BP Cartridge loads... 45-110 Sharps..

[Cop Bob]

Help an old guy out here...

I ordered a Sharps 1873 in 45-110 a few years back.. it is one of the most beautiful firearms I have ever owned... Those folks at Shiloh do great work. The fit and finish is incredible.. The wood is pretty easy on the eyes too.. I will have to drag it out and shoot some pictures of it..

Took me a few months and I located 300 pieces of brass for it... Got a set of dies, and life got in the way and it has set for a couple of years... I have never shot or loaded the first round..

I belong to a club that has a 1000 yd range, as well as 100,200, 300 and 600 yd positions.. I also have property with over 750 yards of open space. so I'm thinking.. well, you know what I'm thinking..

However, I know LITTLE OR NOTHING about BP cartridge loading.. I have been reloading for over 45 years, I have enough equipment to ballast a small warship.. I have worn out several progressive presses. I also load for several custom barreled rifles that shoot about 1/4 minute, I understand meticulous case prep and loading procedures.

But outside of throwing some BP loads together for a friend in 45LC and 44-40 some time back, have never done any BP loading..

I understand that this is a whole different world..

I would love to hear input and suggestions as to where to go for solid information and tips... Powders, bullets, primers, over wads, or no over wads, what kind... case prep.. etc.. But more importantly, how to keep one of the prettiest girls at the dance from rusting up after a range session.. When I had my shop, I have had customers bring in BP guns that were not properly cleaned and stored that were nightmares.. This I would really like to avoid..

Any input will be greatly appreciated..

 

[arcticap]

Here's a good resource about loading BPCR plus there's a bunch of detailed .45-110 loads listed beginning on page 33. Just ignore the security warning after clicking on the link:

http://www.wahsatchdesperadoes.com/Intro_to_BPCR_Loading.pdf

A lot of interesting technical info. to be found here:

http://www.bpcr.net/index-a.htm

Don't miss out on the BPCR forum:

http://www.bpcr.net/forum/

 

[Cop Bob]

Thanks....! its a start...

 

[StrawHat]

Another site with a couple of areas dedicated to black powder is this one.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

Even some threads aimed specifically at the 45-110.

 

[Jim Watson]

Lots of help available on the Shiloh board, too.
http://shilohrifle.com/forums/index.php

Shooting Buffalo Rifles by Mike Venturino is helpful.
http://www.mlventerprises.com/buffalogun.htm

Your customers were slobs, a BPCR is really rather easy to maintain.
A bottle of Windex All Surface with Vinegar, a can of Ballistol (or any of a dozen other cleaners and lubes) and your Shiloh will clean up easier than getting the copper out of a .300 MagNumb. The lockplate is inletted so tight that fouling does not penetrate to the works, and the breechblock drops out with a turn of the lever. Which is not even necessary every time out.

 

[StrawHat]

I have to agree with Jim Watson about cleaning a BPCR. Not a whole lot to it. And your Sharps should be easier to clean then my Trapdoors, and they are easy. A couple of patches through the bore and then a dry one followed by a light oiling and your done.