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
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