Loading for 577/450 Martini-Henry?

Drachenblut

Drachenblut

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Hello,

I am getting into collecting, reloading for and shooting Martini-Henry rifles. I happily own an 1887 dated Mk.IV I that is in good condition.

I am looking to load as close to the old black powder military loads as I can, so that I can experience how that load felt in the gun. To that end, I understand the loading was a paper-patched .455 caliber lead round nose bullet weighing 480 grains, with a charge of 85 grains of black powder (question: what kind of black powder would I use today that I can buy at a gun store? FFG? FG? Make?)

Now, I have a fellow who says he can make me up some brass from 24 Gauge shotgun shells, but, wondering if I can or where could I buy actual newly made brass for this caliber?

Also, I was told my normal Lee Challenger press won't load for this caliber, that I need some kind of special "50 cal" press. Is this true? If so, where do I get one?

I'd also really appreciate any smokeless reload data that is safe, black powder reload data, and other suggestions for bullet weights. How does one measure out black powder weight, exactly?

Lastly, what is the battle sight (ladder laid down horizontally) distance set for on the Mk.IV Martini-Henry?

Thanks for your time and replies, I'm a young guy who really wants to let these old girls sing once again with a cacophony of booms! ;)

-Drachenblut
 
I load my .468" 480gr bullet in front of 85gr of fg goex black powder with a few grains of 100% cotton balls and then a few lubed felt wads. lee dies suck btw they over size the brass way too much. and the rear sight when down go's from 100 to 400 yards it says it on the right side when I up its 500 to 300 and the notch on top is used for anything beyond that when up though its normally used in volley fire. also the 24ga brass is weak and it needs t be full length resized every time its fired because it balloon head brass id look for some Jamison or get some .577 nitro and cut and form it
 
A Lee classic cast or an RCBS rockchucker ( 4 different models, not sure which one ) is what you require. The press needs 1.25" 12 tpi for the dies
I really doubt you'll find 450/577 brass that is affordable and use-able, but the best of luck in your en-devour. Likely you will need to use 24 ga brass.
 
Rusty Wood Trading out of BC has the proper Bertram brass 577/450 MH in stock for only, . . . gulp, ummm . . . $300 per 50. Sadly, it isn't stellar quality, either. If you are looking at paper patching, the best place I've found for supplies is Buffalo Arms in the US. They sell the right moulds, paper, cutting templates, and lubes, and they know how to ship to Canadians. As far as powders, you are pretty much stuck with Goex, not that that is a problem. Rusty Wood has that as well. I would look at cartridge, 1f, and 2f grades, in that order. You have chosen a noble and exhilarating hobby, full of frustration, roadblocks, head-scratching, and full-face grins! As far as smokeless loads, those are available online in various places, check BritishMilitaria forums. Two quick tips - check out 5744 powder, and stay away from TrailBoss!
 
tokguy said:
A Lee classic cast or an RCBS rockchucker ( 4 different models, not sure which one ) is what you require. The press needs 1.25" 12 tpi for the dies
I really doubt you'll find 450/577 brass that is affordable and use-able, but the best of luck in your en-devour. Likely you will need to use 24 ga brass.
Click to expand...

im able to find Jamison for bout $5 a piece I also found some .577 nitro that im going to form (I think I will have to do some neck turning). I don't like the balloon head brass I understand its all some can get I also don't like lee dies as they size it for a .457" bullet and over size brass. but since these are the only "cheap" options and the 24ga needs to be full length sized so the head is supported people keep over working their brass. with my solid head casings im able to neck size using .480 ruger dies making my brass last for a long time
 
gabrielguitars said:
Rusty Wood Trading out of BC has the proper Bertram brass 577/450 MH in stock for only, . . . gulp, ummm . . . $300 per 50. Sadly, it isn't stellar quality, either. If you are looking at paper patching, the best place I've found for supplies is Buffalo Arms in the US. They sell the right moulds, paper, cutting templates, and lubes, and they know how to ship to Canadians. As far as powders, you are pretty much stuck with Goex, not that that is a problem. Rusty Wood has that as well. I would look at cartridge, 1f, and 2f grades, in that order. You have chosen a noble and exhilarating hobby, full of frustration, roadblocks, head-scratching, and full-face grins! As far as smokeless loads, those are available online in various places, check BritishMilitaria forums. Two quick tips - check out 5744 powder, and stay away from TrailBoss!
Click to expand...

idk how much bigger the grain sizes are between the cartridge and the 1f(fg) but its best to ue a bulkiest black powder you can find so you don't need much filler
 
$300 per 500 isn't horrible. Shooter's Choice wants $159.95 per 20.
No rifle or pistol brass, except shotgun brass, from the States. Ha$ to go through an exporter too.
I have a .pdf for making .577-450 on a lathe, out of 3/4" brass bar stock. It has loading instructions with it. Came out of an old Gun Digest. If anybody wants it PM me.
 
Check with Mystic, I asked for a quote on 577/450 brass and if I recall it was $3.50/case based on a 50 case order, but that may have changed.

I reload with smokeless IMR4227, 38grn, and cast 45-70 bullets 405grn .459" so they are a little small but they work ok. I also use some toliet paper to pack the case and keep the powder against the primer.

Now others will tell you loading with smokeless is dangerous etc.... so use this information at your own risk.
 
Hey woodchopper, what is the year and model of your Martini? 38 grains of smokeless seems like a LOT, but I'd be willing to try your load, can you give me other information like the make of your bullets (Hornady etc), Cartridge Overall Length (bottom of case to tip of bullet), and bullet length/seat depth?

Thanks,
Drach
 
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