.45 120 Sharps

[Sheldon J]

Thinking of buying one and as only very high priced black power rounds are avilable I plan on brewing my own smokeless, this is a modern gun by Uberti and will according to Uberti handle the smokeless just fine. So any of you out there BTDT'S?

 

[Deer Hunter]

I've heard they're uncomfortable to shoot regularly, which is the reason why the guy at The box of truth ( http://www.theboxotruth.com/index.htm ) opted for the 45-70 version of the sharps. Yet, if you really want Quiggly's gun, then go for it.

Or you could try to see if you can find one chambered for the 50-140, just for the hell of getting a big gun.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

You might consider getting a .45-70 if you're planning to shoot smokeless. The .45-120 case is HUGE and you'll probably have to use a bunch of filler wads to take up empty space.

 

[Chuck R.]

IF you’re serious about shooting smokeless, you’re going to be better served with the plain old 45-70 (or even a 45-90 2.4”). It can be loaded to the about maximum you can safely get with a 3.25”. That’s pretty much the reason while the big cases faded away. You’ll most likely end up with a big, long, expensive case with 45-70 ballistics.

Even with BP you’ll be hitting diminishing returns with that large a case, and the recoil during long strings is pretty painful. I have a Shiloh in 45-100 (2.6” case) that I use for Buffalo matches and an occasional 800-900-1000 yard match, and it’s about maximum in the recoil dept that I can handle accurately. 96 grains of Swiss 1.5 and a 540 grain Creedmoor bullet gets me 1330 FPS out of my 32” barrel. Even out of a 13lb gun it lets you know it’s there by the end of a match. To tell you the truth, its performance at distance is slightly better than my 45-90. The longer cases also have a little bit of a learning curve as far as loading goes.

BTW, the Quigley rifle was/is a .45-110 (.45 2 7/8ths) it’s believed that the Sharps company never chambered a rifle in 3.25” cause the ability to make a case that long didn’t exist while the company was still making rifles.

If you do want a big case, pay attention to the rifle’s stock design. The “shotgun” buttstocks don’t look as cool as the military buttstocks, but are way more comfortable to shoot.

Chuck

 

[Sheldon J]

I'm not looking or the Quigley gun the price is way too steep for the .45 110 embleshments, the .45 120 is actually several hundred less, the boy wants to buy the gun for a future big game trip.
I am an expierenced loader but I have never looked up the data on the 70 vs 110 vs 120 been loading hand gun and very specalized rounds for the .45 LC on my TC. The Sharps is a very nice looking gun and is offered only in the 70 N 120 at Cabelas. I'm trying to cost justfy the aditional range the 120 will give for the extra cost of the brass, well that and the very heavy 538 gn bullet. For big dangerous game I would think the heavy bullet could be a plus.
Recently several powder makers have introduced lower weight vs volume powders just for the larger cases. I plan on avoiding Black powder the stuff is just too much of a mess to clean up after, and after droping over a K on a gun you want to avoid rust a all cost.

 

[Gewehr98]

Agreed, if he's limiting himself to smokeless, he should stay with the .45-70.

The extra case capacity of the .45-90, .45-100, .45-110, and .45-120 was intended to get the most velocity out of blackpowder loadings. You'll have to use a buffer or extra wadding of some sort in the .45-120 or .45-110 if you're loading it with smokeless, and risk ringing the chamber if all isn't perfect. I'm not so certain XMP-5744 will give that great a load density.

.45-110 data:

http://www.accuratearms.com/data/Pe...45 110 Sharps Straight 3_75 inch page 364.pdf

.45-120 data:

http://www.accuratearms.com/data/Pe...artridges/45 120 Sharps Straight page 365.pdf

Then there's the recoil. I'm a big guy, 6'0", 200lbs, and can tolerate a goodly amount of recoil. I can even handle about a dozen .45-70 405gr "warm" Reloder 7 handloads from my Ruger #1 at 2150fps. But when you're talking a .45-120 Sharps launching a 535gr Postell at 1600fps, that's gonna leave a mark, both on the buffalo, and on your shoulder. Do it several times, as in a BPCR silhouette match, and your chiropractor may become your best friend after a while.

I had the same choice to make. I went with the .45-70 Sharps, 32" barrel, and load blackpowder for best accuracy and lowest velocity spread behind my 500gr swaged spitzers. Cleanup isn't the hassle people make it out to be, especially in a single-shot falling block rifle.

Regarding the Quigley gun, it's my understanding the chambering for that Hollywood creation was .45-110, per Mike Venturino's column here:

http://www.looksmarthunting.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_11_51/ai_n15402263

 

[Gewehr98]

By way of comparison...

This is from the Shiloh Rifle forum.

A 45-120 holds more powder and fires a heavier bullet than what did this to my buddy, a 375" H&H mag.

Granted, I don't know who would be so smart as to shoot a .375 H&H mag off his bicep vs. shoulder, but do be careful of what you ask for with respect to smokeless loads in a .45-110 or .45-120 Sharps.

As a matter of fact, it appears that Mr. Waverly on the Shiloh Rifle Forum, and Sheldon J. may be the same individual. If not, they ask very similar questions, see here:

http://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6008&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

 

[Sunray]

"...only very high priced black power rounds..." It's not just the loaded ammo. Midway wants $45.99 per 20 for just the brass. $2.30 each.

 

[Jim Watson]

I plan on avoiding Black powder the stuff is just too much of a mess to clean up after, and after droping over a K on a gun you want to avoid rust a all cost.

A common misconception about black powder. It is easier and faster to clean a BPCR than it is to get the gummy smokeless residue and copper out of a modern magnum. The patches just come out blacker. Best get one of those cleaning kits with cradle on top of the box and clean at the range. Ten or 15 minutes.

 

[Murphster]

Let me second what Jim Watson said. BPCR are quick and easy to clean. They don't smell like roses while you're doing it, but it doesn't take long. I couldn't tell if you're a reloader or not from your post, but smokeless powder in a BPCR goes "bang." Black powder in one goes "BOOM." Forgive the upper case letters. I'm just afraid folks might look at your rifle and shake their heads sadly if it only goes bang. Think of it as artillery you hold to your shoulder.

 

[shane justice]

SheldonJ

I was going to go off on a tear...but I choose not to....

Listen to these guys who say get a 45-70....

the 45-70 is one of the most documented cartridges ever...and the most used on game and man alike....

Listen to all the wisdom..and knowledge revolving around in the gun world about the old 45-70....

The 45-70 is good for everything...

For God's sake shoot black powder.....

Save up your money and spend it on the finest rifle built....Shiloh Sharps....

Do notbuy a rifle and some rounds,shoot it three times..wonder how come it won't hit at 1200 yards and then sell it off to somebody else who wants to dream about being a Buffler Hunter....

GO to the Shiloh Sharps Forum...look in the BPCR stuff...

And then save your money...buy a 45-70 Shiloh Sharps...and do it right the first time....

Speaking form experience dude.....please listen....

Shane

 

[Chuck R.]

As the other guys pointed out, I’d much rather have to clean one of my BPCRs than a HP rifle. BP with cast led bullets is very, very, easy to clean. Blow tube, couple of wet patches, couple of dry patches, oil and done.

The brass is a different matter, the cleanup is worse than smokeless, but this is the only issue, and even it isn’t that bad. I decap at the range (most guys do), soak in water, then clean using ceramic media in a tumbler once I get home. Brass comes out looking like brand new.

You can always shoot smokeless, but ss the other guys said, there’s just something about hitting steel at 500 meters or a 1000 yards with a bullet you cast over a load of BP.

I’d seriously try to get to a match and check out some rifles before buying anything. A lot of guys will probably offer to let you take a couple of shots if you show interest. It used to be when I started out that you had a choice between a Shiloh, C-Sharps 74, or an Italian Repro. I started out with a used C-Sharps 75 in 45-70, then a Shiloh #1 in 45-100, then a Ballard High-wall in 45-90, then a Ballard High-Wall in 40-70, then a Ballard Low-wall in .22LR. The reason I say this is because there are lots of choices now. Shilohs are easier and faster to get, there’s a couple companies making High Walls, Rolling Blocks, Steven’s 44 ½, Hepburns. All the action types have their pro’s and con’s. After messing with the 75 and 74, I’ve settled on High Walls.

Loading BP and casting good bullets has a definite learning curve, but the folks in the sport are awesome, and you will get lots of help.

Chuck

 

[BlueDolphin]

Same dilema

Hello,

I am also looking at making the purchase of the QUIGLEY.

I was also thinking I might as well go for the 45-120. I do not plan on shooting the rifle constantly. Nor in matches. I just want the biggest baddest rounds (within reason... not sure I'd go .50), to have fun with this gun.

Going with the bigger round is just an additional warm fuzzy for me. Its part of the fun of owning this beast. If I wanted less recoil, I would not buy this gun.

With that said.... I am still undecided.

Hope to hear from those who actually shoot the 45-120.

Also.... I am not sure who to purchase the rifle from. Is there a real difference buying the rifle from say Shiloh, EMF, Taylor & Co., and Armi Sport, or Pedersoli?? I have seen that you can buy each part of this rifle seperate and build it yourself (have a gunsmith put it all together for you). Is one source superior than the other?

All input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[wsboxcar]

45-120 Quiggly---no,no,no

Shilo will not make you a Quiggly in 45-120 caliber. The 110 is the largest available---I have one and had hhhhhhhhh----LLLLLL getting it to do better than a 4 FOOT GROUP at 80 yards...Bought every powder made ---almost every loading block made---shot the 300 gr. 45-70 almost 100 times-----would kick worse than my 10 gage browning bps---then suddendly after 900 rounds something happened----no kick--50 yd one hole groups--3/4 groups at 100 yds.-- now am shooting 535 gr leads with gas checks --with 36.5 grains of 4755 smokeless,,crono at 1550 fps --34 inch barrell-------After grouping,, I found out that there was very little difference between BP and Smokeless in accuracy--so I shoot both at different times////now a great gun to shoot...I contacted Shilo and the owner said he had several reports of bad accuracy --but the gun is warrented to you for LIFE--He was willing to replace the barrell ,but I chose to keep the origional---wsboxcar

 

[wsboxcar]

mistake

that powder no is 5744--accurate arms.---wsboxcar

 

[quicktime]

I too am looking at a uberti in 45-120. I would like to hear from anyone that owns one. It will be strictly a safe filler to be shot occasionally at the range or possibly on a ranch buffaloe hunt. Are the Shiloh's actually worth the price difference? (I know this is a stupid question as most stuff is when you actually get down to it.)

 

[quicktime]

bump

 

[Jim Watson]

Uberti Sharps are made for them by Pedersoli, which is the best of the foreign copies. The devaluation of the dollar against the Euro is making the imports less attractive versus American made.

The warnings against .45-120 above are real.
Every once in a while somebody comes along and says his shoots great... but seldom gives details of what it takes.
Are you a handloader?

 

[Iggy]

Get the Shiloh 45-70. It's all you need.
View attachment 317390

 

[quicktime]

I am a hand loader but do not cast my own lead. I am not totally decided on the black versus smokeless powder dilemma. But I am leaning towards the black powder. I take it you mean by the warnings are real that it is a bear to shoot and it is finicky on what it likes to eat. The reason I ask about the Uberti is I know where there is one that has been sitting on the shelf for a while. The 1800 dollar price tag tends to shy most people away. As I said this gun will not be used as a match rifle. It will be mainly sitting in the safe and will be taken out for a ranch buffalo hunt. So if it will shoot a 4 inch group at 200 yards I will be happy. I am not 100% sold on the 45/120 but I know it is available and for me that is a big issue as I am overseas and will only be home for two weeks in December. But if the general consensus is that it will not meet my needs and a Shiloh will then I will wait until I am home for good and order the Shiloh. So I am trusting on you OWNERS to steer me in the right direction

 

[Jim Watson]

Well, go over to the Shiloh board and search there for .45-120. You will find enough pro and con to entertain you and maybe help make up your mind.
http://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/index.php

Also look around at Buffalo Arms for brass and dies. Their cast bullets were not much count in my little Winchester, but they have swaged grease groove .45s that are pretty good. You will have to lube them, though. Sagebrush Supply has decent quality storebought cast bullets, and Montana Precision Swaging sells through Midway and Cabelas, which is convenient.
I haven't tried any Mt Baldy bullets yet, but I will. I can cast good bullets, I just don't like to.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/
https://www.sageoutfitters.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home
http://www.mtbaldybullets.com/asp/products.asp

 

[Magnumjogi]

Hello together. I´m a new member from Germany. First, excuse me for my bad English, but I wont to tell you my experience with the .45-120 SS.
I bought my Uberti High Wall (Cimaron) by eGun, the german eBay for shooter´s.
The first time on the range, I made
10 rounds. After this 10 shoots I had enough, because the recoil was like a mule. Back at home, I ordered
rubber by eBay. Now, I have rubber between my shoulder and my stock.
That is a relief to have fun with the gun. So, that is enough for the first time. I hope, it is O.K. with my bad english.

 

[alemonkey]

I have a Pedersoli in 45-70 which seems to shoot just as well as the C. Sharps and Shilohs. Pedersoli makes excellent barrels, it's just with the American made copies you're paying for better fitting, nicer wood, etc. The C. Sharps and Shilohs look nicer but I think accuracy wise most people won't tell the difference betwen them and Pedersoli.

I would second the .45-70. With a 540 grain bullet and 60 grains of Swiss 1.5 even that caliber packs a wallop on my shoulder. I would also definitely shoot black powder instead of smokeless, especially in the bigger cases. BP is a snap to clean up as long as you use the correct bullet lube (no petroleum products).

 

[Magnumjogi]

Hello alemonkey,
I have also a Pedersoli Sharps rifle, Mod. Creedmoore in .45-70.
I collect some experiences in Bisley, GB on a 600yards range.
I shoot the Sharps with a BP-charge of 60 grs. Swiss BP and a selfmouldet
bullet of a Lee-mould 500grs like a Postell-bullet.
I put between the charge an the bullet a patch made by a Tetrapack (Juicedrinkpack)
and a little bit of BP-Grease.
Two of three greasegrooves of the bullet looks outsite of the case.
I can say “ It works !!!!”
I didn´t have any time for a longer test on the 900yard range, but I think
60 grs BP is not enough for this distance.
And that is the reason to buy a rifle with a longer case for a bigger charge, I think. ;-))
Now I have a replic from Uberti of a High Wall in .45-120.
I want to shoot with BP on an open range and shoot nitro in a range of 100 meters in a hall.
I think BP is not the problem, but to get reloading data´s for nitro charge is it.
I saw the link to accurate, but this powder is not any time available in Germany.
Can you help me with other nitro powder data´s?

That is the question for you and the other shooter on this thread.
Any tipp´s are welcome.

Please, excuse my bad English.

I have copyrights on my mistakes. Hi,Hi ;-)))

 

[smokemaker]

510 grain semi-spitzer, lubed with spg, 64 grains of swiss FFg, 2 vegetable fiber wads in hornady .45-70 cases, and my Remington No.1 is 1.5 MOA to 300 yards, 2-2.5 MOA to 600. Definitely easier to clean than any smokeless gun I own, excepting the rimfires.

The accuracy with smokeless powders will be good to maybe 250 or 300 yards, but the velocity deviation will be greater with smokeless loads, and accuracy will start to fall off at greater range. BP, if properly loaded, will give much more consistent velocity than smokeless, and less vertical stringing ant long range. Especially in a huge case like the 120.
Besides, 5744 or any small dose of smokeless in that big .45-120 case is a scary proposition to me. Like making a .45 caliber pipe bomb. If smokeless is the only way to go, then get a .45-70.

But what about IMR Trail Boss??