Author Topic: Sharps Carbine - Accuracy question. (Read 655 times)

Fort Myers · « **on:** April 21, 2005, 01:48:18 AM »

I just picked up an imported Sharps "Cavalry" carbine. It is in caliber 45-70, and has a 22" barrel and standard sights. I tried some of my usual 45-70 cowboy loads of 405 lead bullet with 34gr of 3031 powder. The thing shot incredibly off.
Has anyone had any luck with loads for these imported Sharps Carbines (1874 style). Either BP or smokeless. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

KSR · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2005, 04:47:08 AM »

Have you checked the muzzle to see how the crown looks?

Fort Myers · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2005, 05:43:55 AM »

the crown looks perfect. The rifle is like brand new. I'm thinking it is going to be fussy with ammo. Maybe I'll try some BP although I only have single f.

Shorty · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2005, 01:26:05 PM »

Fort Meyers,
By "incredibly off", do you mean off point-of-aim, or all over the place? A good group in the wrong place would mean that the sights are off. Otherwise, you need to check head space, bore diameter, etc.

Will52100 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2005, 08:59:03 AM »

If it's shooting all over the place you might want to slug the barrel and see what dia. bullets you need. They generaly shoot best with a couple thousands over bore dia. Also, hard lead for fast movers, soft lead for slow mover.

Good luck, no reason it shouldn't be a tack driver with the right ammo if it's got a good barrel.

Fort Myers · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2005, 09:57:16 AM »

Thanks for your thoughts...I appreciate them. I took the rifle out to shooting range today with two light loads.
Since I only have 405 Speer Idaho Territory billets they are the ones I used.
I mixed a batch with 2400 powder @ 22 to 23 grains and a batch of the bullets fronting 11-12 grains of Unique. Nice pleasant light loads.

To my surprise they both grouped within 3 inches at 100 yards.
The standard short ladder military sights wouldn't fix but 5 or 6 inches low at 50 yards and about 3 inches low at 100. But once I adjusted my aim point I was fine. I think a better sighting system would help.

But the bottom line was that the rifle liked the light powder charge loads with the heavy lead bullet. I wish to get 300 grain jacketed bullets and try them.

I am not sure what charge level this modern Sharps Replica can sustain. But I am certain that loadings for the Trapdoor will work fine.

Now I'd like to find a bullet supplyer that offers 300gr lead and jacketed as well as 405's.

Thanks,

Clement