Martini Enfield Converted to 45-70

Kenshin77

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Hello everyone.

I picked up a Martini Enfield in 45-70 from an older gentleman and I was hoping to get some information about it.

The guy I bought it from said it's a very strong action and it's even safe to shoot Ruger only loads. Looking at the pressures of 303 British and different 45-70 loadings it seems to make sense but I'm a novice and I'd like to confirm with you all.

Please let me know if there are any other pictures you need.

Thanks for the help.
 

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Something to consider - the .45-70 head is larger in diameter than the .303. With equal pressures, the .45-70 would produce more back thrust than the .303.
Keep in mind that the Ruger is designed and manufactured in belted magnum calibers, like .458.
Your rifle was made in 1874. It is a strong action. But it might be an idea to work up loads, rather than just assuming that it will be OK with loads intended for a very strong modern rifle.
 
Something to consider - the .45-70 head is larger in diameter than the .303. With equal pressures, the .45-70 would produce more back thrust than the .303.
Keep in mind that the Ruger is designed and manufactured in belted magnum calibers, like .458.
Your rifle was made in 1874. It is a strong action. But it might be an idea to work up loads, rather than just assuming that it will be OK with loads intended for a very strong modern rifle.
I’m n the same token, it was built for 450-577, which is really no slouch. I believe it’s higher pressure and thrust than 45-70 and the Brit’s definitely chambered these in .303

If you keep to 303 pressures or less, you should be fine.
 
You have a beautiful rifle - enjoy it and be smart.
I had already a few Martinis and one Martini like yours in 45-70. I like it a lot but it crack in the rear side where the breach block pin is and it was the end of the story.
I will NEVER use a 45-70 Ruger load in your rifle! Keep it in the 45-70 government pressure and you will be safe.Marlin pressure - may be fine too but I'm against ruger No1 pressure in it. It is a Black powder rifle and 1875....If you need a 45-70 Ruger pressure - buy another modern rifle.
 
Well, I will agree to be cautious, but disagree on your assessment of the strength of these actions

Martini actions are STRONG.

I have owned, built up and shot dozens of these actions, chambered for everything from 577-450 to 45-70, 303 British, 444 Marlin, 7x65R, 30-30Win, 348 Win, and the list goes on to include 44 magnum and 454 Casull, etc.

I've used both commercial and milsurp Martini actions for these builds and never have found on wanting or weak, which hadn't sustained some sort of physical damage, such as rust, wear from dirt and lack of maintenance or severely crushed/dented from whatever.

I've magnafluxed every one of these rifles I've owned and shot, and only found one receiver which was defective, that was done with a chisel and hammer, from what I could see.

I have always loaded my Martini rifles to modern pressures, with both black powder and smokeless.

Tiriaq has a point about rearward thrust, but the 303 British cartridge has a rather severe taper, which makes that point moot IMHO. It was designed that way for ease of extraction in the field, under harsh conditions and to help eliminate rims ripping off, etc with the cases available during the early days.

OP, even if your Martini is strong enough to handle the Ruger No 1 pressure loads, are you?

Take my word for it, felt recoil from that Martini, with such loads will be substantial to say the least.

I see the rifle has "elevation" hold numbers on the side of the stock.

The previous owner worked those up for that rifle in a manner referred to as "regulating"

He likely also gave you a the load used to consistently shoot to that chart's indication. WHY fix something that isn't broken?

The 45-70 cartridge is no slouch, even at Springfield Trapdoor velocities.

Martini rifles are good handling shooters, reliable and light.

They do suffer from extraction issues when pressures are high. Something to think about.
 
You have a beautiful rifle - enjoy it and be smart.
I had already a few Martinis and one Martini like yours in 45-70. I like it a lot but it crack in the rear side where the breach block pin is and it was the end of the story.
I will NEVER use a 45-70 Ruger load in your rifle! Keep it in the 45-70 government pressure and you will be safe.Marlin pressure - may be fine too but I'm against ruger No1 pressure in it. It is a Black powder rifle and 1875....If you need a 45-70 Ruger pressure - buy another modern rifle.
Definitely this^^^along with using load data for the Trapdoor Springfield.
Here be a great write up on the Martini Henry history noting its design changes & variants during service.
A9R85F8.tmp.pdf - 9781780965079.pdf
 
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