63 Sporter

[emito condito]

Thinking about a Shiloh 63 in a sporter. The main reason is the ability to easily add tang sights with a globe front sight. Not sure on caliber (50 or 54). However I am reading that due to the nature of the 63 action, accuracy can not be obtained like a cartridge 74. Anyone out there with a Shiloh sporter 63 care to share their experience?

Thanks,

Emmett

[1stregtengr]

I have two '63s a rifle and carbine. I shoot both in competition. My rifle shoots a 2-2 1/2" group at 200 yds, my carbine does 1- 1 1/2 at 100. They both win when I do my part. My '74 shiloh 45/70 is a bit more accurate, which should be expected due to being a cartridge rifle. It would depend on what you want to use it for and wether you want to shoot fixed ammo. I would not take my '63 rifle to the commonwealth games 500 yd match in two weeks, but up to 200 yds the '63 rifle is pretty close, and at 100 it is almost a draw. Hunting whitetail here in VA the carbine is all you would ever need. My suggestion is to buy one of each from Shiloh, you'll never regret it and you will have years of enjoyment. BTW both my '63s are in 54 cal and I shoot the Raphine ringtail, Charlie Haun tubes and use swiss powder.

IMHO

[Bill Goodman]

I have two '63 sporters: a .50 cal. and the only .38 cal (.375 bore diam.) Shiloh has made to date- I had to beg. I haven't shot them much yet, but hope that will change as summer has come to Montana and I'm ready! The .50 seems to be a 1-1.5" grouper at 100 yards with the heavy RCBS slug cast 1/30 and sized to .512, 2f Swiss, breech seated bullet, SPG lube, loose powder and RWS musket cap. I use this same slug in my ctge. Sharps (.50-70 and .50-90) with good results. Took a mule deer with it at about 120 yds last November. The .38 has a tight bore and my heavy .38-55 bullets won't work as the nose is too large (works in .377 diam bores but not .375) however, the old standard Lyman 255 gr. .38-55 bullet will fit. It's never been overly accurate in other rifles, but did okay in the 1863. Cast 1/30 and fired with 45 grs Swiss 2f shot 1.4" at 100 yds. All shooting 5 shot groups. Sights: MVA 130 and #111. I'll be doing an article for Black Powder Cartridge News on shooting the 1863.