Pattern 53 Enfield ammo

[Tin cup]

I ran across this, thought I'd post it here, some interesting info, don't think it's been posted on this site...
https://nebula.wsimg.com/a1ee616841...esn-KVpa7QJBF5oyhEqnT9t5zJwKFUHr6_FopBrwlKo-g

Kevin Dally

 

[JOHN42768]

Very informative history. Thanks

 

[captaindrew]

Thanks Kevin, was just talking about this subject with some guys in our unit. Going to share this with them, great info.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Interesting. Not sure fouling was a huge problem with Enfields using US/CS ammunition either. I have not read elsewhere that it was. Earl Hess notes in "Kennesaw Mountain" (p 132) that Sam Watkins claims he fired 120 rounds (I believe his company was issued the P53 Enfield) and the problem he noted was not fouling but rather the barrel getting too hot to hold. I think Watkins also mentions this in memoirs, "Company Aytch." Or perhaps Sam Watkins company was issued English Enfield ammuntion, but this is not mentioned and I don't believe we should automatically infer that was the case.

Are there any period sources that mention the P53 Enfield fouling rapidly with US/CS cartridges? The author of this otherwise fine article mentions it as though it was defacto. I'm not sure that was the case...

 

[CMWinkler]

Thanks

 

[Cannonman1]

Fantastic article. Insights into the evolution of things. Interesting how they got from a 5 to 1 tallow to beeswax to a 5 to 1 beeswax to tallow lube. Great resource and should be required reading for anyone addressing or just understanding the subject.
Thanks for sharing!!

 

[rebracer]

Thank you, I have been looking for something like this.

 

[Adam1stVa]

I have a question. My P53 is a 24-24 proof, .58 caliber and I have learned the majority of the P53s were 25-25 proof, .577 caliber. Can it be assumed that would make no difference in the ball type/size?

 

[captaindrew]

I have a question. My P53 is a 24-24 proof, .58 caliber and I have learned the majority of the P53s were 25-25 proof, .577 caliber. Can it be assumed that would make no difference in the ball type/size?

It can make a difference, I know they would have trouble sometimes trying to use Federal .58 ammo intended for Sprinfields in .577 Enfields. Guys that do alot of live fire like @Tin cup @johan_steele and @poorjack can explain it much better than I can.

 

[johan_steele]

I have a question. My P53 is a 24-24 proof, .58 caliber and I have learned the majority of the P53s were 25-25 proof, .577 caliber. Can it be assumed that would make no difference in the ball type/size?

She has had more than 150 years to be messed with. Slug the barrel and see what she is. I've consistently been able to fire .5745 through both original P53's and M1861. It's worked well enough to hit a man sized target but for real accurate work you should slug the barell.

 

[poorjack]

She has had more than 150 years to be messed with. Slug the barrel and see what she is. I've consistently been able to fire .5745 through both original P53's and M1861. It's worked well enough to hit a man sized target but for real accurate work you should slug the barell.

Pin gauges will give the most accurate answer. You cannot accurately slug these without removing the breech.

 

[yulzari]

Brett Gibbons also sells his book 'The Destroying Angel' about the tactical innovation that was the Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket in use. From Amazon $11.99US. Very well worth the very reasonable cost. I wholly recommend it. He also sells paper cartridges etc. for them at his website https://www.papercartridges.com/enfield-paper-cartridges.html

I have no connection with Brett other than having had the privilege to meet him at a shoot in Canada.