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DateOriginal Topic
30th August 2002Martini-Henry fire - penetration ?
By Chris Norton
I have read about single heavy slugs fired by Minie, Enfield and Snider rifles passing through - and disabling - several unfortunates in the line of fire. How did the smaller .45, higher velocity, bullet from Martinis compare, at short range anyway ?

The Martini replaced the Snider but against a mass attack (again at short range) would it have any real advantage other than speed of loading ?
DateReplies
31st August 2002Bill Power
The M-H round is devastating! The Enfield musket used the Minie ball ,likewise the Snider[the Brits being too cheap to develop a proper bullet]! Both the enfield & the M-H bullets weigh 480 grains,the snider being propelled via 70 grains of FG blackpowder while the M-H used 85 grains of the same charge! Hence,higher velocity for the M-H bullet giving a flatter trajectory,most useful when range was "eyeballed"! A higher velocity bullet wirh a smaller X-section guarantees greater penetration! Further,my Snidey is sighted to 900 yds.,whilst my 'teenie is sighted to 1400 yds,! Nolo Contendrere! Bill