MJW380 wrote: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