smokeless

Talk with other Shiloh Sharps shooters.

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kenny sd
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smokeless

Post by kenny sd »

OK, with the Bp situation, I'm thinking of hedging my bet and getting some SMOKELESS. Yeah, I know.
What would you recommend for the Shiloh 40 70 SS in a smokeless load, and where would you recommend I look for it?
I loaded many with 5744, is that still the recommended powder?

thanks Ken
bobw
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Re: smokeless

Post by bobw »

No smokeless factory ammunition is availible IRRC for the 40-70 ss so Shiloh probably would not recommend using it. But you should call them and ask as opposed to soliciting advice for it's use on this forum. Why didn' t you get off your butt and get enough bp before the distributors inventory dried up? Bobw
bobw
Oleblacksmith
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Re: smokeless

Post by Oleblacksmith »

Try This it might help- viewtopic.php?t=8121
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kenny sd
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Re: smokeless

Post by kenny sd »

I have 6 pounds but that may not be enough...
tx74sharps
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Re: smokeless

Post by tx74sharps »

Isn't a 405 Winchester basically a smokeless 40-70.
DAG4570
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Re: smokeless

Post by DAG4570 »

I am not sure but you might try Trail Boss. There is a formula for working up loads with this powder but I don't have it at my finger tips. You might find it on line or at the manufacturers web site.

Dave
cw50-70
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Re: smokeless

Post by cw50-70 »

Since Shiloh offers the 1874 in both 30-40 Krag and 405 Winchester. both of which are factory loaded in excess of 40,000 psi. the 405 should give you a good idea for loads. I wouldn't use Trail Boss as it can suddenly spike pressure when you get to a certain point.
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Luke
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Re: smokeless

Post by Luke »

Shooters World "Buffalo" powder is the original Czech 5744, works well in these cartridges.
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DeadEye
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Re: smokeless

Post by DeadEye »

Kenny, So from what you have said in that you only shoot out to 100 yards (ever) Trail Boss will work fine. For my 45-70 Marling 1895 at the lever gun shoots I use 14.5 grains of T/B and a 420 grain flat nose bullet. Distances are out to 408 yards and I have no problem with good accuracy at that range. On the other hand 5744 has fallen out of favor since it blew up the gun at the Quigley. However it was loaded incorrectly. YMMV

Paul
"My heroes have always been cowboys and they still are it seems."
mike in va
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Re: smokeless

Post by mike in va »

I've shot smokeless for over 45 years in most Sharps calibers with no unfortunate side effects. There are listed loads in many reference books that try to duplicate factory velocities. Of the remaining powders I find 4198 excellent. I have used the same original 44/90 for hunting those 45 years. I shoot smokeless in 32/30, 32/40, 38/50-55, 35/40, 25/20 SS, 40/40, 25/21 all in original Maynard's. In original Sharps, I still shoot 40/50, 45/70, 45/100, and I have shot most of the other Sharps calibers in guns I no longer own including 50/90, 50/70, 40/50 BN, 40/90 BN, all with smokeless. And of course nothing but smokeless in a CC Johnson 22/3000 on an original Borchardt action. My new favorite is a Black Hills RB in 45/60 BN that also shoots fine with smokeless.

I did learn one lesson thru a smokeless reloading screw-up that I would like to impress on everyone. I was very new to reloading and antique guns, and there was a paucity of readily available information and supplies--read 1972. Anyway, when trying to decide which powder to use with my too short 43 Spanish fire-formed cases, I charged several cases with two different powders. I would breech seat a bullet then seat the charged case. I think I was using Unique and 3031. My intent was to compare groups. Some how I charged one case with both powders. Now this was with the 44/90 and a heavy bullet. When I shot that round, there was significant more recoil! The bullet struck 12" high but vertically still centered. I was lucky I did not become a statistic that day. So the point of my little story is please be vigilant when using smokeless powder in large cases designed for black powder. Every time I am reloading, that episode comes to mind. There was no damage to the rifle, and it is still a one inch rifle with open sights at 100 yards.

It is so nice to have Buffalo Arms along with other resources, the internet to find a mentors, and websites for similar interests compared to 50 years ago.
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Shadow 4
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Re: smokeless

Post by Shadow 4 »

kenny sd wrote: Mon Nov 08, 2021 2:16 pm I have 6 pounds but that may not be enough...
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I've 12 in inventory, & it may not be enough :shock:
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marlinman93
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Re: smokeless

Post by marlinman93 »

I second 4198 for a smokeless powder in the .40-70 Sharps, or Ballard. I've used it for years, and get great accuracy with it, and low chamber pressure.
I use bullets from as light as 300 grs. up to 415 grs.
Bulseyetom
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Re: smokeless

Post by Bulseyetom »

I have a Remington Hepburn and a C Sharps 75 in 40-70 SS and have found Shooter's World Buffalo Powder excellent. Trouble is, I didn't look into my crystal ball and see that powder would be so hard to find so when I started to look for more all I could find was 5744 so I bought an 8 pound jug. They are very close to the same loads in my rifles and have worked with cast bullets from 340 grains to 400 grains. I decided to try Vithavouri N133 as I had 8 pounds of it left over from my 6ppc days and man, for higher velocity loads it shoots lights out. It burns clean and I am getting several hundred fps more velocity. The burn rate is close to H4198 which has always been a good powder for me in straight wall cases so it wasn't too big of a surprise. So for just shooting I like the 5744 and for hunting I am working on loads with a 350 Gas Check Bullet and a 400 gr flat nose bullet with 133. Tom
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kenny sd
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Re: smokeless

Post by kenny sd »

ok, I"m off the hook, I just ordered 3 ppoounds of 1F and that will work fine for my 40 70 ss.

now I hope it comes. and thanks for all the advice. Ken
bobw
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Re: smokeless

Post by bobw »

But what will you do the weekend after that?
bobw
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