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Thread: Load workups with the Sharps this weekend.

  1. #1
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    Load workups with the Sharps this weekend.

    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.





    This corroborates my last load workup I did with the unsized bullet (7 shots here I was using up old ammo):


    Steve
    Steve Sheldon
    Commander
    4th Louisiana Delta Rifles
    NRA Certified Muzzleloading Instructor

  2. #2
    Kevin Tinny is offline
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    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

  3. #3
    Eggman's Avatar
    Eggman is offline Banned
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    No comprende. Where does the lube go on this bullet. Group will continue to spread to Massachusetts.

  4. #4
    Muley Gil is offline
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    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.
    Gil Davis Tercenio
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    34th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry
    Great, great grandson of Cpl Elijah S Davis, Co I, 6th Alabama Inf CSA

  5. #5
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    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:
    Steve Sheldon
    Commander
    4th Louisiana Delta Rifles
    NRA Certified Muzzleloading Instructor

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