Author Topic: Help shooting original Sharps 44-77 (Read 861 times)

red stevens · « **on:** April 08, 2004, 04:48:24 PM »

I'm trying to shoot my Grandfathers original 44-77 Sharps model 1874 and am in need of a full length sizing reloading die. A pard has a forming die for making 348 Winchester cases into 44-77 but he said that we also need a full length sizing die to complete the job. I measured the cases just above the rim and found the .348 to measure .547 and the original 44-77 ammo that chambers in my rifle to be .518. Thats quite a bit to size down. I was wondering if the 348 semi rimmed can be lathe turned down from about 3/4 inch above the rim down to the rim by the 30 thousandths and still be SAFE to use. This would create a rimmed case of the correct size to chamber and then they could be fire-formed in the rifle. This might work instead of needing a sizing die. Those of you with experience in these matters please advise me. If anyone has the dies to sell also please let me know.
Thanks Red

Clarence · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2004, 03:00:54 AM »

Red,

You can go through all the gryrations of making your own .44-77 brass from .348's, but you'd still have too thin a rim. The effect is one of excessive headspace and short case life because of stretch every firing. The easier way to be successful is to buy some brass formed from .348's by Buffalo Arms. They will be already sized, and they have a technique for swaging the rims thicker so the headspace is not an issue. I'd measure the depth of rim recess in the barrel and give them a call.

Clarence

The Shrink · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2004, 04:11:58 AM »

Red,

Buffalo Arms current catalog: 44-77 Sharps Bottleneck, RCBS dies $220.00, 4-D dies $138.10. Brass: 44-77 Sharps Bottleneck *originials $110/100 or $55/50 or $25/20, Shilohs same prices.

Talk to them before buying, they can and will steer you right. They'll let you know what you need and will bend over backwards to help. At least that's been my experience.

Wayne the Shrink

J.W.Neely · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2004, 08:48:23 AM »

I just ordered some brass from Track of the Wolf, very nice folks.
Here is the stuff you need.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categories/partList.aspx?catID=2&subID=190&styleID=925

J.W.Neely · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2004, 08:59:31 AM »

You might want to get your hands on Mike Ventuino's book.

He has some great stuff on the 44-77.
http://www.ycsi.net/users/mlventurino/buffalogun.htm

red stevens · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2004, 06:05:17 PM »

Great advice and assistance. Buffalo Arms will soon have all my money. Thanks again for directing me.
Red