I own a converted Martini-Enfield to .303BR(nom .312") new barrel 1913.
I have been experimenting with larger than normal projectiles due to normal wear on a probably originally oversize bore.
Re-lining is a too expensive option. Slugging the bore has been un-successful due to lack of suitable material. I do not cast linotype myself.Ther appears to be enough rifling left except right at the muzzle, but that might have been done to protect the crown with muzzle- end cleaning mandetory .
Light .32 pistol bullets in .315" are poor performers and the usual cast 303 bullets of heavier weight ditto, as are the usual 311'" to 312" FMJs witch hit the target side-on at 50M.
Could an 8mm(7.92mmm German) be an option as they are nice and long/heavy and may be now suitable as regards bore size and match the rifling twist ?
All comments accepted, as I genuinely want to shoot this 1885 vintage firearm, which has been refurbished from original new parts, bayonet procures from Jansa in Sydney and gunsmith checked. The barrel is the only let-down with the ancient corrosive cordite and mercuric primers used then not helping of course !
BB
I have been experimenting with larger than normal projectiles due to normal wear on a probably originally oversize bore.
Re-lining is a too expensive option. Slugging the bore has been un-successful due to lack of suitable material. I do not cast linotype myself.Ther appears to be enough rifling left except right at the muzzle, but that might have been done to protect the crown with muzzle- end cleaning mandetory .
Light .32 pistol bullets in .315" are poor performers and the usual cast 303 bullets of heavier weight ditto, as are the usual 311'" to 312" FMJs witch hit the target side-on at 50M.
Could an 8mm(7.92mmm German) be an option as they are nice and long/heavy and may be now suitable as regards bore size and match the rifling twist ?
All comments accepted, as I genuinely want to shoot this 1885 vintage firearm, which has been refurbished from original new parts, bayonet procures from Jansa in Sydney and gunsmith checked. The barrel is the only let-down with the ancient corrosive cordite and mercuric primers used then not helping of course !
BB