1863 Military

Support for the 1863 shooter. Discussions of powders, loads, bullets, etc.
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klw
Posts: 180
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:04 pm

1863 Military

Post by klw »

Which of the two calibers would be best for casual target shooting and what bullet would you recommend?
1stregtengr

sharps 1863

Post by 1stregtengr »

I have both a Shiloh rifle and carbine in 54, they are both tack drivers with charlie haun tubes, rapine ringtail and swiss powder. My 3 band rifle is more accurate at 200yds than most my bolt guns. I am not fam. with the 50 cals.
klw
Posts: 180
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:04 pm

Thank you.

Post by klw »

What's the maximum diameter of your bullet?
1stregtengr

Post by 1stregtengr »

I size them to .545
Todd Birch
Posts: 2133
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 12:01 pm
Location: Somewhere in the Cariboo ....

50 vs 54

Post by Todd Birch »

I have a Shiloh '63 Military rifle and carbine, both in .50. This lets me use the same Lyman .50 bullet that I use in my Shiloh 50-70 Military Rifle.

I also have a Shiloh Sporter in .54. While accurate, the huge "Xmas Tree" bullet and the huge chamber makes it a 'no contest' in shooting pleasure.

Yes, you can download using various fillers, but why bother if you can avoid it?

If you are considering ordering a '63, I'd recommend the .50 and getting it in the Military Rifle configuration - it's got sling swivels and carries like a dream.
"From birth to the packing house, we travel between the two eternities ....." Robert Duvall in "Broken Trail"
Bill Goodman
Posts: 291
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:47 am

Post by Bill Goodman »

I'm pretty fond of the .50. In my sporter I'm getting an honest 1 1/4" five shot groups at 100 yards (MVA sights) with Lyman 515142 or RCBS heavy bullet. The article I wrote for Black Powder Cartridge News will not be in the next (Dec.) issue, but will be in the following issue. I'm seriously considering another sporter/target 1863 in .40 cal...
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snapcap14
Posts: 279
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:07 am

Re: 1863 Military

Post by snapcap14 »

klw wrote:Which of the two calibers would be best for casual target shooting and what bullet would you recommend?
klw Do not know where you are but if any though in Nssa I do not beleave the 50 cal is approved.
And if memory serves me the originals were 52 cal. not that it matters
Standing on the ROCK
14th VA. Cav.
N-SSA
Todd Birch
Posts: 2133
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 12:01 pm
Location: Somewhere in the Cariboo ....

Huh?

Post by Todd Birch »

So what's closer to the original .52 - a .510 or a .545?

The '59s and '63s would not have been as popular or desirable as military arms had they been in .54 with that cavern of a powder chamber.
"From birth to the packing house, we travel between the two eternities ....." Robert Duvall in "Broken Trail"
Rich Siegel
Posts: 610
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2002 7:53 am
Location: Maine

Post by Rich Siegel »

The 1863 rifle in 50 caliber is approved for N-SSA competition. Unless you argue hard, it should have a patch box.

Rich
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