The ZULU shotgun, catchy trade names 1880s

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

I should add that there are many Snider rifles of different models circulating here in collecters hands and regular competitions among collecters who also shoot antique guns are held specifically for these. Ammunition to suit is hand loaded using brass cases. Original cases were of course paper. Safety is of course paramount so those guns used are well checked before use. Many years ago I did have a barrel bust when shooting one, but am relieved to say that there were no injuries sustained except to the weapon itself.
Stu

I wonder if the caveat on the Zulu's might be due to the boring out of the barrels to smooth bore, in addition to the rather lax maintenance likely with these cheap old guns.
As you note with Sniders and most of these regulation arms there does seem to be notable variation through the years, which would I presume call for equally varied ammunition.
Jim

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I wonder if the caveat on the Zulu's might be due to the boring out of the barrels to smooth bore, in addition to the rather lax maintenance likely with these cheap old guns.
As you note with Sniders and most of these regulation arms there does seem to be notable variation through the years, which would I presume call for equally varied ammunition.
Jim

The quality or lack of would no doubt depend on who did the boring of the barrel! Also I would imagine that if the boring was done by some local "gunsmith" then there would probably be some risk. Then one would need to consider how much powder was put in the charge. Again if local use, I would doubt that the powder measure would be a that accurate!
As far as snider calibers are concerned, most if not all I have seen have been .577.
Stu