PMC 45-70 405grn LFP load and Sharps loadings in general?

Rob01 · November 1, 2000, 10:53 PM

I am going to be buying a Sharps and have been told that I can't fire all 45-70 loads though it because of the pressures. I ran across the PMC which says it reproduces the original load with the 405grn LFP and a velocity of 1250fps. I'm sure this is safe but I was wondering how the leading was with this load? How about accuracy? I've never shot lead from a rifle before and plan on shooting both lead and jacketed bullets with loads from my Sierra manual. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on loading for the Sharps along with any info on the above load for me. Thanks.

JimWolford · November 2, 2000, 07:42 PM

That load is a duplicate of black-powder ballistics, as far as velocity, I have shot *many* such rounds in both black powder and smokeless, in a wide variety of 45-70 rifles over the last 50 years.

Don't worry about leading, the tendancy toward leading at that velocity is more a function of your bore smoothness ( which is built in by the factory) and the lubricant used on the bullets, which you can only control when *you* make the ammunition.

When you buy your rifle, buy one of those good quality one piece rifle cleaning rods, a really sturdy one like the Dewey brand.

Also look around for one of those lead removers as sold by Hoppes. The ones that use a special ramrod tip and a disc of brass screen such as used by bullseye revolver shooters.

They are made for specific calibers, so get one for the 45 caliber, that gizmo and a really stout cleaning rod will remove all traces of lead from a rifle bore quite easily.

Jim

------------------
Lay up some blackpowder and flints
The rest we can build, if need be

November 1, 2000, 10:53 PM	#1
Rob01 Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2000 Posts: 455	I am going to be buying a Sharps and have been told that I can't fire all 45-70 loads though it because of the pressures. I ran across the PMC which says it reproduces the original load with the 405grn LFP and a velocity of 1250fps. I'm sure this is safe but I was wondering how the leading was with this load? How about accuracy? I've never shot lead from a rifle before and plan on shooting both lead and jacketed bullets with loads from my Sierra manual. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on loading for the Sharps along with any info on the above load for me. Thanks.

November 2, 2000, 07:42 PM	#2
JimWolford Member Join Date: June 20, 2000 Posts: 63	That load is a duplicate of black-powder ballistics, as far as velocity, I have shot many such rounds in both black powder and smokeless, in a wide variety of 45-70 rifles over the last 50 years. Don't worry about leading, the tendancy toward leading at that velocity is more a function of your bore smoothness ( which is built in by the factory) and the lubricant used on the bullets, which you can only control when you make the ammunition. When you buy your rifle, buy one of those good quality one piece rifle cleaning rods, a really sturdy one like the Dewey brand. Also look around for one of those lead removers as sold by Hoppes. The ones that use a special ramrod tip and a disc of brass screen such as used by bullseye revolver shooters. They are made for specific calibers, so get one for the 45 caliber, that gizmo and a really stout cleaning rod will remove all traces of lead from a rifle bore quite easily. Jim ------------------ Lay up some blackpowder and flints The rest we can build, if need be