Compare / .303 British vs .577/450 Martini-Henry

Cartridge comparison

.303 British vs .577/450 Martini-Henry

.303 British is faster (2,690 vs 1,450 fps); .303 British carries more energy (2,600 vs 2,244 ft·lb); .303 British recoils less.

.303 British →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd
100 yd · zero0″−134″134″ drop @ 800 yd0400800Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.577/450 Martini-Henry →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−29″29″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.303 British.577/450 Martini-Henry
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced18891871
Bullet ⌀0.311″0.457″
Case length2.222″2.348″
Velocity2,440–2,690 fps1,350–1,450 fps
Energy2,400–2,600 ft·lb1,942–2,244 ft·lb
Max pressure49,000 psi18,000 psi
Recoil16–22 ft·lb25–38 ft·lb
Eff. range600 yd400 yd

FAQs

Is .303 British faster than .577/450 Martini-Henry?
.303 British is faster — up to 2,690 fps versus 1,450 fps.
Does .303 British hit harder than .577/450 Martini-Henry?
.303 British carries more muzzle energy (2,600 vs 2,244 ft·lb).