I didn't know BSA Martini International's were so picky.

[ukrifleman]

I recently bought a Mk.1 BSA Martini International from a prominent Full-Bore UK member and took it to the range full of expectations.

I pulled out a box of Blazer ammo, which performs very well in my Martini .303 conversion at 50 yards and got down to business.

Imagine my surprise when I was unable to match the results of my other Martini, which has basic sights.

Here I was, with a target rifle weighing 14.5lb, PH25B target sights, match trigger, thumb-hole stock, tunnel fore-sight and just couldn't make it group.

The 7th Cavalry arrived in the shape of an old shooting buddy toting some RWS Target ammunition and lo and behold after 5 shots I was looking at a raggy hole!

It would appear that this rifle definitely doesn't like high velocity ammunition.

Just goes to show without the right fodder, you are on a hiding to nothing - lesson learned!

ukrifleman.

[Sim G]

Rarely will a .22lr give the best results with high velocity ammunition. Likewise, I discovered a long time ago that 22's are all very picky with their preferred ammo and the difference between the best and the worst can be huge!

[saddler]

... in the shape of an old shooting buddy... lo and behold after 5 shots I was looking at a raggy hole!

Tell him to get some braces fitted

[Dahonis]

Eley Match are also very good

[Les]

Eley Match are also very good

+1

I've had a Mki and a Mkiii BSA Martini, and for general range-work they both liked CCI Standard, but for competition they performed best with Eley Match.

[Kungfugerbil]

Eley and martini internationals seem made for each other. Even the Eley sport or club run well. R50 seems to go quite nicely in a couple we have at the club.

Blazers are filth. Couldn't believe how grimy they were when I shot some freebies. After 50 of them it felt like I had been shooting black powder :)

[Laurie]

Eley and martini internationals seem made for each other. Even the Eley sport or club run well. R50 seems to go quite nicely in a couple we have at the club.

They literally were made for each other - the two UK manufacturers worked together very closely for many years while the BSAs ruled international smallbore shooting. The best performer was usually the original Tenex. My Mk 5 would really perform well with it, but the newer EPS version doesn't shoot nearly as well.

[Landy Dave]

Eley and martini internationals seem made for each other. Even the Eley sport or club run well. R50 seems to go quite nicely in a couple we have at the club.

They literally were made for each other - the two UK manufacturers worked together very closely for many years while the BSAs ruled international smallbore shooting. The best performer was usually the original Tenex. My Mk 5 would really perform well with it, but the newer EPS version doesn't shoot nearly as well.

I have found the above true, my BSA MK III has been through 4 members of our club over the last 20 years or so and we all agree Eley is they only ammo to feed it, anything else may give good 3 shot groups but they always open up when you get to the 5th, 6th or more shots.

[legs748]

+1 for CCI standard velocity. I sat down on a quiet windless day with eight different brands, a mkII and a rest and the CCI came out top on that occasion and that is my normal food. The best group of all was made with RWS R100 but at nearly £10 a box I wouldn't bother!