So in a recent thread I was looking at TB for 455 webley mk1(455 colt) and mk2 So after doing a little reading I thought about a recent purchase I have a Martini Enfield in 303(1876 receiver on a 1899 barrel) on the way but have been cautioned about using full power 303 loads in it due to age and proof rounds of the ordinal 303 black powder loads. So would tb work for this? I would be shooting either jacketed 180 gr or gas checked lead. Thanks
trail boss for 303 british? please read.
- Thread starter dnfd737
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Why not call the good folks at Hodgdons? A lot would depend on the condition of the firearm but if you have been firing it with blackpowder already then they might be able to give you some guidance about proper loads.
Another would be write to Handloader magazine or try Cast Boolits forum for some guidance. I reload for .303 and have seen some Trail Boss loads posted for such but they were for a WWI era SMLE which I would be reluctant to extrapolate for the Martini.
Another would be write to Handloader magazine or try Cast Boolits forum for some guidance. I reload for .303 and have seen some Trail Boss loads posted for such but they were for a WWI era SMLE which I would be reluctant to extrapolate for the Martini.
Sunray
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No jacketed 180's with Trail Boss. Think 35.5 grains of IMR4895, 37.0 grains of IMR4320 or 36.0 grains of IMR4064 with 180 grain cast with gas check. Other powders are Unique, 2400 or IMR4227.
An 1899 cartridge was loaded with cordite to 1970fps MV. Not BP. Brits used cordite until the Mk VI cartridge was accepted in 1904. Same 215 grain RN throughout. Woodleigh makes 'em. Big money though.
An 1876 receiver started out with a .577-450 barrel. 400 grain lead bullet at about 145fps.
Martinis were still being used by Canadian Militia until just before W.W. I. Don't think you have anything to worry about.
An 1899 cartridge was loaded with cordite to 1970fps MV. Not BP. Brits used cordite until the Mk VI cartridge was accepted in 1904. Same 215 grain RN throughout. Woodleigh makes 'em. Big money though.
An 1876 receiver started out with a .577-450 barrel. 400 grain lead bullet at about 145fps.
Martinis were still being used by Canadian Militia until just before W.W. I. Don't think you have anything to worry about.
Thanks, just some further info the ordinal gun was a martini hennery recycled by the brits to 303 It started life as a mk2 in 577/450 then in 1899Changed to a 303 by enfield.......I don't have it just yet but will on Wed. I just bought it. Now that you say this it makes sense it has both n and b stamps for proof marks indicating black powder proof from 1876 and n for nitro proof in 1899. Its an artillery mk3 model now.
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