The Accurate Reloading Forums
Cartridge for a classic large-action martini sporting rifle.
14 April 2015, 20:11
loud-n-boomerCartridge for a classic large-action martini sporting rifle.
I just picked up a nice Enfield Mark II action that is destined for becoming a classic British-styled sporting rifle in the style of Hollis, etc. The rifle will be shot with traditional black powder or smokeless for black loads. I am trying to decide on caliber, and have a short list of the following, all of which I know will work.
577/.450 Martini Henry
500/450 No. 1 Express
500/450 No. 2 Musket
577/500 No. 2 Black Powder Express (.500 No. 2 Express)
I am also considering the 450/400 3-1/4 Black Powder Express, but have to play with a dummy to see if it will make the bend to chamber.
So what do you guys think?
One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx
15 April 2015, 17:51
Bill/OregonI vote for Door No. 4 -- the .577/500 BPE No. 2. Plenty of barrels to choose from, brass easy to make and as much thump as one could want. And you'll be the only guy on your block that has one.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
16 April 2015, 00:24
9.3 X 75RIf the 450 will make the bend, as you so accurately describe, that would be my first choice. After that any of them would be a whale of a lot of fun.
DRSS: E. M. Reilley 500 BPE
E. Goldmann in Erfurt, 11.15 X 60R
Those who fail to study history are condemned to repeat it
16 April 2015, 01:35
loud-n-boomerThe .450-400 3-1/4 BPE is my current first choice, mostly because I am already building a classic American-style sporting rifle in .50-70 on a rolling block. Also, I have two .408 bullet molds, and the availability of Hornady brass and dies makes the .450-400 3-1/4 BPE a more convenient option..
One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx
16 April 2015, 02:38
Mike Brooksquote:
Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
I vote for Door No. 4 -- the .577/500 BPE No. 2. Plenty of barrels to choose from, brass easy to make and as much thump as one could want. And you'll be the only guy on your block that has one.
Better yet! Look behind door #5!
The 577/500 Magnum! That was origionally a 6 dram load. The same as the old 577 BPE but with a 1/2" bore! I've got 2 of these and 1 #2 and I like the Mags. better.
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Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, a free cell phone with free monthly minutes, food stamps, section 8 housing, a forty ounce malt liquor, a crack pipe and some Air Jordan's and he votes Democrat for a lifetime.
16 April 2015, 04:28
Bill/OregonMike, we need photos man!
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
16 April 2015, 05:06
Mike BrooksOf the shells?
The rifles are double barreled single shots.
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Today's Quote:
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, a free cell phone with free monthly minutes, food stamps, section 8 housing, a forty ounce malt liquor, a crack pipe and some Air Jordan's and he votes Democrat for a lifetime.
16 April 2015, 19:52
Bill/OregonShells and rifles!
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
NRA Life
ASSRA Life
DRSS
Today's Quote:
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, a free cell phone with free monthly minutes, food stamps, section 8 housing, a forty ounce malt liquor, a crack pipe and some Air Jordan's and he votes Democrat for a lifetime.
17 April 2015, 18:59
Bill/OregonEye candy of the most splendid sort! Are you sure you aren't actually Cal Pappas?
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
18 April 2015, 00:30
Mike BrooksOh, Heck NO!
I'm much better looking!
NRA Life
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Today's Quote:
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, a free cell phone with free monthly minutes, food stamps, section 8 housing, a forty ounce malt liquor, a crack pipe and some Air Jordan's and he votes Democrat for a lifetime.
18 April 2015, 04:30
cal pappasJust so you all know, Mike buys his rifles when WalMart has a sale on doubles.
Cal
_______________________________
Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.comwww.CalPappas.blogspot.com1994 Zimbabwe
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18 April 2015, 08:09
HuviusI don't think the 450/400 3-1/4" will make the turn without really hogging out the block channel.
The 500No.2 is a good choice and was an original offering in the big Martini.
21 April 2015, 07:12
Michael RobinsonFor me, it would have to be the .577-.450 Martini-Henry.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
04 June 2015, 18:30
Irving BA WallaceThe biggest problem with the 577/450 is that we don't have barrels the correct size of .452/.464" so you need to have a special reamer ground to suit a barrel .450/.458". Then dies to suit etc.
When I built my sporter a few years ago I selected 577 Snider with a new Lothar/Walther barrel; no problems with feeding the action.
I use a load of 95gnd FFG with a 620gn custom bullet and it is very impressive!
04 June 2015, 19:42
loud-n-boomerI had not thought about the .577 Snider, but it would be a good choice since I already have all of the stuff to reload for it.
One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx
04 June 2015, 23:22
Idaho SharpshooterI vote "Old School"; the 577 Snider.
05 June 2015, 12:45
Irving BA Wallace620gn .590 bullet mould