting and fun. Is there a possibility the rate of fire for the control group (no anti-fouling measures) was faster than for breath tube or the application of hand cream between shots? My thought is, if there was a chance for the barrel to cool a bit more in some scenarios, it might introduce a variable influencing grouping. It would be worth using a bench rest or lead sled to remove some of the human variable as well. I love your enthusiasm and dedication to this subject. Thank you.

[@torturedtale49]

Love your work, especially the bayonet. Thanks.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Tortured Tale Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Another excellent and informative video from your site. One thing I think you should be careful of is that if the "Udder Cream" you are using contains any lubricant qualities, it could increase the chamber pressure quite a lot, a lubricated case was one method used to proof guns at one time as it increased rearward pressure on the breach face due to the reduction of friction in cartridge/chamber. You can easily make paper patch bullets with no lube groove by making a swage die, the grooves are not required for paper patch as you know.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Englishman French Valid point and it certainly is something to consider... Personally, I don't use the US too much... many friends have spent years shooting both Sniders and Martinis this way for many years and swear by it.. I typically stray towards the historical side of things and with the type of shooting I often do, carrying around a tub of US isn't really in the cards... I included this method in the clip, based on those years of experience.. (and what little of it I have in Martinis and US)... Never heard of any signs of problems... To each their own I suppose. The Martini is one of the stronger actions out there, mind you. I appreciate your always thoughtful and informed comments, my friend. Thanks.

[@WWIIUK]

excellent and interesting video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

WWIIUK Glad you liked it! Cheers.

[@Dackah]

Ah-I recognised the music at the start-never knew the name, but it was used in Zulu Dawn at the beginning when the men were on parade-a fine film as I'm sure you know. Isandlwana-to me , more fascinating than the events at Rorke's drift-although I only recently realised that having seen Zulu at a very early age when it came out in '64, the ending was maybe not so accurate in that the Zulu's go but return to salute the British-it is more likely they were going because they saw the remainder of the No. 3 column coming down that morning of the 23rd from Isandlwana back to the Drift. Additionally, I saw from one of your other videos the importance of distance-a shorter distance from a firing line to the enemy brought problems in the fire rate due to closure time-I realised this probably a factor at Isandlwana also towards the end of the battle when the Zulu got up from the firing line to the north and closed with the 1/24th-who were also being outflanked at the same time Anyway, great channel of immense interest that you have - thanks for the education!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There is a whole series on South Africa and Islandlwana if you are interested!

[@Dackah]

@@britishmuzzleloaders ok great!-I didn't notice-will definitely be watching- Isandlwana is an old intense interest of mine and I am just revisiting-in fact just listened again to the late David Rattray account on CD of the Zulu Wars (he was murdered on his own land at where Melville and Coghill are buried-but I suspect you know that already) BTW love your rare Mk1 Martini- Henry. In the U.K. they used to deactivate-them before selling which was criminally stupid-now they are considered an obsolete calibre as you cannot get the ammo, so need to destroy them I know you make your own ammo, which is a great skill to have.

[@Dackah]

@@britishmuzzleloaders WOW!!-is all I can say Rob- had no idea you had visited Isandlwana-your research and presentations are absolutely fantastic-and to get the interview with Mike Snook was brilliant-I only just bought his book last week. I have only watched one episode so far, but will watch all the Zulu War episodes. You have done such a great deal of work and your understanding of the military mindset of the era is admirable. I will be subscibing to the channel .But there are so many other battles you go into that are worth seeing.I had seen your channel highlighted but thought it was only about period firearms! Well done, outstanding!

[@anonhunter5191]

One handy thing I found for black powder cleaning after flushing the bore is petrol (gasoline) injector cleaner, it's designed to remove carbon and sulphur, a patch run through often gets some more out that you can't see when the bore looks clean.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Anon Hunter Just had an interesting conversation with +murpheysmuskets about cleaning... He put up a video about it... There is no doubt that there are many, many products that will clean up BP fouling. Personally, I use hot soapy water, tight patches, with oil after for storage.... So many ways to skin that old cat, eh?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Anon Hunter I have such a can, for other, shall we say, more modern, rifles.... Maybe I'll give it a try. Cheers.

[@B_Squadron_Y_Patrol_Planchet]

'ain't proper trainin'... 'less it's rainin'...... great job, really enjoying the work :)

[@B_Squadron_Y_Patrol_Planchet]

What PC application do you use to calculate the groups?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

+Tsubodai Credo Hi there. I use a spread sheet that I made... If you PM me your email, I'll send it along. Glad you like the clips. Thanks.

[@stevenwinnen9104]

As stated before in your other Videos. Outstanding Sergeant. The Martini Henry has been one of them Military Rifles I have always Loved, but at this moment have yet to purchase. I have been looking on IMA as they have a few on their sight. They have a few that are with Bayonets ( Spiked and Sword), and some without. They Range from $650.00 up to about $1250.00 depending of course on Condition and whether with or without a Bayonet. But since watching your videos I have had many questioned answered. But have also many more to ask. Keep up the good work. P.S. I do Military cartoons and would like to send you a couple.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi Steven. Glad you are enjoying the Channel! If you want to send something along, use the Channel email in the "About" tab...

[@michaelyoung3175]

Thank you Sir,a most excellent video!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome! Cheers.

[@danieljennerman7549]

Informative and educational as always. I always thought the "Henry" had something to do with the Henry of lever action fame.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! Henry (this one, not the lever guy) has a great deal of history to explore which is very interesting.

[@versal339]

Great piece. I use a blow tube with my Sharps. Although when shooting paper-patched bullets for maximum accuracy I will wipe between shots. One wet two dry. I have used that Utter Cream in the past and It makes an excellent lube mixed with bees wax to control the hardness, more bees wax in the summer and less in the winter. For the amount you get it is very inexpensive. Never thought of just dipping the bullet in it.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hugh Batesel The US idea came from a buddy (he's in the Alberta Shoot videos, here, on the channel) he swears by it.. Obviously, it's only good for static shooting but it does keep things really soft... There is a lot of water in it, hence it's good qualities... Cheers.

[@slowpokebr549]

Works well with .58 Minie ball I can attest.

[@HypocriticYT]

Picked up a nice rack queen 1879 short lever. All original bluing and mint bore and chamber. Yes some do exist

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@XavierTemple]

Great video Rob, I loved the random bayonet charge at the end. :-) I wonder if the target shooter guys at the range would let me do that with my Enfield?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Xavier Temple Better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission!........ :-)

[@allansmith6140]

The practice of "greasing" bullets (and effectively greasing the chamber) for target work was used in the past to reduce fouling but was abandoned after some very serious accidents, so lets not learn nothing from the past and re-introduce it. It is as dangerous in a "low pressure" gun such as this as it is in more modern types. Just off the top of my head a reference for this is "Complete Guide to Handloading" by Philip B. Sharpe, but there are others.

[@freddieellis8449]

Love the videos, man! Get a much better insight than you ever can in a museum! Just wondering about the development of the bayonet in Martinis. I noticed you have the more traditional triangular locking socket bayonet, yet your rifle also appears to have a bayonet stud on the side of the barrel, presumably for the fitting of a yutaghan (spelling?) style of sword bayonet. Was this a standard upgrade for the rifle or are there some examples that stuck with the older style? Keep up the good work, we all appreciate it very much!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

All Martinis had the bayonet lug on the band. This stemmed from two different bayonets being used in the Army at the time. Line Regiments' Jr Ranks (Ptes and Cpls) used the socket bayonet while Sgts used the 1860 (bushed) Yataghan sword. All ranks in Rifle Regiments used the sword.

[@freddieellis8449]

Interesting! Thank you for the info :)

[@johnaffleck6572]

The diagram of the barrel is very interesting; obviously the only way to get the thing to work is to replace the barrel; this is the product of an eccentric wing-nut.

[@jordanwalsh1691]

Winston Churchill said the best way to get the most out of your martini was to fill a glass with ice cold gin and wave it in the direction of France, but these methods seem more scientifically sound, haha. Nice video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

***** Mustn't argue with the great WSC,..... :-).

[@HypocriticYT]

Islandwana, possibly fouling finally prevented or slowed the firing repetition resulting in the disastrous result.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi there. No it didn't... there's a series on that battle here on the Channel...

[@thomasbiel7741]

Nice video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@craww1990]

That blow tube is rad

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Just one version of the tool!

[@oatmealsavage1278]

Well done, thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oatmeal Savage Thank you. You're welcome.

[@jusportel]

That’s interesting, my first M-H was a Mk. IV “A” pattern, it had seen hard service in India, and it appeared that the front sight had been broken off and brazed back on at some point. It shot consistently to the left. I tried shooting it with the bayonet, as I thought the weight + effect of the muzzle blast, would push the point of impact to the right. WRONG! It sent the bullets WAY over to the left, and high, a little more than your Mk. I. Oddly enough, I tried shooting my Snider with the bayonet fixed, and the difference wasn’t really noticeable.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Interesting results! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnaffleck6572]

That's a good result at 100 yds. good chrono. data too. I suppose somebody must have worked out a smokeless load for this rifle; it probably has pretty good potential despite the screwball barrel.

[@LandonRoy-cv9rt]

“Grease cookie” LOL

[@jimmystagger]

You have an excellent channel, and it looks like you need the rifle to shoot those small bird-sized insects!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

+jimmystagger Thank you very much. Glad you like it. Those pesky things were like helicopters!

[@slowpokebr549]

That group was well within minute of moose,plus you have a back up if he charges. I say leave the bayonet fixed. Which would you rather face a big bull with, the Martini or the Snider ?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The Martini probably hits harder...

[@slowpokebr549]

Of a certain....So, no Baker then? No sense of adventure?

[@HypocriticYT]

with Enfield breeches chopped off to accept the Snider breech what are we looking at for rifling dia. etc.? What now is the difference between the Enfield and Snider?

[@HypocriticYT]

interesting the 4 inches or so removed from the Enfield at the breech didn't remove enough to get to a difference in measurement.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Well maybe there would be a thou less.... really immeasurable as far as performance goes.

[@AlfJDale]

Hi! Great video Rob. I got a Mk4 vith accuracy problems. Using the same mold as you only 1cav. Cant seem to figure out using black in my 10,15 Jarman and 577 Mh Greetings from Norway! Alf

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

oljerigg Sorry to hear that... What kind of "accuracy problems"? Lube, bore size, bore condition, powder, etc..... there are so many variables that I don't know about and therefore can't give a decent answer... If you explain your method a bit more, it will help me understand what it is that you are doing. Cheers.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

oljerigg Sounds pretty standard to me, Alf. The only thing I don't see you mention is the size of the bullet... You mentioned it was the same as mine.. That means .470-1, then? Are you applying any fouling management between shots? I think that without a cookie, and only relying on the grease in the grooves, things might foul up quite rapidly as there may not be enough lube to keep the fouling soft... Interested to hear how adding the cookie works out! Cheers.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

oljerigg Do let me know. I am most keen to hear how things work out. Cheers.

[@ProSimex84]

Does the black powder smoke help at all with the mosquitoes?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha! No, it does not.

[@matthewmoss1589]

Good Bayonet work that Rob

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Matthew Moss Haha.... It just seemed a logical solution.... :-)

[@MrPlaidFace]

So hes blowing moisture into the barrel? Or getting high and sucking the fumes?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

+Guided Hand Guess...

[@MrPlaidFace]

+britishmuzzleloaders Either way, makes for more interesting shooting.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Guided Hand Haha..

[@jasoncar7215]

I commend you on the amount of rounds you fire. I can fire just about 3-4 before my shoulder begins to feel it. I have to quit shooting mine after just a few rounds. Mine is a Mk II dated 1874.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice to hear from another Martini shooter!

[@jasoncar7215]

Thank you for the videos. I have learned more information from them than I can any encyclopedia. Mine will fire just once before I have to take it apart. The primer backs out just enough to where I cannot lower the breech block. I took it to a gunsmith and discovered that the breech block I have is from a MK IV and since mine is a Mk II, hopefully this will take care of this issue. Thank you again for the videos!

[@MrReded69]

Are there any Williams type zinc cleaner bullets for Snider-Enfields and Martini-Henrys?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

MrReded69 Not to my knowledge. Scrubber wads (beeswax) and that's about it. Cheers.

[@jamesmc6825]

We're can you get them in the UK for re enactors which shoot blanks or bullets that go bang?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

James Mcmurrough Test

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

britishmuzzleloaders James, best get in contact with the Diehards... They shoot blanks all the time... thediehards.co.uk/contact/

[@bigsarge2085]

👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@gamesisfunny]

I have a question, are you left eye dominant? I notice that you close your left eye when you aim, is it needed on these old sights or do you do it out of personal reasons?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Closing the disengaged eye is a fairly common technique, no? Maybe not in today's world of scopes, red dots and being like all the cool kids...

[@gamesisfunny]

britishmuzzleloaders maybe it's just the way they taught their men back in the day. All I know is that I was trained to shoot with both eyes open in order to maintain 180 degrees of vision and also being able to follow moving targets more easily.

[@TealcJack]

I have my first Martini Henry coming from Canada. As funds are limited to only getting one bullet mold, which bullet mold would you recommend?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Try the muti groove offering form X Ring.

[@TealcJack]

I contacted him as the guy I bought the Martini from in Canada highly recommended his 470 475g mold. Thanks for replying and hopefully soon I can do loads with paper patch as well. Always want to give these ago after watching Quigley Down Under. I know he was using a Sharps but he did mention a paper patch bullet so that led me to researching older rounds. And low and behold, the rifle I always wanted (the Martini) used a paper patch bullet. Any way, thanks for the response to both of my postings.

[@611_hornet5]

I have a BSA 12/15 Martini in .22 LR. Fantastic target rifle with Parker-Hale sights and rifling. But it isn't a real Martini-Henry or Martini-Enfield. I'll own one of them some day, and without bugs from Nepal in the bore.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Francis Borek I understand that the .22 Martini actioned target rifles are quite a pleasure to shoot. Does the PH sight bolt onto the side of the receiver or is it on the stock? Don't completely write off the Nepalese Martinis... They are British made.. I have seen a number that are, once they are cleaned up, very good.. Then again, if it is the collecting that you are into, then, of course, one with provenance that is somewhat "closer to home" might be more appropriate... Cheers.

[@611_hornet5]

The PH sight bolt to the rear of the receiver right where the stock meets the receiver. They very nice to shoot, and the adjustable trigger is a dream. Have mine set to a hair trigger. A problem I'd have with the Martini rifle no matter where it's from is that I'll probably wind up spending a lot of money simply to load it. Would rather have a .303 Martini, even if I don't get the cloud of smoke. Wouldn't mind a Snider either and load it with 24 gauge shotshells, even if it isn't historically correct.

[@johnaffleck6572]

smokeless powder is a great way to deal with fouling. It's really difficult to understand why anyone wants to deal with this mess. I did it; it used to take a shower with my muzzleloader; but after I became educated I just used smokeless powder in them. Life is too short for Black Powder.

[@frankbrayman8076]

I find it much easier to clean a black-powder rifle like a Martini than, say, a .303 SMLE using modern smokeless ammo. I load my black powder ammo with cast-and-lubed or cast-and-patched bullets over a grease cookie (see also the handloading videos in this series, he does it the same way.) No copper fouling as with jacketed bullets, and the grease cookie and bullet lube keep the powder fouling soft. Best bore cleaner I've found is blue windshield-washer liquid, sells for less than $1.00/gallon at Wal-Mart. Use sopping-wet flannel cleaning patches, there's no need for a bore brush. The third or fourth patch should come out clean. Then follow with a few dry patches, and another that's lightly oiled before storing the rifle.

[@theoldehandgonne2503]

Out of curiosity, may I ask what the bore is like on your rifle? also, have you experimented much with the cartridge overall length?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Bore is good... Richard took good care of it before I... I have indeed settled on a OAL for both the GG and PP bullets. As far out as they will go, then back them off a few to allow for fouling....

[@theoldehandgonne2503]

​@@britishmuzzleloaders Thank you for the response. I didn't know you got that form Richard, that is quite interesting. I have recently been experimenting with dipping .470" paper-patched bullets in pure beeswax, and discovered they came out at around .485". Curiosity got me thinking whether it could sit in a fireformed case with enough neck tension... Loss of accuracy is quite likely, especially with a shorter cartridge OAL, but if neck-sizing could potentially be avoided, a some degree of convenience and brass longevity could perhaps be had...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@theoldehandgonne2503 I neck size only and haven't had a case fail because of it yet... so they last and last...

[@jeffsmith2022]

Not too much time to clean your barrel when fighting Zulus I wouldnt think...

[@TheHornedOne81]

Something told me you were going to stab the target, as soon as you said that it was 2 shy.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha! Cheers.

[@berttheturtle8611]

What do you think about the .303 models of the Martini. I recently bought one and was wondering if you have any tips for a person who is new to the martini family of firearms.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

With these versions, Martini Enfields (or Metfords) treat them just like any other 303 rifle... they are quite conventional.

[@berttheturtle8611]

britishmuzzleloaders Ok, thanks. .312 diameter 180gr round nose seem to do about a 1" group at 40 yrds.

[@richardelliott9511]

I submit that the reason you didn't see a significant difference in the additional fouling treatments may have been due to your lube cookie already supplying adequate fouling management for the conditions.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Stands to reason....

[@diktatoralexander88]

Informative video on the history of rifling. Only problem is I am not too good at maths, please don't involve it in the video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Diktator Alexander Glad you enjoyed it... Work on your maths, old boy... Wait 'till the video on trajectories...!... :-)

[@diktatoralexander88]

Trajectories? My golly, I have no idea if I'll ever be able to comprehend that. Can you give a me a math lesson?

[@MrOlgrumpy]

A mate has one for sale in West Aust,genuine 577/450

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

A genuine Martini Henry in 577/450,..... As opposed to....

[@99jws]

Sir,you have earned your stripes, if only for the reason you DID NOT shoot "three round groups"! No greater form of hogswallop has been foisted upon the shooting world than "three rounds in one inch"!".

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They do have their use, but as a tool to measure consistency/accuracy/how well a rifle shoots they are not at all effective.

[@chexquest87]

My non-fouling management groups are far worse than yours! :/

[@stenk000]

Was not the rifling an ass to make?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

stenk000 It is rather complicated, for sure. I am not up on the techniques used to make the barrels. Neil at www.martinihenry.org might have some insight, if you are looking for some detail. Cheers.

[@johnaffleck6572]

Henry was just another pioneering dreamer like Whitworth; who didn't actually understand internal ballistics; the English tend to get distracted by their home grown eccentrics.

[@minutemanqvs]

You are really getting eaten by insects :p

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

minutemanqvs Actually, it was very much worse to listen to them... Liberal amounts of bug juice..... and all was well.. They were particularly bad that day though...

[@privedeliberte5646]

Selon dice a 10 metre en tirant dans la tete cette arme est non letal... au dela de 80 metre aussi laisse moi rire...bien que cela soia un jeu c est ridicule

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't follow, sorry.