.50 Shiloh Sharps Percussion

[Buzzard II]

I'm looking for an accurate bullet and powder charge combination for a .50 caliber (Farmingdale N.Y.)Shiloh Sharps percussion carbine. I will be making paper cartridges for this carbine. I will be sizing the bullet after I cast it and lubing with SPG. I would appreciate any help as I don't want to buy every mould on the market just to try it out. Thanks! Bob

 

[scotjute]

The cartridges are typically loaded with bullets between 400-700 grains. The black-powder charges for the cartridges are typically between 70 - 110 grains of FF black-powder. Would assume the percussion rifle would be loaded similar. Recommend you check Shiloh Sharps forum for exact loads. Might mention what your barrell length and rate-of-twist are.

 

[mainmech48]

First of all, Welcome to THR.

The first thing I'd do in your position is buy a Dixie Gun Works catalog. The most entertainment and practical info on All Things BP you'll find for $5 anywhere.

They'll have all sorts of components, info and paraphernalia to make paper cartridges for your Sharps in there. FWIW, I understand that there's someone out there who makes and sells cardboard tubes sized and intended to make cartridges for the percussion Sharps rifles and carbines that are supposed to eliminate a goodly amount of the tedium associated with producing ammo for these arms. Holt Bodinson mentioned them in an article in his "The Surplus Locker" column in "Guns" magazine last year about the repros of military and sporting percussion Sharps rifles. He also listed sources for precast bullets, moulds and assorted other goodies as well as some loading data. You could probably find it in the archives at their website.

Congrats on the extremely nifty carbine!

 

[Mike OTDP]

I'd strongly going over the to the N-SSA BB and asking there. The Skirmishers pretty well have the market on the percussion Sharps cornered.

 

[Busyhands94]

for paper cartridges i recommend getting your black powder, your ball or conical, and some zig-zag cigarette papers. roll a tube with the paper and lick it in place with the gum. you can roll around a wooden dowel the size of your ammo if you want them to be all uniform. drop your ball or conical in and twist the tube at one end to seal the bullet in. pour your measured charge of powder in and twist the end shut. now you are done. you can put them in an Altoids tin if you want to to keep them safe and all in one place.