Caliber/cartridge of the Civil War Sharps?

[mannyrock]

Dear Guys,

   My brother has asked me some questions I just can't answer.

    During the Civil War, I guess late in the War, certain Union Troops were armed with full size Sharps Rifles  (not the cavalry carbines).  I don't know if these were special units, or snipers, or what.  My questions are:

   What was  the caliber of these rifles?

   What was the powder charge?

    Were these metallic cartridges, or the paper type that got sheared off when the lever was closed.

    Thanks for all information.  I know that lots of the military Sharps were converted or relined after the War, but these questions relate to what was actually being carried during the War.

  Regards,  Mannyrock

[.22-5-40]

Hello, mannyrock.  I believe they were .52 caliber, and fired a 60gr. charge.   A new model came out in 1863, but there were earlier full length rifles being used before that. Yes they were designed to have tail end sheared off by sharp edge of block.  Ctgs. were paper & later improved nitrated linen.  In firing a Shilo percussion 1863, I have found greater accuracy if ctgs. are made up to fit flush with chamber end & not cut.  I use a thin tissue paper bottom for sure penetration by cap flash.  On the originals there  is an even more bizare priming method..and it worked..thin round primer disks were stored in a magazine  on right hand side of action.  As hammer fell..an arm launched this disk straight out..falling hammer nose caught it in mid-air & brought in down on nipple!

[mannyrock]

    Thanks very much for the info.  I am surprised that they only used a 60 grain charge.  I hunt with a .50 caliber muzzle loader, and a charge that low just seems to lob the bullet like a football.  Long range military shooting in those days must have really been limited to 200 yards or so.

    I also remember reading that lots of these paper Sharps ended up being used by buffalo hunters immediately following the War.  I can't imagine how they did it.  I guess that they just got up really close and went for a broad side lung shot.   Or maybe, they figured out how to put a greater powder charge behind the bullet?

Regards, Mannyrock

[.22-5-40]

Hello, mannyrock.  Shilo Sharps made some percussion sporters, I have read where their owners had sent them back for re-chambering for greater powder capacity.