Martini Cadet new barrel.

[gunnnie]

Another one you could contact is Tobler. I have a cadet that they built in 357mag. Straight 1.5" dia 24" long, I call it the 'Franken-Cadet'. But it certainly shoots 200gn JSP pills very well.

++1 for Swanny. He's my go to man for anything Martini Cadet.

[Tank]

I expect if presented with a Cadet it would be a case of ‘why are you messing around with that rubbish?....buy yourself a new rifle....’
We shoot 310’s at my local pistol club. I’ve long toyed with the idea of some exotic cartridge chambering. To be honest the 310 is exotic enough....and great fun to boot!
(Always thought a .256 Winmag would be awesome!)

[Maxjon]

Yeah think I will keep it for a rainy day......I know dealer who has lots of parts. See what he has one day maybe....

[4godsako]

G'day cadeteers......
Can anyone here Point me in the direction of a
"Gunsmith"( He says with great hesitation suspicion and usually disappointment)
who is gifted with the black art of
rebarreling/chambering a BSAMartiniCadet(to
Hornet or 218).....correctly ?
Also any plug-n -play stock manufacturers pref here in OZ or abroad ? ......I've found a few in the US that even laser scan the mating points of your metal, then does same to either your supplied wood (once CNC milled to your choice of pattern) or their off the shelf wood for a no hand finishing fit.
Loads of custom cadets in the US and I once worked in gun shop during Howard's confiscation back and in that 6 mths three unbeknownst to one another Americans bought all cadets in stock and had us cut the barrels off and butt stocks off to simply carry them back as hand luggage......imagine trying that on here....
Dutton would surely raid the airport with his secret (Beasley's wool for) SSK .
It's just I've got a cadet action (310 ejector) just crying out to have FAR TOO MUCH MONEY plied upon it to so I can say "Oh, thats just a custom rifle I built".
And explode Wrascal Wabbits
lol.

[gunnnie]

Alan Swan had done numerous Cadet builds over the past 30+yrs that I've known of him. Currently he is finishing off a custom Martini build for me chambered in 20-222Rimmed. I also have another Cadet action waiting for a PTA and this will go to Alan as well. I'm looking at a 25cal build, possibly 25-222Rimmed or maybe 256Maxi.
I'm also going to pass an Afghannie Kyber Pass Martini Henry to Alan for another project, an 18" barrelled single shot in 45LC. I trust Alan with such bulls and he is the only one I'd consider for a custom Martini build.
As for timber, Geoff Slee is unfortunately no longer with us, but Cameron Hatcher has a lot of his gear and profiles. Cameron has add Martini Cadet stocks to his inventory and while I don't have one of his stocks, yet, they certainly look good.
Custom chamber wise, I have seen these actions chambered in anything from 22LR up to 30-30. Currently, my little collection consists of a Sportco 22 Clubmaster, BSA 12/15 22LR, 17Ackley Hornet, 22K-Hornet, 17-222rimmed, 20-222Rimmed, 222Rimmed & 357Mag. As well as three original 310Cadets. They're great rifles/actions and a worthy addition to every shooter's safe.

[Bill]

4godsako martini's whilst simple and fun and get expensive real quick, infact your probably better off buying a completed rifle off usedguns just for the timber. A average bit of timber profiled and finshed will set you back $600. I use 2nd hand barrels for builds but timber work gives me shivers

[JimTom]

What do you fellas reckon a brand new martini barrel in the grease still would go for?

[JimTom]

Thinking I might look for an action in good order.

[snag]

If you're thinking of going 357 mag, why not go 357 Maximum? 20 grains of Ar2205 behind a 158 grain pill is a ton of fun in these little fellas.

[Stix]

What do you fellas reckon a brand new martini barrel in the grease still would go for?

If its only a 17, 20, 22 or 25 cal barrel, its probably only worth $30-$50...but ill give you $80 for it mate...& pay transfer on top..







(...worth a crack...)

[JimTom]

If its only a 17, 20, 22 or 25 cal barrel, its probably only worth $30-$50...but ill give you $80 for it mate...& pay transfer on top..







(...worth a crack...)

[/quote]

310 barrel mate in grease with sights.

[Maxjon]

I've sorted out what mods I need to convert my RF striking block back to CF striker. It's pretty simple. Had a change of plans might go with the 221 Rem Fireball for it now. Rimless extractor appears to be the hard find here in AU. But I think I can make one, anyhow.

[Stix]

Alan Swan had done numerous Cadet builds over the past 30+yrs that I've known of him. Currently he is finishing off a custom Martini build for me chambered in 20-222Rimmed. I also have another Cadet action waiting for a PTA and this will go to Alan as well. I'm looking at a 25cal build, possibly 25-222Rimmed or maybe 256Maxi.
I'm also going to pass an Afghannie Kyber Pass Martini Henry to Alan for another project, an 18" barrelled single shot in 45LC. I trust Alan with such bulls and he is the only one I'd consider for a custom Martini build.
As for timber, Geoff Slee is unfortunately no longer with us, but Cameron Hatcher has a lot of his gear and profiles. Cameron has add Martini Cadet stocks to his inventory and while I don't have one of his stocks, yet, they certainly look good.
Custom chamber wise, I have seen these actions chambered in anything from 22LR up to 30-30. Currently, my little collection consists of a Sportco 22 Clubmaster, BSA 12/15 22LR, 17Ackley Hornet, 22K-Hornet, 17-222rimmed, 20-222Rimmed, 222Rimmed & 357Mag. As well as three original 310Cadets. They're great rifles/actions and a worthy addition to every shooter's safe.

Hey gunnnie
Have you got pics of them to put up...?
Id love to see them...

Also, how does your 17 & 20 222R's shoot...?
And why a second 20-222R...?...you like them that much or is it the one you refer to in the post...?

[gunnnie]

Hey Stix,
Yeah only the one 20-222Rimmed; just gave a full listing.
I actually haven't got a pic of the group. But do have one of the 17AH & the 17-222rimmed. Think those pics are on the AHN gallery. I'll check this forum for a gallery to post pics to.

The 17-222rimmed is yet to be shot as I had to sort out some loads for it. The 20cal is ready to be picked up from Allan next week, so will have to wait a while before I can comment on it. I've been sent some good base line load data to work up from, based on rimless versions of both cartridges. I should be able to get decent enough velocities from both without making my life difficult with extraction. Looking fwd to shooting both actually.

[bladeracer]

My local has a Martini Cadet in .297/250. I did a bit of research, and it's easy enough to make the brass from .22 Hornet.
But it also struck me that a simple chamber adapter to allow firing .25ACP is maybe an easier option for those that might not be into reloading.

[Maxjon]

Another one you could contact is Tobler. I have a cadet that they built in 357mag. Straight 1.5" dia 24" long, I call it the 'Franken-Cadet'. But it certainly shoots 200gn JSP pills very well.

++1 for Swanny. He's my go to man for anything Martini Cadet.

I just ordered a .357 magnum barrel too! Is yours 12 twist?? How does it shoot?

[gunnnie]

To be honest, I'm not sure what the twist rate is. I'll have to measure it.
I've run some heavy JSP pills thru it for reasonable results, but I wouldn't say it's a tack driver!

[Maxjon]

To be honest, I'm not sure what the twist rate is. I'll have to measure it.
I've run some heavy JSP pills thru it for reasonable results, but I wouldn't say it's a tack driver!

I'm hoping for big things at 50m with my build.

[Shootaholic]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and have a common interest in re furbishing a Martini.
I've been looking at cases around the 310 capacity but in .30 cal, thinking of 300 Blackout. Anyone know of this caliber being tried in a Cadet. As I see it the rimless extractor is the main issue, so where do I look for one.
Also, I saw some pics of really nice Martini's on the forum with some great wood work, any advice on who is a good stock maker.
Would appreciate any guidance
Shootaholic
WA

[Maxjon]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and have a common interest in re furbishing a Martini.
I've been looking at cases around the 310 capacity but in .30 cal, thinking of 300 Blackout. Anyone know of this caliber being tried in a Cadet. As I see it the rimless extractor is the main issue, so where do I look for one.
Also, I saw some pics of really nice Martini's on the forum with some great wood work, any advice on who is a good stock maker.
Would appreciate any guidance
Shootaholic
WA

Gday shooterholic. I too am interested where to find extractors, rimless or other. Hatchers rifle stocks does decent wood for them, as I understand. I think he took over Geoff Slee rifle stocks business when he passed away. Geoff was a real craftsman.

[gunnnie]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and have a common interest in re furbishing a Martini.
I've been looking at cases around the 310 capacity but in .30 cal, thinking of 300 Blackout. Anyone know of this caliber being tried in a Cadet. As I see it the rimless extractor is the main issue, so where do I look for one.
Also, I saw some pics of really nice Martini's on the forum with some great wood work, any advice on who is a good stock maker.
Would appreciate any guidance
Shootaholic
WA

Timber work for these, try contacting Cameron Hatcher of Hatcher's Stock in VIC. Cam has classic style stocks for the Martini Cadet.

As for the rimless extractor, problem is, there is no commercial manufacturer of such a beast. Years ago there was the Snapp's Rimless Extractor, but I've never been able to find one. Your best bet is to find a gunsmith you has a wealth of experience working with these actions, who may be able to make a suitable rimless extractor system to suit. May I suggest Alan Swan of Swan's Barrels, here in SE QLD. Alan has a wealth of experience and knowledge with these actions and is my go to man for anything Cadet. He has built a 20-222Rimmed for me recently (can't pick it up due to this dammed CV BS) and I've seen a number of his past custom builds on Cadet actions.

Maybe you could look at something like a 30cal wildcat based on the Bertramm 222Rimmed case. This would negate the need for a rimless extractor. Another option would be a 30cal based on the 357Maximum case.

Goggle Swan's Barrels and give Alan a call. It'll be the best first step in your project I would think.

[gunnnie]

I just ordered a .357 magnum barrel too! Is yours 12 twist?? How does it shoot?[/quote]

Dragged the Franken-Cadet out this arvo and measured the twist rate. It worked out at 1:15" twist. Bit slower than the 1:12 you mention.

[SillyWetTas]

You can form 300 blackout from 357 maximum cases with blackout fl die

[Maxjon]

You can form 300 blackout from 357 maximum cases with blackout fl die

I'd like to see that.....

[in2anity]

Hi all,
...
I've been looking at cases around the 310 capacity but in .30 cal, thinking of 300 Blackout. Anyone know of this caliber being tried in a Cadet.
...

You can form 300 blackout from 357 maximum cases with blackout fl die

A rimmed blackout case in a Martini - now there's something new I really like the recoil and small cartridge size of the blackout, and that you can use many 30cal pills - so much so, I've got a slower 1:10 barrel on order from Lothar-Walther, should be arriving in June.

For best performance, a flat-base ~120gr pill over a full case of fast-burning rifle powder yields resepectable velocities - in the realms of 2100-2200fps. A standard 1:7" twist for the blackout is a bit of a "catch-all"; good for a wide range of pills erring on the heavier side. But if you'll only ever stick to light supers, better to go with a slower twist, like a 1:10".

This is a helpful chart

300blk-stabilization.png (82.16 KiB) Viewed 10094 times

[Bill]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and have a common interest in re furbishing a Martini.
I've been looking at cases around the 310 capacity but in .30 cal, thinking of 300 Blackout. Anyone know of this caliber being tried in a Cadet. As I see it the rimless extractor is the main issue, so where do I look for one.
Also, I saw some pics of really nice Martini's on the forum with some great wood work, any advice on who is a good stock maker.
Would appreciate any guidance
Shootaholic
WA

I have some new 357 Maximum brass if ya need it, easiest conversion would be the 310/357 magnum, my gunsmith builds a few of these.

[MJW380]

Sorry if I’m hijacking a topic a bit, but after reading this it’s peaked my interest in getting a .310 cadet, I’d only want it to be original, or original as possible, not rechambered/barreled to something else. Having said that, what should I be looking for and at what price range (approx)? Thanks in advance.

[Maxjon]

Sorry if I’m hijacking a topic a bit, but after reading this it’s peaked my interest in getting a .310 cadet, I’d only want it to be original, or original as possible, not rechambered/barreled to something else. Having said that, what should I be looking for and at what price range (approx)? Thanks in advance.

Yes you need an original also! A house is not home without one.. or ten!

[johnboy357]

The martini Cadet had been around for many years in .310 calibre but then in the late 1950's along came an Australian gunsmith named Arthur Langsford - he transformed the Cadet with his Myra range of cartridges. They were originally based on the .222 Remington necked up to - 243 Myra, 257Myra and the 270 Myra (may have been a 30 cal one but I am not sure) These were all for bolt action rifles. Arthur then turned to the Martini Cadet and based the same cartridges on the Aussie 222 Rimed - the perfect solution for any Cadet conversion.

[gunnnie]

Sorry if I’m hijacking a topic a bit, but after reading this it’s peaked my interest in getting a .310 cadet, I’d only want it to be original, or original as possible, not rechambered/barreled to something else. Having said that, what should I be looking for and at what price range (approx)? Thanks in advance.

Mate, see no-one has responded with any feedback for you yet.
There are a fair few original Cadets kicking round on second hand gun sales websites. Prices can vary a little but on the whole, anything around the $300-375 mark is about right for one.

Now, you can always keep your eyes out for one that was issued to your home state and these are stamped accodingly on both the action (right side) and the stock butt, (also right side). There are two versions, the Mk I & the Mk II, differences being the rear sight. The better option is the Mk II as the rear sight is adjustable for elevation & windage.

Another thing to be wary of is the bore size! The Cadets are notorious for variance in bore diameter which can range from .312" right up to .323" . This was due to having different barrel manufacturers and specs for the Cadets over the period of production for the Australian contract. Your best option is to look for a BSA stamped action/bbl as this should be around the .312-.314" mark. That said, there are suppliers of cast projectiles to suit bores of the varying sizes. HRBC, most notably, whom supply projo's in .321" 128gn for the larger bores.

Another thing to note is the differences in projectile, being heeled and non-heeled. The heeled design came about due to the larger bore barrels and problems caused with the military factory jacketed ammo for the .312" original barrels. The factory military ammo would rattle down the barrel of the later made tubes, providing horrendous accuracy. Or should I say a lack of any accuracy!

So, it would be advantageous to verify the bore of any Cadet that you're looking to buy. Talk to the previous owner if at all possible and ask what projos they used in the rifle. If not able to find out, then I'd advocate contacting someone here and I dare say we'd happily send you a few different diameter cast pills to try. The first initial test is to place a projectile into the bore at the muzzle and see how far it enters before stopping. If a large bore and a small propjo, well you see where I'm going with this.

Reloading, there's a plethora of data on reloading for the 310Cadet round. Just google it and start reading. I'd advocate steering clear on any loads using AR2205 as this powder just doesn't seem to work in this cartridge and has a habit of leaving a lot of un-burnt powder in the bore. Which will cause problems with chambering subsequent rounds etc.

Pistol powders seem to be better suited. The venerable Muxwex AP70N was ideal, burnt dirty yes, but proved to be very efficient and could produce good accurate loads. Sadly, it's no longer available, so we just have to wait for it's replacement.

The Martini Cadet 310 is a great little rifle and part of Australia's military history. They are fun to shoot, low recoil, low noise, cheap to reload for and a great rifle for beginners/kids to learn on as a first centre-fire. Once you've got your first, don't be surprised if you soon chase up another! Have fun searching