The "Cartridge S.A. Ball Carbine Breech-Loading Martini Henry Mark I" was introduced in 1877, it shared the coiled brass case of the Mark III rifle cartridge with a cotton card taking up the unused space left by the use of less powder. In service the Mark I carbine cartridge was found to be inaccurate, so in 1878 the "Cartridge S.A. Ball Carbine Breech-Loading Martini Henry Mark II" was introduced, which replaced the cotton card with thicker paper lining. In 1879 the "Cartridge S.A. Ball Carbine Breech-Loading Martini Henry Mark III" was introduced, the major changes was to the paper patching of the bullet which included longitudinal slits to ensure it was discarded upon the bullet exiting the muzzle. The Mark III carbine cartridge remained in service for many years.