Author Topic: Cadet Martini question on rechambering  (Read 910 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Huffmanite

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 365
Cadet Martini question on rechambering
« on: August 04, 2009, 06:35:59 AM »
I recently acquired a Victorian Government stamped, Francotte patent marked,  Martini cadet rifle.  Barrel on rifle is stamped Birmingham Small Arms.  Due to the .230L stamped near top of the barrel about 2 inches from the action, I'm pretty sure it is chambered in the centerfire 230 long morris cartridge.  Unlike my BSA Martini model 12, which has a screw that holds the action in the receiver, this one has a pin to drive out. While I did not break down the action to inspect each part, I did remove the action assembly to check and clean and noticed nothing wrong with it.  Bore condition is pretty good for its age with decent rifleings and no pitting that I could detect after a good cleaning. 

For the last few days I've spent some time on various websites researching info on the 230L morris and this rifle.  From this I have basically decided reloading the 230L morris is something I do not want to do, even though I do reload about 7 different rifle calibers.

From a couple of comments in cadet martini posts that I've read, I got the impression that it would be a simple task to just rechamber my rifle to 22 hornet and shoot that ammo in it.  Anyone want to comment about the feasibility of  having my martini rechambered to 22 Hornet?
 


Offline Double D

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12609
  • SAMCC cannon by Brooks-USA
    • South African Miniature Cannon Club
Re: Cadet Martini question on rechambering
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2009, 06:06:25 AM »
Since I have responded to your post on Gunboards, this response really isn't for you but for others who may reading this post and wondering themselves.

It sounds like your barrel is not original to the gun. Is it an original .230 Morris barrel or is it a BSA .22 LR barrel that has been fit and chambered to .230 Morris.

With either barrel it is quite feasible to rechamber to .22 Hornet, many a Morris has made this change.

If the barrel is an original .230 Morris then I would suggect you sell or trade the barrel to preserve it. Good barrels in original chambering are very scare and would be desired by some one doing a restoration.

If the barrel is .22 rimfire of some sort and you rechamber to .22 Hornet you may find it needs .222 or .223 bullets of .45 grains or less to shoot in the rimfire bore.

The .230 Morris is a very shootable cartridge. Dies and brass are available from Buffalo Arms. Bullets are available from Cabela's.

Based on your response to my reply above on Gunboards, your barrel sounds like a .22 barrel that was rechambered to .230L which may or may not be a .230 Morris. Rechamber to .22 Hornet and shoot the .222 or .223 bullets and enjoy.