Bought a pedersoli sharps 45-70 a year ago and get bit big time. Looking at reloading all the brass with BP for a more realistic feel. Anyone have experience reloading BP cartridges? Figured they might be different than normal reloading .
BP is measured by volume, not by weight if using the original BP.
With all of the new stuff out there, I'm not sure how they measure it.
I'm a slacker I guess, but another member and I bought pedersoldi SXS shotguns. It's going to be a loose powder load for some slugs on deer.
Loading the brass shouldn't be much different than if it's an open powder load.
With all of the new stuff out there, I'm not sure how they measure it.
I'm a slacker I guess, but another member and I bought pedersoldi SXS shotguns. It's going to be a loose powder load for some slugs on deer.
Loading the brass shouldn't be much different than if it's an open powder load.
I used to do BP 45/70. I had one of those cheapo H&R Buffalo rifles. Loved that thing. Should have kept it.
Remember that you want NO extra space in the cartridge. If you have room on top, add cornmeal.
Use a good BP powder measure. That's what I did. I used to have a nice 500 grain mold. Ex got it all. Anyway, have fun! Can't go wrong with 70 grains of FF. Give it a shake and let it settle. Light crimp. Some of the long distance guys don't crimp at all, I think. I could be wrong about that.
Remember that you want NO extra space in the cartridge. If you have room on top, add cornmeal.
Use a good BP powder measure. That's what I did. I used to have a nice 500 grain mold. Ex got it all. Anyway, have fun! Can't go wrong with 70 grains of FF. Give it a shake and let it settle. Light crimp. Some of the long distance guys don't crimp at all, I think. I could be wrong about that.
Invest in a good drop tube for your powder, your powder column and accuracy will improve greatly as a result. Slugging your barrel for a good bullet size, a good bullet sizer and use only SPG bullet lube. I never found any difference in powder brands as far as accuracy, but Swiss residue stays softer longer. Make yourself a good cartridge blow tube if you plan on shooting a lot per string, this will keep your residue soft in the barrel. Windex is your friend when cleaning.
If you're planning on shooting long range, and molding your own bullets, look no further than this 480gr Lyman.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/47...liber-458-459-diameter-480-grain-semi-pointed
.45-70 and .45-90 are easy and pretty forgivable when reloading......... .45-120 was true PITA. I don't have much experience with .40-65, but I'm getting ready to
If you're planning on shooting long range, and molding your own bullets, look no further than this 480gr Lyman.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/47...liber-458-459-diameter-480-grain-semi-pointed
.45-70 and .45-90 are easy and pretty forgivable when reloading......... .45-120 was true PITA. I don't have much experience with .40-65, but I'm getting ready to
VeRRRRRy interesting thread.....Made me order some BP loaded cartridges from Buffalo Arms...can't wait to try them in my 45/70 rifle.
Now I can have the boom/smoke without having to drag out my muzzleloaders!
Please keep us posted on the loading project!
Now I can have the boom/smoke without having to drag out my muzzleloaders!
Please keep us posted on the loading project!
Okay...got my 405 grain bp cartridges from Buffalo Arms yesterday, and stumbled on some 500 grain bp cartridges at the Wannemacher.
If I can get my chores done tomorrow, I might walk out to the range and give them the 'ol "Smoke Test"...pun intended!
I have been shooting bp muzzleloaders for years, but this will be my first bp cartridge experience.
Haven't fired a single one and am already wanting a 50-90 Shiloh Sharps...I'm so ashamed
OK...Here's the results of my first informal bp cartridge session.
Pic 1 = 1 7/8 group Ultramax low power 405 gr (smokeless) cowboy load. (for comparison)
Pic 2 = 1 3/8 500 gr rn lead Goex Cartridge powder (unknown load)
Pic 3 = 1 1/2 405 gr rn lead Goex Cartridge powder (unknown load)
Pic 2 has 4 shots (lost count)
The bp cartridges are every bit...if not more... as accurate as the smokeless. I'll have to record some groups of some higher power Federal and Hornady I have in the ammo locker. If memory serves however, they print about like the Ultramax.
These are 50 yard bench..not too bad for buckhown sights and an old, straight walled buffalo load. Certainly not up to par with my 308 heavy barrel sniper,but that's a whole other world.
I won't show you my 100 yard free hand group, as I am getting old and not so steady, but I did manage to keep them all in the black
Don't know how my sights got low and right, but I corrected them after testing...didn't want to change in the middle of group testing.
I swabbed with Mr. Flintlocks bore cleaner and patch lube after every group, just like I do with my muzzleloaders.
Clean up with Mr. flintlocks and a final patch with Ballistol.
This bp cartridge stuff is kinda fun! Don't ya just love them big 'ol holes? Those pesky field mice better watch out!
View attachment 51965View attachment 51966View attachment 51967
OK...Here's the results of my first informal bp cartridge session.
Pic 1 = 1 7/8 group Ultramax low power 405 gr (smokeless) cowboy load. (for comparison)
Pic 2 = 1 3/8 500 gr rn lead Goex Cartridge powder (unknown load)
Pic 3 = 1 1/2 405 gr rn lead Goex Cartridge powder (unknown load)
Pic 2 has 4 shots (lost count)
The bp cartridges are every bit...if not more... as accurate as the smokeless. I'll have to record some groups of some higher power Federal and Hornady I have in the ammo locker. If memory serves however, they print about like the Ultramax.
These are 50 yard bench..not too bad for buckhown sights and an old, straight walled buffalo load. Certainly not up to par with my 308 heavy barrel sniper,but that's a whole other world.
I won't show you my 100 yard free hand group, as I am getting old and not so steady, but I did manage to keep them all in the black
Don't know how my sights got low and right, but I corrected them after testing...didn't want to change in the middle of group testing.
I swabbed with Mr. Flintlocks bore cleaner and patch lube after every group, just like I do with my muzzleloaders.
Clean up with Mr. flintlocks and a final patch with Ballistol.
This bp cartridge stuff is kinda fun! Don't ya just love them big 'ol holes? Those pesky field mice better watch out!
Well done! Gotta love the Holy Black!
Try shooting longer distances using a set of shooting sticks. Works wonders on 'ol tired eyes and arms.
Comparing a buffalo rifle to a modern Sniper/hunting rifle is . . . well. . . sacrilege! They're two different worlds. might as well compare them to a TOW missile while you're at it!
How bout some pics of that sharps?!?
Very very nice, work is picking up so haven't got to mess with it yet. Hope a after Christmas we might slow since it will b a election year. Free trapper I didn't think about buying them to try. I know what u mean about wanting a 50 90. I want a shiloh now haha.
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