.50/70 black powder loads

c&bc96 · April 10, 2005, 03:41 PM

Hi,
Does anyone have any info on a light black powder load for the .50/70 cartridge in a sharps carbine? I've heard of a 50 grain load for the carbines, any comment on this or other info?
Thanks.
Jerry

45Dana · April 26, 2005, 10:49 AM

What I would do, because every rifle is different, is start by filling the case with powder, and experiment with different bullets. It is the combination of the two that is important. You will find a bullet that the rifle likes. Also, I am told that different powders produce different results. In any event, the case was meant to be filled and tamped. Yes, you can then measure the amount of powder that fills the case and allows for the seating of the bullet of your choice at the depth of your choice.
Hell, experiment. That's the fun of it!

**Mike Irwin** · April 26, 2005, 12:51 PM

Never leave airspace between the base of the bullet and the powder when using black powder.

You can ring your chamber in a heartbeat.

Jim Watson · April 26, 2005, 03:34 PM

A friend of mine has a .50 Sharps carbine that doesn't exactly kick real HARD, it is just that the barrel rises to a very high angle when fired. Interesting.

Best to avoid airspace as Mike says, but I see no reason not to cut the load to 50 grains or so, with card filler wads as said to have been used in the .45-55-405 carbine loading of .45-70 trapdoor.

April 10, 2005, 03:41 PM	#1
c&bc96 Member Join Date: September 22, 2004 Posts: 29	.50/70 black powder loads Hi, Does anyone have any info on a light black powder load for the .50/70 cartridge in a sharps carbine? I've heard of a 50 grain load for the carbines, any comment on this or other info? Thanks. Jerry

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April 26, 2005, 10:49 AM	#2
45Dana Member Join Date: April 26, 2005 Location: California currently but relocating to southern Idaho soon! Posts: 19	What I would do, because every rifle is different, is start by filling the case with powder, and experiment with different bullets. It is the combination of the two that is important. You will find a bullet that the rifle likes. Also, I am told that different powders produce different results. In any event, the case was meant to be filled and tamped. Yes, you can then measure the amount of powder that fills the case and allows for the seating of the bullet of your choice at the depth of your choice. Hell, experiment. That's the fun of it!

April 26, 2005, 12:51 PM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,379	Never leave airspace between the base of the bullet and the powder when using black powder. You can ring your chamber in a heartbeat.

April 26, 2005, 03:34 PM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,528	A friend of mine has a .50 Sharps carbine that doesn't exactly kick real HARD, it is just that the barrel rises to a very high angle when fired. Interesting. Best to avoid airspace as Mike says, but I see no reason not to cut the load to 50 grains or so, with card filler wads as said to have been used in the .45-55-405 carbine loading of .45-70 trapdoor.