The Mk III Snider-Enfield: Working Up at 100yds -PART ONE-

[@lazaglider]

You could make an hour long documentary about watching paint dry and I would watch it twice. The presentation here, as always, is masterful. A friend and, if such a thing exists, legend within the air gun community here in the U.K has a very interesting take on shooting groups. As a hunter, he preferred not to shoot groups on card, beyond the occasional zero check. His theory was that, as a hunter, he needed his rifle to hit the target first time. If he had trust in his gear, and backed his own ability, that would suffice. He argued that, given the extra complications that air rifle marksmanship carries, it is quite possible to come to doubt your zero when shooting a group. Say, if the wind pushes a couple astray, you will begin to doubt. He kept things simple, and goodness it worked for him.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Interesting. For one shot applications, knowing where your first round is going, out of a cold barrel, with no fouling (obviously not a consideration in air rifle) is of paramount importance, for sure. As for the paint drying, you will be spared.... I am definitely not an interior decorator... nor am I any good at watercolours...

[@evandaire1449]

Ah, but have you not heard of the glories of the British land pattern 1895 "bleeding for England" colors and its use in the great boer war? 😂

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I seem to have missed that one...... :-)

[@lazaglider]

britishmuzzleloaders It is an interesting subject. I've seen shooters arrive at a competition and despite a vicious cross wind, insist on checking their zero. Without fail, they then do poorly in the comp, having completely screwed their zero, and having no means to address it as during their round, rules state no alteration of scope/sight settings. On a similar note, air rifles are far more hold-sensitive than other types. So no point zeroing off a rest and expecting things to go well when shooting off hand. The more I think about it, the old chap really did know what he was talking about! Anyway, I digress.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Checking zero in a crosswind?.... Mmmm.... isn't the point of zeroing your rifle to give you foundation from which to make changes? Especially in a wind? It shoots straight without wind, so with wind you can make changes from that zero. As for the rest, as I am sure you are aware, it minimizes the difference by using it to support your hand rather than the rifle. By keeping the hand in the same place on the forestock as you would if shooting unsupported, it also minimizes differences. I suppose that air rifle is quite popular over your way, is it?

[@versal339]

Thanks again for another great presentation. Let me compliment you on something. Your speaking ability is really outstanding. No searching for words, no "eh, uh, hum" or any hesitation. Believe me folks this is nearly impossible to teach and even harder to perfect. It makes your videos very easy to watch and it allows you to concentrate on the subject matter. Great job.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Hugh. It's not all off the cuff though,.... well the whole thing isn't off the cuff. I typically record sentences and phrases... as much as I can remember at one time. I often use a script for the longer bits,... intros and such so that things roll along cleanly. It's for the very reasons you give that I prefer to do it that way. Concise delivery,... detailed, but not rambling. That's what I aim for. Cheers.

[@arthurdukeofwellington361]

Thoroughly enjoy these videos. Never would I guess that I would find myself so interested in a colonial talking about Victorian Rifles! You've certainly broadened my interests. Video quality is also noticeably better with each upload. Thank you so much

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoy them. Colonial?..... c'mon,......nobody likes labels,.... especially limeys... :-)

[@Timba186]

I love how the quality of your videos has gone up so much, it's lovely seeing a channel evolve and grow. Keep it up!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much! I am enjoying the learning process.

[@MrRedbeard762]

An excellent thesis on reloading in general and a superior instruction on reloading for the Snider in specific. Thank you for the research and hard work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome! Thank you.

[@sandstorm1934]

On Sunday morning I said to my partner "Hmm, I haven't seen any youtube offerings from Rob lately" she laughed said "he must be busy with something". She was right. Thanks for putting together another informative and very well presented video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it! Took a bit longer to get things together this time... What with the holidays and all... Thanks for the interest, my friend!

[@neilmoulden5323]

Your making Victorian rifle aficionados out of us all. Cracking job.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

One at a time!... Cheers!

[@frankb8898]

I am always amazed by the effort you place in the making of this videos. As usual an outstanding job and a well deserved "thank you" for such a show of knowledge and passion on what you do!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome. Cheers.

[@matthewoconnell2629]

I just about flew out of my chair when I saw you had just uploaded another video on the Snider-Enfield! Another great video!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

"STEADY THE BUFFS"...

[@AtomicPeacenik]

Anything I had to do for the next 15 minutes will have to wait now.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha... Thanks!

[@albundy8139]

Simply the best channel on the internet, fantastic content!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oh come now..... :-).... Glad you enjoy things.

[@mattarmstrong9205]

Great video! Your channel must be one of the more comprehensive studies of this particular topic by now. Keep up the good work your doing a great historical service here

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Matt. Victorian Historical Shooting is a bit of a niche topic... :-).... fun, though it is.

[@gregorywernke8323]

Another superb video. Just saw part one and part two together. Lots of great info presented - as usual.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@jodiecourtland871]

Came here from forgotten weapons. Your channel IS GREATLY under rated! Very good video!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much! And thanks to Ian for kindly including the Channel in his video!

[@petermartini8346]

That was a great video, cannot wait for part #2. I wish I had seen this 4 years ago when I was struggling with trying to come up with a accurate load for my Snider...oh well. There is I think some things that I should redo in light of this with my new Mk.III. It was interesting to see you repeat some things that I did. For example one session (& by mistake) I forgot to put in the card wad between the powder & filler. To my surprise the groups were all tighter in that session :) so that wad was for some reason a detriment in my rifle anyway. Great stuff, thanks Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It really is about trying all kinds of things. I have found (like you), in Snider shooting, the simpler the better. Cheers.

[@tw203809]

awesome!......as usual. you are, by far, my favorite channel on youtube

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are very kind, thank you.

[@shiftygoose7230]

Good work again. Just wish someone as good as you would do all that for the Mauser family.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Sorry, I don't own any Mausers... "Germanmuzzleloaders" does a similar series..... wouldn't that be great, eh?... :-)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Say that five times quickly.... :-)

[@EldarKinSlayer]

Excellent video, presenting the beginning of a systematic shooting system.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@jamie18thmo73]

Thanks for another really informative and excellently presented video Rob. Having just got myself a Snider short rifle, this is going to be watched again and again, I'm sure. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is great! If you haven't seen the reloading series for the Snider yet, you might want to give it a gander. Might be of some help. If you already have, .... thanks for watching!

[@jamie18thmo73]

britishmuzzleloaders Yes, those videos are great. I love that you can do most of it by hand. I'll have to get an xring mould now.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Loading for the Snider is the hidden gem in the black power cartridge world..

[@pmjn0943]

yet another very interesting video, looking forward to part 2.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@blueband8114]

Great stuff, been looking forward to you posting. Roll on part 2.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It's coming!

[@TwentythreePER]

Another quality video, sir. I'm looking forward to part two.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@M80Ball]

Excellent video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@Sheerwater909]

Another fascinating look into the world of Victorian military shooting. You continue, sir, to put many BBC presenters to shame with your narrative skills. I am putting down those two short-range misses to it being one of your many identical brothers (Rab, Reb, Rib, Rub or Ryb perhaps) being the shooter. :D

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for your kind words, John. Yeah, he's not quite the shot I am.....ahem!..... :-)

[@sqike001ton]

an old finklock guy I know said that the volume measures were calibrated for ffff as that is most powder. and all lower f will be less its built in safety

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

For every shooter, there is a story. The bottom line is that a grain is a measure of weight. .... :-)

[@sqike001ton]

true true i always figured the 4f thing made since tho i have not looked for any conformation but i guess it woulds be a good rule of thumb

[@TexasLeverGunner]

Living vicariously thru you until I can get to the range in the morning with my Mk2* to start fire-forming brass. I find 5 rounds is a nice compromise with load development in my trapdoor. It's hot here in SE Texas now, and I dread having to cast bullets anymore than I have to. Short and sweet load development!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha! Having a great time!

[@AlfJDale]

Ahhh,i like it! Thanks Rob!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome.

[@mrbikehunter]

I've enjoyed watching you put at least 1000 rounds through your Snider. When you need to refresh the rifling it would make for another great video but its 150 years old now I may not live that long ? Cheers

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Ooo,.. you know, I haven't counted, but the rifling is standing proud!

[@duncanandrews1940]

Think I'm going to put you forward for an OSCAR my lad..............great job!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

An OSCAR - Meyer wiener is probably all it's worth. (North American joke) Thanks for the kind sentiment Duncan.

[@pikeywyatt]

look foreword to next part's Thanks.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It's in the editing room now... :-)

[@Wabaanimkii]

Awesome vidya as always.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@davidseale7601]

I find these videos so interesting. Thank you so much. Out of interest what is your newest historical weapon?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi David. Glad they agree with you. It's this one! I realized that I had never documented the work up of a rifle before and, as I find it an interesting (if exhaustive) process, I thought that this would be a good opportunity to show how I do things. Cheers.

[@DarthMercanto]

Very interesting!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@katharinetaylor4979]

Rob your a positive gem ,wonderful series of videos .Hope to see you at Richards shoot Rudyard

[@keithmoore7390]

ever notice that alloy hardness had an effect? I had an old front stuffer once that for some reason just liked a softer slug? never could figure that out? I've seen a couple other guns like that as well. might be an area to consider as well?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Indeed, it is yet another variable. I tried a 20-1 lead-tin alloy and found that it did no better (or maybe a bit worse) than pure lead. For the extra effort and expense (tin is pricey) it was not worth it at all.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Keith Moore: For a muzzle loader you can only use soft lead, this is because the projectile has to be able to go down the barrel when loading, if it were hard, it would not obturate enough to take the rifling, for a cartridge rifle this is not a problem as the projectiles are at groove diameter plus .001", this size projectile would be impossible to load into a muzzle loader for obvious reasons.

[@keithmoore7390]

Englishman French I've seen at lest 2 black powder cartridge rifles that were the same way, they preferred a softer alloy as well for some reason, 2 identical rifles on the range, but the one just liked a softer lead? I don't know I've got a couple of pistols that just hate Remington ammo to boot maybe when some old timer tells you that some guns have a soul they're right?

[@mediocrefunkybeat]

From my work I can hear the gunfire from the Hythe rifle ranges. It's odd to think that these Snider rifles had exactly this testing performed on them within earshot of my workplace. Thanks as ever, Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I was just there in September. Had to get a shot of a Martello Tower on the beach!... That and the Musketry School,.... er,.... Sainsbury's

[@mediocrefunkybeat]

Yes... shame about that Sainsbury's... My workplace has an old Martello Tower on site, sadly it's unsafe to enter... Hope you had a good time down there, it's full of odd little places.

[@duncanandrews1940]

Hythe ranges - memories oh memories!

[@andygardner9219]

Get in!!! He's back!!! Polish your bayonets ! ( that's not a euphemism !) FIIIRE!!! I don't own anything like this firearm,however I find this incredibly interesting . I seem to be a frustrated gun geek! 🔫🔫🔫. Piew piw piw!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hahaha...

[@andygardner9219]

britishmuzzleloaders where is episode 2? You've had at least seven minutes! More than enough time to produce exceptional shooting footage & technical reloading theory & practice! Great channel mate! Twelvety out of ten.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha... it's coming.

[@Gunnut357mag]

have you ever tried goex's Olde eynesford powder? I load 41 Swiss, 10.4 italian, 11mm beaumont, 11mm gras, and 45-70 with it with fantastic results. almost no fouling what so ever. No added graphite so it matches what was used and considered top shelf powder in the mid to late 1800's. I have converted many people who swore by swiss to it. I will shoot an entire silhouette match with it and never clean the gun and not have any accuracy degradation.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I have not. I'll ask my supplier about his ability to get some. I have heard of it but never tried it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Gunnut357mag]

well worth the little extra money. I notice much more consistent velocities to. Also clean up is a breeze. 4 sets of wet/dry patches then oil and clean! can't beat it

[@DNchap1417]

If I got this right: 1f is for cannon and other artillery pieces: 2f is for rifles and shotguns, 3f is for handguns and 4f is for priming pans? I thought 3f has lower pressures than 1f and 2f...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nominally..... the more "F's" the finer the granulation and the faster the burn. Higher pressures with 3F, that's why you don't need as much... cleaner in my experience too..

[@ukusagent]

Hi I didn't see it But do you Drop tube your powder , I found it advantageous when loading for my 45-70 Sharps

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

HI there. Although the powder drops through a tube, it's not what you would call "drop tubing"... The main purpose of doing that is to get it all into the case (in your case, the 45-70). If you didn't, it would be exceptionally difficult, if not impossible to get all the powder into the case. With the Snider, (and the Martini) the opposite is the case. Too much room, hence the fillers.

[@ukusagent]

Thanks , Most excellent insight , Now you say it its obvious , I did see a video of someone drop tubing on large cases , saying he thought he possibly got a more consistent powder burn , But its possibly more in the mind than actual results , And when you I suppose hit the right worked up load , you pretty much don't want to change anything you did

[@ilMaori]

About the Crimean war: british troops used enfield p1851 or p1853?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Both.

[@ilMaori]

britishmuzzleloaders thank you! great video!

[@jericho9416]

What are your thoughts on the 1837 Brunswick rifles? Been eyeing one recently. Bullets are pretty neat.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Careful if you are looking at the IMA versions. They are not Ordnance pattern (British manufactured) and were made in Nepal. They are typically poorly done with wonky rifling both in pitch and depth... If it is a British one in good condition, then go for it... they are very rare but will be made well. For bullets, contact Jeff Tanner in the UK. He does very reasonably priced moulds for them with the belting...

[@jericho9416]

Yeah I was looking at the IMA ones. Sigh...Thanks for the information. Guess I will just keep my eyes peeled for a proper made one for now.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They are out there. Be prepared for the hunt.

[@chriswhite3035]

Although it has been said i will repeat. Great video. Love the info. I started my love of black powder shooting with my flintlock. I am now looking at purchasing a black powder cartridge gun. This is how i found your channel. What would be your recommendation for my first Black powder cartridge gun. I would like to make my own ammo. I was thinking the Martini Henry. Any advice would be welcomed

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I would say that the Snider is easier to load for. If you have the time, you might watch both reloading series, the three part Martini and the two part Snider. It might give you some insight into what is involved in the reloading for both rifles. That said, it really doesn't matter as you will end up with both anyway... :-)

[@chriswhite3035]

Thanks I will be going to some local gun shows soon. I will be on the lookout for either. I saw a martini shotgun and almost picked it up. It was such a good looking gun but i want to hold out for a rifle. Thanks again

[@squidgypoppet]

where do you find these classic Rifles?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Friends, antique dealers, other places online....

[@ahmedexmor]

if only you were my teacher! i have no interest in guns and I've watched it all, nicely presented..

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is a wonderful compliment. Thank you.

[@DarthMercanto]

Can you talk about the kind of sight profile we should aim for (pun intended ;P) when aiming at a target less then 100 yards away? :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Generally, say at 50yds, if you've zeroed at 100yds with a full sight, then a fine sight might do. Otherwise you'll have to aim off below your target.

[@DarthMercanto]

Ah! That makes sense! I took my Springfield M1861 for some 25 yard target shooting for the first time this week. I was surprised to find that, unless I fired slightly bellow my target (a Confederate plastic bottle), I would overshoot. I was wondering if it was because the rifle is sited for 100 yards, your video (and response) seem to have confirmed that! Thanks! :)

[@stephansnider2982]

Only one word comes to my mind....Huzzah!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@davidtodd5838]

I use your videos while i am doing my illustrations, I don't mean this to be offensive but they are great background music ..... I do also watch them haha

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Please use them any way you see fit, David! Cheers.

[@hildebrandtvongreunhagen7601]

Hey Rob, Nice as always. I can not await part two... Every time I enter KZbin I close my eyes and then look if you uploaded a new video. :-) Your Videos are like professional documentaries. Now to what I intended to ask: Your bullet grease seems so simple. What is the exact task of bullet grease and what brought you to choose only beeswax and cooking oil (if I'm right...) ? Thanks! Valentin

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi Valentin. Thank you for your very kind words. The lubricant keeps the fouling soft. By doing this, the rifle is able to maintain a certain degree of consistency in its shooting. Without lubricant, the fouling is very hard, and would coat the inside of the barrel, filling the rifling. It also has the task of lessening the resistance of the bullet as it travels down the barrel... After all, you are pushing a (soft) metal object down a metal tube.... metal on metal always works better with some sort of lubricant. As for the recipe, it is very common to use beeswax and some sort of grease (organic rather than petroleum). Vegetable shortening is what I typically use but I have used olive oil (more expensive) for the same purpose. You can always add all kins of other things (for black powder shooting most commonly organic stuff) like lanolin, other kinds of oils, tallow and such...

[@hildebrandtvongreunhagen7601]

Thanks for the quick response! All you said seems evident... I am very interested and may want to make some experiments to optimize the mixture and maybe replace the beeswax with a cheaper alternative like sheabutter. However I just do not know the criteria and the characteristic the beeswax or the potential replacement has (that makes it convenient for the task). What exactly is the substance that softens the fouling? In a forum I read that e.g. the moisture content in the Lube is important for this task. To sum up my problem in an example: I like to put lanolin into the Lube mixture - but I do not know why I should do so. What makes it suitable for the lube? Thanks!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

If you are looking for the chemical reason the lube works, I can't tell you. The grease and the wax work in tandem. The grease has better performance but is messy and will run in warmer weather.... Add wax to stiffen it.... However, they both have solvent qualities. For instance, pure beeswax was used on later Enfield cartridges after they reduced the diameter of the bullet. I have found that pure beeswax doesn't do the job either in the Enfield or others such as the Martini, in the way that grease, or a mixture, does. I use straight shortening (melted) as the lube for patches for my Baker rifle and can shoot all day with no problems.... This only work with the Baker as the patches hold the grease well.

[@bigsarge2085]

✌

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

👍

[@thecanuckredcoat4142]

Just in time, I was running out of coffee.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hopefully you didn't need any more after watching... :-)

[@thecanuckredcoat4142]

I think I'll be good for the next few days... probably :p

[@v22058]

Ah the G D I missed the target at close range dance, I know it well

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Wait,.... that was prior to zeroing!.... no really, it was!

[@kaidog9528]

you videos are so much more than you shooting your wad and combustible fillers. well done. shall we dispense with glasses.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes, bin the glasses, chuck the wad and light that filler on fire.

[@babalonkie]

I envy your life lol Good video :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! My life is pretty ordinary, really... Cheers.

[@babalonkie]

To me, it's a dream lol Keep up the videos, We love them!

[@minutemanqvs]

Maybe you should add a warning about "hard" or "blocking" fillers...they should never be used in bottleneck cartridges, only in straight wall ones like you are using.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Good suggestion.

[@rollo8847]

Rather depressing that making your own ammunition is a criminal offence here in the UK, the birthplace of this piece of history.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

So how do all my acquaintances who shoot these and Martinis in the UK get away with it?

[@katharinetaylor4979]

I doubt its an offense but some police put quota on ammounts kept nor can you fire it without a firearms certificate on approuved ranges . no back paddocks like in NZ Rudyard

[@stsk7]

i thought you were talking like this as a joke at first...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yeah....

[@stsk7]

+britishmuzzleloaders just a tad bit nerdy maybe?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are obviously a good judge of this quality in people.

[@stsk7]

britishmuzzleloaders really?

[@notarokescientist3003]

you are nothing if not methodical

[@jamie18thmo73]

Thanks for another really informative and excellently presented video Rob. Having just got myself a Snider short rifle, this is going to be watched again and again, I'm sure. Looking forward to the next instalment.