"The second arm to be converted to accept the .50 caliber cartridge was the 1863 Sharps percussion breech loader.The Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company received a contract on October 26, 1867 to convert the abundant surplus of carbines left over from the Civil War.The Sharps conversion consisted of relining the .52 cal. barrel to .50 cal. and modifying or replacing the breech block and hammer, as well as other less significant changes. Interestingly enough, if the existing .52 caliber barrels were found to be in good repair and not oversized, they were left "as is" to fire the .50 caliber cartridge in a .52 cal. barrel.Accuracy certainly suffered, but was considered "good ‘nuff for government work" back then."
You may have one of those noted above that were left unlined at .52 caliber.
You state the firearm has six grooves. The original 1863, I am told, has 5 grooves, and the relined barrels for the .50-70 Govt have 3 grooves. So, there is a snag there, maybe you have five grooves. If so, likely yours is one of the unlined .52 caliber barrels.
Malumute's suggestion about a chamber cast is good advice.
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