45/70 sharpes replicas- smokeless powder

[bambi shooter]

I bought the lyman reloading book, and it said nothing about reloading for the modern sharpes replicas. Would it be wrong of me to think that they would fall under the same category as the ruger #1 and #3 areas, or are those actions stronger than the sharpes replicas? I would tend to believe that they would be the same, but I assume nothing when it comes to reloading. The carbine is a siles, and the long gun is a pedersoli, neither of which is over 30 years old.

[KansasPaul]

I don't have any experience with either of the rifles you mentioned but you might want to try sending an email to the manufacturer. I am fairly certain that they would be happy to provide you with the pressure limits for their rifles.  Most modern firearms chambered in 45/70 will handle lever gun levels safely - the only real way to know if a firearm can handle the top pressure loads is to get that info from the manufacturer.

Good luck and happy shooting!!

Paul

[mechanic]

There are several different replicas out there, and believe me they are not all the same.  As the poster stated above, go by the mfr's recommendation, they proof tested it and know it's limits.  I would be concerned about shooting Ruger loads in most of these guns.

[kevinsmith5]

I can't speak for the Pedersoli, but I have handled some Tri-Star and Taylors at gun stores that I WOULD NOT shoot anything over trapdoor from.  On the other hand a gent at the range has a Shiloh Sharps that will handle far more than he can. Gonna have to agree with the contact the manufacturer advice.

[stimpylu32]

The first thing you MUST understand is that these rifles were designed to shoot Black Powder ( Low pressure ) , even with modern steels you still have a BP Design that was NEVER ment to handle the major pressure's that some modern smokeless powders can build .

If you want or need to shoot Ruger level loads = Buy a Ruger , saving a few $$$s is not worth loosing life or limb over .

stimpy 

[kevinsmith5]

Or damaging a good replica.  Loaded to what they were designed for they will kill really big things at really long ranges.....so why risk higher pressures?

[Dezynco]

I would stick to loads that are "safe for all modern firearms in good condition".  Until you know the manufacturer's specs, I wouldn't load them too heavy.  The Sharps action was a very strong action - well ahead of the times for black powder.  I'm sure that anything but VERY hot loads will be safe without consulting the builder.