Martini Henry No. 4 Long Lever Test Firing .577-450

Published on March 2, 2010
Duration: 6:14

This video features the test firing of a Martini Henry No. 4 Mark 1 rifle chambered in .577-450. The presenter discusses the challenges of finding correct ammunition for historical firearms, noting that the bullets used were sized for a different rifle's bore diameter. Despite expected accuracy limitations due to undersized bullets, the rifle is fired at steel plates, demonstrating its historical firepower and the unique experience of shooting black powder cartridges. The importance of cleaning black powder residue is also highlighted.

Quick Summary

The Martini Henry No. 4 Mark 1 rifle is test-fired in .577-450 caliber. Challenges with bullet sizing, where bullets are undersized for the rifle's .468 bore, are discussed. A custom mold was used to cast correct-diameter bullets. Firing at 50 yards reveals accuracy limitations, but the experience is described as a 'blast'. Immediate cleaning of black powder residue is crucial.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introducing the Martini Henry Long Lever
  2. 00:37Test Firing Preparation
  3. 00:43Bullet Sizing Discussion
  4. 01:02Custom Mold for Correct Fit
  5. 01:24First Shots Fired
  6. 01:50Casings and Black Powder Residue
  7. 02:06Chad Takes a Shot
  8. 03:12Shooting at 50 Yards
  9. 03:20Accuracy Observations
  10. 04:40Impressive Firepower
  11. 05:01Shooting Impressions
  12. 05:40Final Shots

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Martini Henry No. 4 Mark 1 rifle shown in the video?

The Martini Henry No. 4 Mark 1 rifle featured in the video is chambered in the .577-450 caliber. This is a large-bore, black powder cartridge historically used by the British military.

Why might accuracy be an issue when test firing this Martini Henry rifle?

Accuracy can be an issue because the bullets used in this test were sized for a different rifle's bore diameter (.458-.459). The British Martini Henry typically has a larger .468 bore, meaning these bullets are undersized for optimal performance.

What is recommended after firing black powder cartridges from a Martini Henry rifle?

It is highly recommended to immediately clean fired casings after shooting black powder cartridges. The corrosive nature of black powder residue can quickly damage the brass, so soaking them in warm, soapy water is advised.

What was done to improve the fit of ammunition for the Martini Henry rifle?

To address the undersized bullet issue, a custom mold was created to cast bullets specifically for the Martini Henry's .468 bore diameter. This ensures a better fit at the muzzle for improved potential accuracy.

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