Shiloh Rifle Forums

I read a few accounts of the 40-70SBN being dropped because fired case were sticking in the chambers. I own an original 1874 Mid range #1 in 40-70 SBN. I haven't experienced any sticking or accuracy issues as is generally talked about. Were the cases made of copper back in the day? As for accuracy, with a relatively slow 20-1, twist one can only use up to a 350 grain head. Heavier / longer bullets won't stabilize. I shoot 330 grain PP bullets and accuracy is 2" @ 100yds. Not too shabby for an old smoke pole.
Thanks. Frank.
NYC.

Frank, nothing wrong with the 40-70 2.25" SBN. It was the standard chambering of the Mid Range Target rifle during the Hartford years. When Sharps moved to Bridgport Conn. they changed to the 40-70 2.5" Sharps Straight cartridge as the standard chambering. Today brass is as easily available as 45-90 which can be formed into 40-70-2.25" SBN. Enjoy your piece of history. Bobw

FWIW - I bought my Shiloh .40-70bn new 32 years ago. I've never had a case stick in the chamber. I'm not a competitive shooter, just a plinker. My eyes aren't what the used to be, the rifle can shoot better than I. I have no regrets.
Steve

Aren't Shiloh 40-70's 1 in 18 twist?

16 twist I believe is the standard.

KW

My 40-70 bn was made in 1988 is 1 in 18 and shoots 370 gr ppb's fine. Bobw

My early 90’s 40-50 sbn has a 1-18”.
Fwiw,
Steve

I have 2 40-65 Shiloh's one is 1-16 made in 2004 the other built in 2020 was ordered 1-14 1/2. The standard is 1-16 with the 1-14 1/2 optional. I think this the standard for the 40 calibers currently.

My .40-65 was made in 1996 (serial # in the B4900-B5000 range). When I ordered it, 16" twist was an option; by the time it was made, 16" was the standard twist.

Clarence

Seem to remember the bullets for the original 40-50 ctgs were 165 grains and for the 40-70 SS were 330???

Both your 40-50 1 11/16" SBN and the 40-50 1 7/8" SS used the 265 grain paper patched bullets. The std factory loads for the 40-70 2 1/4" SBN and the 40-70 2.5" SS featured 330 gr paper patched bullets. The 40-90 2 5/8" SBN was loaded std with 370grain paper patched bullets. Bullets of other weights were availible as well as loaded ammunition on special order. This information on all Sharps cartridges is in Frank Sellers "Sharps Firearms ". bobw

265 is correct, punched the wrong key.