Reloading for.577/450

[mgiliomee]

Hi everyone

First real post. I've been bitten by the Martini-Henry bug and will be looking out for one. However finding a good rifle will not be a problem, fair amount about, can sometimes get them for free, because reloading can be a issue. So...before doing anything, I would like to get cases and dies etc sorted out.

My question twofold. I would like some comments on using 24ga brass cases trimmed and necked down.

Second. Finding those in South Africa are going to be worst than hens teeth. I travel to the UK every 6 months or so and can maybe order from a supplier whilst there. What I'm worried about is returning with the un-primed brass cases in my checked baggage. Would hate to have a bad day at Heathrow due to some export regulation etc. This may be a off topic question but I'm hoping someone from the UK might be able to give some insight. Once I arrive back in South Africa, traveling won't be a issue.

Should be able to get a die set from the US with a bit of effort.

Thanks for any replies

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[Ridolpho]

xringservices @yahoo.com

mgiliomee: Why don't you try martyn at this e-mail? (he's in Washington state, USA). He will know if it is feasible to export brass to SA. I've ordered both brass and moulds from him here in Canada with no problem. Added bonus is he will sell you Martini casess already formed from the magtech shotgun brass. Also, join British Militaria forums for lots of advice on loading.

Ridolpho

[mgiliomee]

Ridolpho

Thanks. Just found a company in the UK that will ship the brass cases to South Africa so problem solved.

Thanks

[Calif-Steve]

Unprimed brass is called "scrap brass" and is air worthy. Check with your airlines beforehand, but it is legal to fly in checked luggage.

[Sunray]

Have a How-to with dimensions for making reloadable .577-.450 cases out of 3/4" brass bar stock if you want it. Basically, a .45-70 load out of it.
PM me your E-mail address. It's a .pdf.
"...a die set from the US..." Maybe not to South Africa.
These guys are 'local' and carry Bertram brass. Sold out, currently, of course. Dunno if 1,615R is good or not. Less than it is here.
https://www.safarioutdoor.co.za/prod...m-20-bb577450n

[pisco]

i would go with bertram brass tried the 24 gauge shells and it is less stressful to go bertram

[Sunray]

Bertram .577-450 brass runs $126.99 per 20 and up, Stateside. If you can find it. And the 24 gauge shells will require forming. Case forming dies are expensive. If you can find 'em. Especially in South Africa.

[jamie5070]

There is a person on the britishmilitaria website who sells 24ga brass formed and ready to go.

[DoctorBill]

I have made about 90 .577-450 Martini-Henry Brass cases from MAGTECH
24 gauge Shotshell hulls using the LEE Precision Martini-Henry Dies Set.

You MUST anneal the brass after almost every action since it hardens quickly
and then deforms while putting it thru the die.

However, if you go REALLY slowly and anneal very often, you will quickly learn
how to get good Brass cases from the process. That works out ot about $1.25
per case in the end (not counting the initial outlay for the Lee Dies).

Here is one of them (Paper Patched 500 grain Cast Bullet - my design) alongside
other cartridges. I also use the Magtech Brass for a Snider .577.



Here is another next to a 45-70 Paper Patched Shell.


All this to say that YOU CAN reform 24 gauge Brass Shotshells to form
.577-450 Martini-Henry Brass and save a fortune !

I did it !

DoctorBill

[browningautorifle]

All this to say that YOU CAN reform 24 gauge Brass Shotshells to form
.577-450 Martini-Henry Brass

We knew that, pay no attention to that naysayer. He has no experience in this area. We told the OP to try it because we had ALL done it. Nice looking ammo for the old guns.