Martini Henry Test Firing and First Firing

Test firing of my 1875 Martini-Henry Mk.I/II whilst strapped down to a 22lb dumbbell at the fore end, and about a 100lb sand bag on the butt, which it still managed to move!

After test firing some slightly hotter loads (90gr FFg), the first shots from the shoulder were taken, with the chosen load for the day which was 80gr. This load was still quite stiff in comparison to say a 308, but it was a lot milder than I expected for this cartridge. As many black powder shooters say, it was more of a pleasant push than a sharp smack. For the next range visit, I'll test some 85gr loads out.

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[MrHookystig]

How hard is it to get a Martini Henry Licence in the UK? My friend says that is very hard (even though he hasn't got Martini Henry lol!) And also great video, you have a new subscriber!

[P1LGY]

@MrHookystig Easy, firstly, you don't need a licence to buy a Martini Henry, but you do need one to shoot it, but that isn't a problem, just join a target shooting club, 3 months later, send off for your firearm certificate (FAC). The 3 month wait isn't that bad either, it gives you a chance to try out lots of guns before you decide what calibres to apply for, and you can start making the unlicensed parts for your ammo too. PM me if you need any help with the process.

[MrHookystig]

@P1LGY I know where I am going to buy a Martini Henry (a mk.4 from IMA) and recently have chosen a target shooting club to go to as its the nearest and will let me shoot a .450 round. So far I only think I will apply for .22 and the .577/.450 but good idea to experiment. And if you want I can PM you a link to a website that still sells martini henry ammo! and with discounts with the more boxes you buy! as long as you don't show everyone so I don't get mine lol!

[P1LGY]

@MrHookystig You shouldn't have a problem with calibre limits, black powder generally isn't included. For MOD ranges a .308 or .30-06 is the most you can 'normally' use (energy wise), but black powder guns of up to about .577 are used there. It's a good idea applying for a .22, I didn't as I preferred the bigger stuff, but I'm now about to apply for a .22, as it's such great fun shooting a semi-auto, it's a good job the ammo's cheap, I sure empty the mag quick! I'm looking at the GSG AK47

[P1LGY]

@MrHookystig I bet buying complete rounds is expensive, Ten-X in the US makes it at $7/shot, I make mine for about 52p/shot, which is peanuts in comparison to my .308 which is about 80p/shot. Albeit very high grade match ammo. Are you looking to get into reloading?

[connard123abc]

Thanks for highlighting your fouling problems, I'm going to have to get a bore snake, it would have been a damn shame to have gone all the way to the range only to have to stop after 10 rounds.

[P1LGY]

@connard123abc Indeed it would, I called it a day after 15 rounds because using the block to force the round in wasn't healthy for the brass, it was shaving brass off the head of the case. I'll seat the next batch to 3.000", giving 60 thou off the rifling, and then gradually work out. I should have aimed for reliability first and then accuracy.

The bore snake works very well, and they're even quicker to use when I'm not struggling with the wind!

[MrHookystig]

@P1LGY I have also recently been considering a Lee Enfield too, but I don't know how difficult they are to get as they are not black powder or a small round... Hopefully just doing the same as I would a martini henry will get it me lol

[MrHookystig]

@P1LGY It is £32 for 10 bullets.. so yeah your way is cheaper lol! I am thinking about reloading, It's just getting all the equipment, I know you can get a lee press for the case/primer, but getting the mould and making the led and everything that I'm worried about the price and how easy it is to form...

[connard123abc]

Nice video. I have yet to take my MKIV to the range, though it should happen in the next couple of weeks, needless to say I'm really looking forward to seeing if I can get some rounds on the target. I Have put a few rounds through it to check for safety, I was also surprised by the recoil, it's more like the push of a shotgun than the kick of a large bore rifle.