1859 Sharps original load

ronmcc4 · #1 03-17-2005, 12:45 AM

I've just added a Pedersoli 1859 Sharps Carbine to my collection and have really enjoyed shooting it. I'm sure the men in the field had to be creative now and again but I've been wondering what the "original" recommended load was for this rifle. Do any of you know what the original recommended load was for the 1859 Sharps carbine?

johan_steele · #2 03-17-2005, 07:50 AM

You have a Pedersoli, it is not by any means an original.... whatever you do don't make the mistake of treating it as one or you might find yourself getting hurt.

I know several guys who own Armi-sport & Pedersoli Sharps. I would say go no higher than 70 grains FFFG (for the rifle I'm not really sure on the carbine) and make certain your gas check is tight. As soon as it begins to leak replace it. This involves dropping the breach block out and taking it to your local hardware or car parts store for an O ring.

My own suggestion would be to take a look at the NSSA message coard or to the Civil War Guns site and ask what solution men who own one have found.

Believe me when I say the gas leakage issue is serious, I have watched a man put a hanky over the breach and fire his Sharps, it set the hanky on fire.

If you are live firing your carbine I would wish you the best. I know of noone who dislikes their carbine, but all have had to watch that gas check.

The problem is apparently two fold, modern lighter steel and looser fittings than the original. The originals had the problem ( the CSA manufactured ones by far had it worst), but it showed itself only after a LOT of shooting.

As to a Sharps rifle, I have decided to wait and hope I eventually have the $3k for a Shiloh M1859.

Good Luck & let us know what you find.

johan_steele · #3 03-18-2005, 08:14 PM

I just realized that I did not put down the original load for a Sharps Carbine. My apologies.

473 grain bullet
63 grains black powder

473 grain bullet w/ 55 grains of black powder were also used.

As to which load was the most common, I don't know.

ronmcc4 · #4 03-19-2005, 12:54 AM

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I've heard about the gas leaking problem with these rifles. Guess that's why they kept working till they came up with the metallic cartridge.

Thanks again for the info.

wt_jimbos · #5 03-21-2005, 03:04 AM

Shane, you mentioned above using FFFg powder, wouldn't it better to use FFg even for carbines? Just wondering because all my fellow black powder shoots use FFg, but very few have carbines so I wasn't sure.

ronmcc4 · #6 03-21-2005, 03:28 PM

Can't speak for Shane but I would have thought the same thing. However, Dixie recommends FFFg in their catalog for this rifle so that's what I'm using. Of course I already had some on hand too.

johan_steele · #7 03-21-2005, 05:59 PM

FFFG is designed for shorter barrelled firearms, which is why it is recommended for Carbines & pistols.

wt_jimbos · #8 04-02-2005, 07:09 AM

I went to a gun show today and picked up a 2nd hand Shiloh Sharps carbine for $1650AU, the guy wanted $1850 but I knew him and haggled him down. So it worked out to about $1287US, with mold, special nitrate paper, cleaning rod etc etc. He assured me the seals were fine, the carbine has a few srcatches but other than that its very nice. I can't wait to get down the range and blaze away!

ole · #9 04-03-2005, 03:28 AM

Well, Jimbos, you've just turned a significant portion of this board from blue and butternut to green. Don't do that again. (But report immediately on how it shoots.)
Ole

wt_jimbos · #10 04-03-2005, 08:31 AM

Green? Did I say something newbie? I am new with regard to black powder shooting.

P.S. My Shiloh Sharps is a 1863 model I believe, I should have it in time for my next black powder club met, and will tell you how it handles.