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There is a strong possibility that I now own a sharps 54 cal capping breech loader based on the ruahine auction realised prices and am just waiting on confirmation from them. Thats the good bit, the bad is it comes without a bullet mold.
So I'm wondering if any of the other denizens of this place affected by black powder disease who have one could either cast me a few projectiles, let me borrow a mold or point me in the right direction to aquire one.
This could end up being a bit of fun or not😊
Oh, I too have one of those.
In the same size too I think. But I do not have a mould yet sorry.
When you get it, we shall post pictures for all to admire.
I think my bids .50 cents more than yours?Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty Henry
is it a repro? surely.Quote:
Originally Posted by Maca49
How much did it go for?
Knowing this old bugger, with deep pockets and not being able to identify competing bidders. About $7500. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by 40mm
First stop Reloaders Supplies, who often carry molds, but if you have to order some then I get mine from Accurate Molds:
https://www.accuratemolds.com/
They have every design you can think of and can do a mulitple cavity mold of different designs. (ie I have a two cavity .44 bullet mold from them which I chose two different bullets types.)
They take Lee handles which are easy to get.
They are cheap.
I order things and they are here in less than 10 days.
Sadly for you they went up in $20 increments, anyhow till either of us get a confirmatory email it's just educated guessworkQuote:
Originally Posted by Maca49
The prices realised list is out on email but it doesn't seem complete so there may be an update.
As it's a matter of public record it was $1420 plus buyers premium and yes @40mm it's a repro
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty Henry
That is money well spent.
I have hardly shot mine, must get into it.
Would have been a lot more if we’d been there:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Marty Henry
Well I finally got all the pieces together, managed to borrow a pedersoli mold and cast up some bullets. The sharps pattern "Christmas tree" is a bastard to get out of the mold due to the flange, I ended up using a pair of needle nose pliers to release them.
Next was making the cartridges, it's not too difficult actually. I opted for the flat base version body of newsprint end sealed with a round of single ply bog paper. Couple of dabs of pva and it's done.
I could only get 40 gr into the cases 50 is supposedly more traditional.
Lubed last of all once assembled.
First round was a hang fire, I hadn't punctured the base on loading which is supposedly proper procedure.
There was a lot of unburnt paper in the breech nitrating it in future seems to be a good idea as does either using less or getting rid of the pva and maybe using nail polish instead (nitrocellulose based).
After 2 shots the breech was stiff, three it was gummed with fouling, spitting on the breech block freed it up and I managed to run all 8 cartridges.
The obturation isnt quite perfect, couple that with the fouling of the action and the desirability of puncturing the cartridges on loading and it seems to be a pretty accurate reproduction of what it must have been like in service. Still compared to a muzzle loader the rate of fire is impressive
Nice period boots old chap - back in the day the guys would have loved having dry feet haha
Oh. Nice rifle too.
Guess I'll never be a "style icon" then.😂Quote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
I wonder if zig zag rice paper might be better than bog roll??? looks interesting ,cant say Ive seen them set up before,thank you for the education.
@Micky Duck it was an education for me as well. I don't have any ciggie papers on hand but next time in town I'll grab some. That and nitrating the paper might improve things.
one thing is for sure...WHEN...not if but when,you decide to take it hunting and shoot something with it...you will have bragging rights for weeks.
Thats what I have used. Although only half a dozen shots so far.Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
I looked up big zig zags, and found a shop in town that supplies cheech n chong with theirs.
Hope you're not rolling LabradorQuote:
Originally Posted by 40mm
I have never heard it called Labrador before? you mean weed?Quote:
Originally Posted by madjon_
The dog ate Cheechs stash,nek day:O_O:Quote:
Originally Posted by 40mm
https://youtu.be/ljfdg3mPcvY
Classic! Funny bastards... Im gonna have to find the whole movie againQuote:
Originally Posted by madjon_
Attachment 192465
Is this the mould you are after
@Shanks That is the one I may be interested shall we discuss price. How many litres of petrol are you after for it. (-;
Don’t really know what it’s worth how about $100 including shipping
When I had my one I got fed up with make the paper cartridges, and just dropped a bullet in the barrel and filled it with powder worked better than the cartridges with more consistent ignition.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty Henry
Yeah, mine came with a short ramrod. (see pics) for seating the projectile.
Have not used it yet, but I hear it is easier.
I do like the idea of nitrated paper etc, just seems like a lot of work....
Moulds are still up for grabs if anyone else wants them
Anyone for Qiqqly down under:XD::thumbsup:
Been making these for my 1859 .54 cal Sharps
510gr conical and period correct projectile
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ebbqjhj03v...nical.jpg?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/ebbqjhj03v...nical.jpg?dl=0
@odin what is the paper you are using? Cheers, 40mm
Just a thin brown paper cut as per the 1859 Sharps ordinance manual.
Have 2 molds 1/ - 418gr 'minnie ball' and 2/ 510gr Richmond conical.
have just ordered a 505gr ring tail mold as I want to play around with tied on linen cartridges (circa mid 1860's)
https://youtu.be/HmH0FCdKUag
I made a few from large rice papers, but have not tried to make em to the original specs.
I think I will give it a go.
Cheers
Try some old dressmakers pattern paper, op shops have them to give away
Have @ 150 rounds made in the 510 gr conicals.
Some with home made black powder - the things you do in a lockdown
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i1e2ugrsp8...93101.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1q4qwt1yae...01239.jpg?dl=0
