Martini Henry questions

Nic3500

Nic3500

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Greetings, I just got a Martini Henry rifle.

Markings include a "G" prefix to the serial number, VR Enfield 1888, and a large "2".

  • is it generally safe to fire these old rifles?
  • What should I be on the lookout for to determine that? Going to an armorer is almost impossible around where I live, just finding one is a challenge. And knowledge of antiques is even scarcer.
  • Do you know of any good source for ammo? I do not reload myself.

thanks for any idea, links, ...
 
I don't know of anybody in Canada who makes .577-.450 ammunition for sale, but Buffalo Arms in US do - 'cept they are currently out of stock.

577/450 Martini Henry .460" 480 Grn. Bullet, Black Powder Ammo (Loaded with Bertram Brass) Box of 20
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$191.29

Figure on around CAN$275 for 20, including shipping, customs, that kind of thing. So, around $13.75 per shot.

Now you know why most folks reload.

Lots of real experts here to give you good advice about these fascinating rifles and carbines. I suggest you start off by looking a britishmuzzleloaders on Youtube - Rob there is a national treasure-trove of knowledge about shooting and reloading.
 
Definitely a reload proposition. No one in Canada sells ammunition. Your best bet is to reload Components can be found but no loaded ammunition. If you can find someone close to you that can meet and help you. Try finding black powder clubs in your area they will put you on the right path.
 
The Martini action is pretty strong however, I would not shoot smokeless in my Martini I stick to black powder only. When I bought mine I gave it a visual inspection looking for any obvious damage or deep pitting. I looked for any bulging or obstruction in the bore and also that the chamber is in good shape. I made sure the block locks up good and does not rattle. After than I had to wait for all the components to arrive but once they were on hand I reloaded some rounds and went out and shot it. It is a lot of fun to shoot.

Reloading for these guns is not simple either. Almost everything about them is unusual. The bullet dimension that you will need is not standard. The currently available reloading dies are the large size Lee and you will need a reloading press that can handle the 1 1/4" die body not just the standard 7/8". However, it is all manageable. After firing I don't run my cases into a full length sizer I neck size only and I found that my .45-70 dies will work for that. The Lee full length sizing die sizes the case down too much for my liking. Jethunter who is on the forum here sells Martini bullets for those that don't cast themselves. Cases can be made from 24 gauge Magtech shotgun brass. I don't form them myself I buy mine from X-Ring Services. He is located in Idaho but can ship the brass no problem because it is shotgun brass and so far there is no restriction on shipping shotgun brass across the border.
 
Nic3500: probably the easiest way to get into shooting a MH is to: 1) Buy formed 24g magtech brass from X-Ring along with his neck resizing die; 2) Buy grease groove cast bullets from someone like Jet; 3) Seat large pistol primers; 4) Flare the neck of the X-Ring brass just enough to squeeze in bullets lubed with pure beeswax over 85grn Goex FFg with a small piece of foam-backer-rod as filler. 5) Head to the range.

There's no alternative to handloading but, for the Martini, it's pretty straightforward. Eventually you'll want to buy your own mold/ molds and start casting and you may even want to get a mold that casts a smooth-sided bullet like the originals that requires a paper patch.

As to safety, the Martini is plenty strong for black-powder. Learn to strip the innards and give the whole thing a close inspection from one end to the other. Stripping one can be difficult the first few times but instructions are easy to find. I was surprised to find perfectly adequate instructions in a book on milsurps I had sitting on my book shelf.

To help you with all this you might try to find a collector in your area who would be willing to have a look at your rifle and give you their opinion about it's general condition. However, you will ultimately have to decide if you believe the gun is safe to shoot.

milsurpo
 
The only thing I can add is if you buy Magtech 24 gauge shotgun brass for reforming is get extra brass as it fairly thin brass and likes to collapse when resizing , anneal the brass and use lots of lube.
 
Greetings - had a good look at it before shipping and in my humble opinion it would be safe with black powder loads, action is very tight and headspace would be the only possible concern as I had no cartridge to check it with. It is a very nice example. Cheers
 
Rusty Wood Trading Co can provided loaded cartridges made from reformed 24GA brass shot shells loaded with black powder and cast lead bullet

The price is $ 500.00 for 20 rounds
 
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