Load workups with the Sharps this weekend.

[Maillemaker]

So I finally got around to doing another load workup session with my Pedersoli 1859 Sharps and the Eras Gone Richmond Sharps bullet, sized down to .542. I sized them using the fantastic Tom Crone sizing die, and rolled paper cartridges based on the Ordnance Manual pattern (but shortened to fit my chamber). I'm also putting a fiber wad on top of the powder. I had to carefully cut them with an exacto knife to get the right fill height, except for 40 grains with which one 1/2" thick wad fits perfectly. I was really expecting better results when sized, but so far my best group is unsized (.550) with 40 grains 3F. No group really stood out with sized bullets.

https://i.imgur.com/kdt6EZfl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZhgEV3wl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/j2xjV89l.jpg

This corroborates my last load workup I did with the unsized bullet (7 shots here I was using up old ammo):
https://i.imgur.com/LQzRNS4l.png

Steve

[Kevin Tinny]

Hi, Steve:

That's a lot of work. Wow.

I wonder about the vertical spreads being mostly approx twice the horizontal spread.

Could be bench, holding and sight picture. I have been through this and mounted a scope.
Found it was mostly bench technique and holding iron sight picture too long, not concentrating on precise front sight relationship. Bob Anderson's post about needing glasses that let us see a pencil line scribed on back of post is as good as it gets.

It may not be the load. Try shooting another rifle of proven accuracy off the same bench with same hold and compare. NRA cast bullet testing guru's used a firm downward hold at both forend and butt with forend hand against rear of front bag. Recounted in Dec, 1973 Am. Rifleman and page 86 of NRA CAST BULLETS book.

Regards,
Kevin Tinny

[Eggman]

No comprende. Where does the lube go on this bullet. Group will continue to spread to Massachusetts.

[Muley Gil]

Steve, my first musket, a Zoli Zouave bought new from Mike Yeck back in 1969, shot a 1" group at 50 yards using an unsized Lyman 575213. It's possible. :)

[Maillemaker]

Steve, my first musket, a Zoli Zouave bought new from Mike Yeck back in 1969, shot a 1" group at 50 yards using an unsized Lyman 575213. It's possible.

Yes, I have other guns that shoot clover leafs off a bench at 50 yards.


Found it was mostly bench technique and holding iron sight picture too long, not concentrating on precise front sight relationship. Bob Anderson's post about needing glasses that let us see a pencil line scribed on back of post is as good as it gets.

I was having difficulty seeing the front sight clearly much of the time I was shooting. My contact was giving me fits. Had to keep blinking to clear it up. I don't get a good sight picture with this gun.


No comprende. Where does the lube go on this bullet. Group will continue to spread to Massachusetts.

Here is what they look like lubed:
https://i.imgur.com/bofM4jJl.jpg