What calibers suitable for Martini small action?
I finally acquired a small Martini action and would like to use it for something larger than .22. What calibers would be suitable for rebarreling this action? Thanks for any help.
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22 Hornet or K-Hornet, 218Bee or K-Bee, .222,.223, 32-20 or any case smaller in body diameter than the 30-30.Snapps Gunshop, which may not still be in business, used to make a rimless extractor for the Cadet Martini.40 years ago, I asked P.O.Ackley the same question and he recommended the 219 Ackley Improved which is identical to the later 225 Winchester. It was bad advice because the thin chamber wall bulged with standard loads and an expensive barrel was ruined.The firing pin hole needs to be bushed and firing pin diameter turned down to .062 for high pressure cartridges. If you make a 22 center fire, get a rifling pitch faster than 1 in 16 so you can shoot 50-55gr bullets. 0 -
Many years ago I bought a .310 Martini and a box of ammo from a ad in the American Rifleman . The rifle cost $9.95 and the ammo was about $2. After I shot up the .310 ammo, I filed the rim on 32-20 ammo for awhile., which was a pain in the rear. Finally went to an old gunsmith and he rechambered it in Winchester .32 Special, and I still shoot it occasionally, and it is a decent shooter. 0 -
I'd avoid using modern high pressure rifle cartridges. I don't know what model your using or how old it is, but I'd defenatly stick with lower pressure cartridges like the 25-20, and stuff like that. Just my 2cents, I don't really know what I'm talking about 0 -
The NRA Gunsmithing Guide 1982 has an extensive article with details and photos on the Cadet conversion.When these guns became available in the early 60's many were converted to .222 Rem. The weakness in these actions is not in their strength but in limitations in cartridge diameter. Since the .222 worked out, I assume the .223 would also work.They also recommended the 38/357 but not the 44/44mag because of diameter. 0 -
Thank you all for the information.....Emery 0 -
I'd either get one modified to shoot a .22hornet, or a .25acp.I've never seen a rifle or carbine that shoots a .25acp. I think it would make a neat little plinker, like a .22, but you can reload it. 0 -
i have a cadet in 218 bee. hot loads tend to swell and not extract other than that no problems. 0 -
I've had them in several different cal.s and they are super.One of the fastest lock times that you can get.Some body suggested having the fireing pin hole bushed and he was right.Without it you will have a dickens of a time with high pressure rounds.Those who said they had trouble with the cases streatching ought to look elsewhere for their problem as I have never had such a thing happen.At the present time I have one in 218 Mashburn that is flawless.A handy thing to do is have the gunsmith cut down the right side to make loading easier.He can mill it down to the top of the loading ramp without perceptably weakening the lock up.The first cartridge I had in this action was the 32 Special,it wasn't fun to shoot so I made it into a 22-3000 Lovell.Trying to work up rounds for it was hell because the old pin and hole needed to be changed and I wasn't smart enough to seek help.So I bought a new barrel and figured that was the problem solver.WRONG finally I asked the gunsmith and he worked his magic and no more trouble.If you find you no longer want that action,just post it somewhere,lots of us are always looking.Good luck and have fun. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by J.John
Many years ago I bought a .310 Martini and a box of ammo from a ad in the American Rifleman . The rifle cost $9.95 and the ammo was about $2. After I shot up the .310 ammo, I filed the rim on 32-20 ammo for awhile., which was a pain in the rear. Finally went to an old gunsmith and he rechambered it in Winchester .32 Special, and I still shoot it occasionally, and it is a decent shooter.
I have a Cadet in 32 win spec. and have not yet fired it. What type of loads were you using?0 -
I used one as the action part of a CUP pressure test fixture on 223 case based wildcats with measured pressures up to 75,000psi CUP.
The 25ACP is interesting but have you ever tried handloading that cartridge? You'll give up after a few because of squashed fingers.
That Bee barrel was done badly because the BSA Cadet action will handle much more pressure safely. The 32 Spl is a bad bullet to bore match and it's based on the 30-30 case which is too fat for breech wall as my Ackeley 219 Zipper improved demonstrated. He recommended it but recanted after I told him it bulged the chamber. I have his letter for non believers.
My choice for a nice cheap plinker would be the 32 S&W Long or Mag which will shoot both. There is a good selection of 32 lead and jacketed bullets from 60-115 gr. Although I love the 32-20, handloading the 32Long is much easier and cheaper.
I believe it could be hot rodded almost to 32-20 HS loadings.
The big problem with these actions is a rimless extractor.
You would probably get away with not having to bush the breechblock and trim the firing pin with the 32S&W long.
You'd have to try and see with hottest loads.0
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