Shooting The Shiloh Sharps Hartford 45-70 Again

[pbcaster45]

I know it's a disgrace to let a rifle like this collect dust but I'm at it again! My skill and eyes are not what they used to be (I'm 67!)

I won't brag about my groups, awful mostly. FOR SCIENCE!



Gun: Shiloh Sharps 1874 Hartford Model Heavy Octagon 30-inch Barrel. Tang Sight: Kelly Midrange Left Hand Soule

The test loads.  The Paul Jones Creedmoor load is in the rear and they proceed in order.



Bullet: Paul Jones 540 gr. Creedmoor (.458/1-20 alloy/SPG)
Powder: SR-4759 23.0 grs. (0.001 Onionskin Disc/Dacron Filler ½ gr.)
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Winchester
Avg Vel: 1207 fps
ES: 27 fps
SD: 9 fps
Comments: Old ammo loaded at least 10 years ago. Chronograph readings matched earlier testing.

Bullet: Sierra 300 gr. JHP
Powder: IMR-4198 36.0 grs.
Primer: CCI-200
Case: Remington
Avg Vel: 1671 fps
ES: 63 fps
SD: 24 fps

Bullet: Montana Precision Swaging 400 gr. RNPP (Printer Paper 0.0025/.460/Liquid Alox)
Powder: IMR-4198 27.0 grs. (0.001 Onionskin Disk/Kapok Filler ½ gr.)
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
OAL: 2.595
Average Velocity: 1311 fps
Extreme Spread: 43 fps
Standard Deviation: 16 fps
Comments: Cases partially sized with Lyman Neck Die, expanded with Buffalo Arms .458-.462 Expander, and belled with Hornady New Dimension Expander. About 0.075 inch of paper patch exposed beyond case mouth. Seated rounds taper crimped in Hornady New Dimension Seater Die (minus seater plug)

Bullet: Buffalo Arms 500 gr. RNPP (Onionskin 0.0015/.458/Lee Sizing Lube)
Powder: IMR-4198 25.0 grs (0.001 Onionskin Disk/Kapok Filler ½ gr.)
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
OAL: 2.738
Average Velocity: 1177 fps
Extreme Spread: 38 fps
Standard Deviation: 13 fps
Comments: Full length resized in RCBS Sizer Die. Expanded with Buffalo Arms .458-.462 Expander and belled with Hornady New Dimension Expander. Taper crimped in Hornady Seater Die.

I like to use a thin onionskin paper wad over the powder charge when using any kind of filler.



Best group at 100 yards was with the Sierra 300 grain JHP.

[bearskinner]

That’s minute of dead critter.
There is just something about dropping those big cigars in, and levering up. Nothing like Buffalo rifles, big bore lever guns and big revolvers to make you feel alive.

[pbcaster45]

Too rainy and wet to got to the outdoor range, had to test at 30 yards indoors.

Bullet: Montanta Precision Swagging 400 gr. RNPP (0.0025 Printer Paper/.459/Lee Sizing Lube)
Powder: IMR-4198 28.0 grs. (1/2 gr. Kapok/0.001 Onion Skin Over Powder Wad)
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
OAL: 2.600

Well... I do need all the practice I can get! This load was much cleaner burning than my previous load with 27.0 grains IMR-4198.

[zeus]

I have a 50-90 I really need to shoot. They delivered it in Nov 22 I think and I’ve yet to put a round down the tube. My next one will be here before I shoot this one if I’m not careful

Nice shooting. Glad you are out enjoying it!

[pacecars]

Have you tried any black powder loads?

[pbcaster45]

Plenty... but not with paper patch bullets.

[pacecars]

Ii have had excellent results with paper patch using BP in 45-100, 40-70 BN and straight, and the .50-90. The .45-70 was my first Shiloh and I just used grease grove bullets and never tried paper patch in it

[zeus]

May 5, 2024 9:29:47 GMT -5 pacecars said:

Ii have had excellent results with paper patch using BP in 45-100, 40-70 BN and straight, and the .50-90. The .45-70 was my first Shiloh and I just used grease grove bullets and never tried paper patch in it

I’ve wanted to find a good source for PP bullets but I don’t know that I’ve found any. Are you all doing your own or buying from commercial source?

I have run deep down the rabbit holes on my long range rifles etc on loading but I swear I’m gonna have to do the same thing for these. I do love these rifles though. Just something about them. Hoover got me hooked on them years ago shooting at the white buffalo in Raton and I’ve enjoyed them ever since. My first was a 45-70. Very well could be the best all around load on one possibly.

[pacecars]

I have been doing my own. Montana Bullet Works used to make paper patch bullets
postimg.cc/gallery/7y6FRBb

[zeus]

May 5, 2024 12:38:38 GMT -5 pacecars said:

I have been doing my own. Montana Bullet Works used to make paper patch bullets
postimg.cc/gallery/7y6FRBb

Yep I remember that. I may just get Brooks to make a hold for them for me to try. I have a couple other ones he is doing as well. Could be fun. Thanks!

[gcf]

May 5, 2024 11:18:40 GMT -5 zeus said:

May 5, 2024 9:29:47 GMT -5 pacecars said:

Ii have had excellent results with paper patch using BP in 45-100, 40-70 BN and straight, and the .50-90. The .45-70 was my first Shiloh and I just used grease grove bullets and never tried paper patch in it

I’ve wanted to find a good source for PP bullets but I don’t know that I’ve found any. Are you all doing your own or buying from commercial source?

I have run deep down the rabbit holes on my long range rifles etc on loading but I swear I’m gonna have to do the same thing for these. I do love these rifles though. Just something about them. Hoover got me hooked on them years ago shooting at the white buffalo in Raton and I’ve enjoyed them ever since. My first was a 45-70. Very well could be the best all around load on one possibly.

You might want to check with Dan. Think he does paper patch bullets.
I've had great results with his revolver bullets in the past. 
Fast turn around time on orders too.

bullshop.weebly.com/

[pacecars]

May 6, 2024 13:23:40 GMT -5 gcf said:

May 5, 2024 11:18:40 GMT -5 zeus said:

I’ve wanted to find a good source for PP bullets but I don’t know that I’ve found any. Are you all doing your own or buying from commercial source?

I have run deep down the rabbit holes on my long range rifles etc on loading but I swear I’m gonna have to do the same thing for these. I do love these rifles though. Just something about them. Hoover got me hooked on them years ago shooting at the white buffalo in Raton and I’ve enjoyed them ever since. My first was a 45-70. Very well could be the best all around load on one possibly.

You might want to check with Dan. Think he does paper patch bullets.
I've had great results with his revolver bullets in the past. 
Fast turn around time on orders too.

bullshop.weebly.com/

Forgot about them. I used his bullets in my White rifle’s muzzleloaders and they were excellent

[zeus]

May 6, 2024 13:23:40 GMT -5 gcf said:

May 5, 2024 11:18:40 GMT -5 zeus said:

I’ve wanted to find a good source for PP bullets but I don’t know that I’ve found any. Are you all doing your own or buying from commercial source?

I have run deep down the rabbit holes on my long range rifles etc on loading but I swear I’m gonna have to do the same thing for these. I do love these rifles though. Just something about them. Hoover got me hooked on them years ago shooting at the white buffalo in Raton and I’ve enjoyed them ever since. My first was a 45-70. Very well could be the best all around load on one possibly.

You might want to check with Dan. Think he does paper patch bullets.
I've had great results with his revolver bullets in the past. 
Fast turn around time on orders too.

bullshop.weebly.com/

Thanks!