The British Army's conversion from muzzle-loader to breech-loader. The Snider-Enfield conversion turned millions of Pattern 1853 Enfields into modern metallic cartridge rifles overnight.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1866, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.57" (14.48 mm)
Case length: 1.95" (49.53 mm)
Overall length: 2.49" (63.25 mm)
Max pressure: 15,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:72
Muzzle velocity: 1200–1350 fps
Muzzle energy: 1535–1942 ft-lbs
Effective range: 400 yd
Common bullet weights: 480 gr
Primary use: Military (Historical)
Production status: Active
Also known as: .577 Snider-Enfield
History: Jacob Snider's breech conversion won a British Army competition in 1866. It converted the massive stockpile of Pattern 1853 Enfields by hinging the breech open for loading. The British Army adopted it as an emergency measure while developing the Martini-Henry. Used in the Abyssinian Expedition and early Zulu conflicts.
Notable firearms: Snider-Enfield Mk I, Snider-Enfield Mk III
Military use: {"country":"British Army","years":"1866-1871"}
Similar cartridges: .577 Nitro Express, .45-70 Government