Converting a 310 Cadet?

[andym79]

Hi just wondering what cartridges could you convert a BSA Martini 310 Cadet to.

Obviously a new barrel or liner would be required to change calibre.

My main question relates to what size of rim/rims would be compatible? I know .408 rims are e.g. BEE, 25-20 and 32-20. Are an other rim sizes compatible.

I assume cartridge length is not crucial as being a single shot no magazine exists!

 

[silicosys4]

The one I Martini Cadet I have seen was converted to .357 magnum. I assume some machining was required for the rim though.

 

[alsaqr]

i have a BSA Martini in .22 Hornet. The barrel came from a Winchester model 43.

 

[andym79]

Yere the 357 Mag has a rim .030 larger than the .310 and the Hornet .040 larger!

It would probably work out cheaper to find and but one converted than have one converted!

 

[Jim Watson]

Enlarging the cut in the extractor would be a routine part of rebarreling the rifle; I would not let that stop me from going to the calibre I wanted.

The .310 cartridge uses a heel type bullet which is tedious to reload.
I recall reading about a chamber design using .32-20 brass, which uses inside lubed bullets of correct diameter.
Some discussion of Cadets like that at
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?82158-310-Martini-Cadet-question

Hmm, there is a vendor for .320" bullet moulds in your area.

 

[Highpower0]

Leave it as a .310 a great little cartridge and real not that hard to load for once you get a mold and dies...

 

[natman]

I load 32-20 cases with the front of the rim thinned using a hornady .314 hollow base wadcutter. Works great.

 

[Gunner11]

My 310 takes 32.20 straight from the packet, without any alteration but handloading to rifle specs gets the best out of it. They are neat little guns, mine gets used for rabbits, goats and possums. Even though the aussies made jacketed bullets during ww2 for them, I wouldn't shoot them as barrel wear is something I'm aware of.
Please enjoy it as it is.

 

[natman]

My 310 takes 32.20 straight from the packet, without any alteration but handloading to rifle specs gets the best out of it. They are neat little guns, mine gets used for rabbits, goats and possums. Even though the aussies made jacketed bullets during ww2 for them, I wouldn't shoot them as barrel wear is something I'm aware of.
Please enjoy it as it is.

If your Cadet chambers 32-20s it's been rechambered. This was common when Cadets were first imported to the US.