.45/120 Pyrodex?

[.45-70TC]

Does anyone load .45/120 for the Quigley Sharps? Have you tried Pyrodex? My brother loads for his and using 110 grs. black powder is often getting tumbling, possibly from fouling? He does run a patch every 3/4 shots but still getting a tumble every so often.

 

[Demi-human]

Occasional keyholing means that all the bullets are on the edge of stability. Some just can't hold on that long.
They must be driven faster, to impart more spin on the bullet.
Or try a shorter bullet that requires less spin to stabilize.
Or a softer bullet or bullet skirt to obturate better and grab the rifling better.
Or a faster powder to get the bullet to upset more on ignition.
Or a larger size bullet if they are very easy to ram.
Or there is something askew with the rifling.

I hope that gives you some ideas. Your brother has a good sibling.


I have always wanted a Sharps.
...And a metal bucket...

 

[Scooter22]

45/120? Are you hunting "The Dingo that ate the baby"?

 

[Outlaw75]

What kind of bullet is he using? Hodgdon recommends 95 gr Triple Seven for a 500 gr Lyman for 45/120. (see Page 2 at the link)

http://ns.hodgdon.com/PDF/muzzleloading_manual_2008.pdf?CHECKBOX_1=on

 

[ReloaderFred]

I shoot a .45-120, but I shoot mine with smokeless. My .45-120 is a converted Browning B-78, with a 1" across the flats octagon barrel, and it will stand more pressure than the old Sharps will. I'm running 420 gr. RNFP-GC bullets at just over 2,300 fps through mine. The reason I don't shoot BP, or any of the substitutes, is that I'm allergic to the clouds of smoke and the clean up process associated with it.

Most people will shoot my .45-120 one time, and then hand it back. It's a healthy round, on both ends...... It's also very accurate, and I've never had a problem with tumbling bullets.

What does his bore measure, and what diameter bullets is he shooting? Mine slugs at .457", and I shoot .459" diameter cast bullets through it.

Hope this helps.

Fred