The first version of the mark 3 cartridge bullet had three rounded cannelures.
The later versions of the mark 3 and the mark 4 cartridge bullets had saw-tooth cannelures, which retained lubricant more effectively.
Official weight and dimensions (from List of Changes):
- Weight: 480 gn 31.1 g)
- Diameter: 0.573 in (14.5 mm)
- Length: 1.040 in (26.4 mm)
Snider mk 3 early version, fired
- Weight (with partial nose plug): 477 gn (30.9 g)
- Diameter: 0.584 in (14.4 mm)
- Length (without nose plug): 1.002 in (25.5 mm)
Although this is in poor condition, it is an example of the early version of the mark 3 cartridge bullet, with three rounded cannelures. The cannelures have become slightly less rounded than they were on manufacture, due to the bullet setting-up in the barrel (ie., expanding to fill the bore). The wooden nose plug is visible and the clay base plug is recessed, having been pushed forward during firing.
There is currently no example available of a mark 3 and 4 cartridge bullet with the saw-tooth cannelures.
mark 3 (1867) and 4 (1867)
