Martini Henry Mk IV bullet casting

[davederrick]

I've just got a Mk IV MH from IMA, and want to get into the whole 9 yards of reloading for it. I already reload in various (nitro) calibres & also cast for my 2 BP pistols, so I know the basic mechanics. BPCR is a new arena for me.

But I'm a bit puzzled about casting for the MH Mk IV. I'vre read a number of threads saying to cast .457 & paper-patch up to .468. But a mate has said I ought to cast .468 & not patch it. I'm not looking for amazing accuracy, just average performance.

As far as I can see the advantages of each are -
.457 patched - the patch helps reduces BP & lead fouling (???)
.468 - you don't have to patch.

Anyone care to give an insight into what they do ? I'd like to balance this one out. Also, recommendations for a mold ? I've looked at the .468 480gr RCBS mold & a .457 408gr LEE mold, what are you guys using ? I expect there to be more than 1 "correct" answer.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[loiner1965]

I've just got a Mk IV MH from IMA, and want to get into the whole 9 yards of reloading for it. I already reload in various (nitro) calibres & also cast for my 2 BP pistols, so I know the basic mechanics. BPCR is a new arena for me.

But I'm a bit puzzled about casting for the MH Mk IV. I'vre read a number of threads saying to cast .457 & paper-patch up to .468. But a mate has said I ought to cast .468 & not patch it. I'm not looking for amazing accuracy, just average performance.

As far as I can see the advantages of each are -
.457 patched - the patch helps reduces BP & lead fouling (???)
.468 - you don't have to patch.

Anyone care to give an insight into what they do ? I'd like to balance this one out. Also, recommendations for a mold ? I've looked at the .468 480gr RCBS mold & a .457 408gr LEE mold, what are you guys using ? I expect there to be more than 1 "correct" answer.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

its a case of suck it and see....try the unpatch approach first but make sure you fill the air space with any of the recommended methods and use a card and lube cookies too....do not get lube on the bullet base either

[swidds]

Hi Mate,

I don't patch mine and they work really well. Its a Lee mould I got 2nd hand with the rifle from John at Fultons, so will ask him what type it is.

I use BP subsitite, Tesco's econmony porridge oats to take out the air gap, a small waxed felt disk and a bullet greased with a specially developed lube from Allwood Stocks and mouldings (http://www.tfsa.co.uk/).

Even thought the bullet head is quite flat, it works really, really well. Even got a v-bull at 200 yrds

Do yourself a big favour and get a Lee Melter as well. Makes melting lead and forming bullets soooo much easier (and more consistant). Got mine from Henry Kranks

[davederrick]

Sounds like 2 happy shooters, I'll go unpatched first then.
Cheers guys.

[TA6319]

I 2nd the lee melter from Kranks as well, also they are doing a deal on moulds brought at the same time. A £20 mould for less than £8. Excellent

[daz339]

I wouldn,t paper patch either.
Use a blow tube between shots and pull through after every 10 rounds and you,ll be fine.
I take up the free space in the cartridge with Kapok.4 oz (in old money) will last forever.
Regards John

[loiner1965]

I wouldn,t paper patch either.
Use a blow tube between shots and pull through after every 10 rounds and you,ll be fine.
I take up the free space in the cartridge with Kapok.4 oz (in old money) will last forever.
Regards John

i would use kapok too but swidds uses oatmeal with very good results...i was told not to use a filler as it can create more pressure due to its weight with blackpowder etc...but each to his own

[davederrick]

I've got a Lee Melter, but I think the bigger MH bullet is too much to ladle out in 1 go. I might get a Production Pot so I can pour from the bottom.

[harricook]

I'm running the 20lb production pot - easily handles 600 grain Enfield Minies - I can mold a lot very quickly

Cheers

Roy
.

[swidds]

Just remembered lee stamp the moulds with the model no.

I've got the 90376 mould. 500grn bullets it produces..sound great when hitting the sand bank :-)

[davederrick]

I've got the 90376 mould.

Isn't that a .457 mold ? (Linky) I thought you didn't patch ?

[davederrick]

Found this article "Introduction to Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Loading" By Chuck Raithel
says on Page 37 to use a .446
(He also says Lee molds aren't that good).

[swidds]

I don't patch them. Come to think of it two of the other guys in our club don't either. Lee moulds see pretty good for the price but I know theres ment to be better ones created specificalyy for the MH by an Australian based company and some guy in the US called old jonti or something?.

[swidds]

Found this article "Introduction to Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Loading" By Chuck Raithel
says on Page 37 to use a .446
(He also says Lee molds aren't that good).

Great article by the way!

[davederrick]

I don't patch them.

Could you measure one of the bullets ? I'd be interested to see if they are .457 unpatched.