Pedersoli Sharps 45-70 (Lever Action / Breech Loader) 34" Barrel

[wlowden65]

Hello,
I am having a Devil of a time trying to find load information and powder for my 45-70 Lever Action / Breech Loader Sharps rifle.
Trying to find Smokeless Powder for this is almost impossible, it is eighter discontinued or out of stock.
the bullets I currently have are 1 box of Hornady 325gr FTX, 1 box of Hornady 410gr Sub-X, 1 box of 405 RNFP cast, 1 box of 450gr LFN cast w/ gas check and 1 box of 535gr LBT cast bullets.

I have brass in 45-70, 45-90, 45-110 and 45-120 within specs (Lymans 51 Edition) Federal Magnum Primers. I have accumlated a vast amount of various smokeless and black powder.

My problem is trying to find any load data because it seems like no one wants to reload any sharps.

Any help would greatly be appreciated. Or if there are any Jedi Masters in the DFW area that is willing to take on a Padawan learner Im willing to learn.

PS, My goal is to attend the Mathew Quigley Competition within the 24 to 36 months.

 

[dk17hmr]

I use imr4198 in my Pedersoli 1874. It does pretty well. Use level 1 loads that are appropriate for the trapdoor. I have had a need to push velocity in it.

There is a short book written by Paul Mathews called 40 years with the 45-70. Might be worth picking up. He also wrote a book about paper patching bullets which is a good reference.

 

[RCE1]

There are several active Sharps, Shiloh and Single Shot groups on FB. A few knowledgable folk try to keep the BS down to a bare minimum. Miscreants are ejected.

Pedersolis can shoot pretty well if the shooter does their part.

I am a strong proponent of cast bullets and black powder. The SPG Manual isn't a bad place to start. There are plenty of smokeless loads for 45/70 in a lot of the manuals, generally rated "Trapdoor" "Marlin" and "Ruger". With a Sharps, I'd start with upper "Trapdoor" and go from there.

Your rifle needs the 45/70 brass. The longer cases won't fit your chamber unless you have it reamed out. There are many people who go from 45/70 to 45/90 by running the longer reamer into the chamber. My Shiloh is now a 45/90. For smokeless powder, I can't see the utility of the longer cases than 2.4" but there are those that love them.

 

[Barman54]

I have a Pedretti Sharps Replica, 45/70
The powders I use are, AA5744, Unique, AA2015, I4198, 3031
Booolits from 300 H. Cast to 389/390 Custom, 415 to 530 Postell.
Did not shoot it last year, as I had Cataract surgery, Looking forward to 2025, with my New Eyes.
Still learning how to use/mark the Venier sight, very Precise, from a M1A High Power shooter, Love Iron Sights!
Barman54
Out

 

[mgunderson]

I use imr4198 in my Pedersoli 1874. It does pretty well. Use level 1 loads that are appropriate for the trapdoor. I have had a need to push velocity in it.

There is a short book written by Paul Mathews called 40 years with the 45-70. Might be worth picking up. He also wrote a book about paper patching bullets which is a good reference.

I second the 4198 and the book. 40 years with the 45-70 is a must read for reloaders and gun people. It is a quick read and entertaining. You will learn something..... maybe what not to try.

 

[wlowden65]

Hello All,
First, I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Since my last posting I have been loading Black Powder (Goex 2F) and cast bullets (various grains) to see what works best for my 45-110. I am now about to start loading Black Powder for my 45-70.
I am also loading for my 45-120, once I get the courage up (again) to shoot it. The last time was a whopper and I had to put it away only 4 rounds.
I would appreciate any information on what grain bullets (cast or other) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[joshb]

On bullets, I shoot a lot of 300 grain Berry’s plated. Inexpensive and the plated bullets keep me from worrying about leading the barrel.

 

[wlowden65]

On bullets, I shoot a lot of 300 grain Berry’s plated. Inexpensive and the plated bullets keep me from worrying about leading the barrel.

Thank you Josh

 

[bozo699]

Hello,
I am having a Devil of a time trying to find load information and powder for my 45-70 Lever Action / Breech Loader Sharps rifle.
Trying to find Smokeless Powder for this is almost impossible, it is eighter discontinued or out of stock.
the bullets I currently have are 1 box of Hornady 325gr FTX, 1 box of Hornady 410gr Sub-X, 1 box of 405 RNFP cast, 1 box of 450gr LFN cast w/ gas check and 1 box of 535gr LBT cast bullets.

I have brass in 45-70, 45-90, 45-110 and 45-120 within specs (Lymans 51 Edition) Federal Magnum Primers. I have accumlated a vast amount of various smokeless and black powder.

My problem is trying to find any load data because it seems like no one wants to reload any sharps.

Any help would greatly be appreciated. Or if there are any Jedi Masters in the DFW area that is willing to take on a Padawan learner Im willing to learn.

PS, My goal is to attend the Mathew Quigley Competition within the 24 to 36 months.

There’s lots of load data for it out there to be had. On your single shot sharps it may not be an issue and thinking about it I’m sure it’s not but in a lever gun you have to shorten the case to run those 325 FTX bullets. You might check on that with yours and if you do you should back off the charge some
Wayne

 

[dellet]

Load data for 45-70 is easy to find, as stated pay attention to what the load was intended for. The Sharps design is very strong, loads between Trapdoor and Ruger #1/modern single shot, sometimes listed as modern lever work well. Watch the high end pressure ratings. Hodgdon actually has loads for the 45-120.

The Pedersoli is built in Italy, proof testing of the rifle is required. The manual lists proof pressures (31,000) and max (25,000) for the black powder cartridges they chamber for. They also recommend the Lyman manual for load data.

https://www.davidepedersoli.com/storage/app/uploads/public/628/3a4/389/6283a43892f98831799297.pdf

If your planning to shoot the Quigley match, or any other black powder type match, familiarize yourself with the rules. Quigley has some interesting ones concerning loads. One is basically “any safe load from published data”. All will require lead bullets, some may allow gas checks. That’s why it’s important to check the rules.

Safety & Procedures

This page details specific procedures required at the Quigley Match. Shooter acknowledgement of the procedures and confirmation of compliance will be part of the registration process for the...

www.quigleymatch.com

24-36 months sounds like a long time, it goes fast. Sorting out the first rifle and load, gaining the experience to shoot it well enough to make the trip worthwhile may take that long. Second time will be easy.

 

[bsekf]

AA5744, 4198, Unique, AA2015. 5744 is $75/lb (I use it in my Savage smokeless ML)., 4198 is impossible to find. Unique should work with cast bullets and I use 2015 for my 444 Marlin. Google is your friend.

 

[servant403]

AA5744 and trapdoor level loads go very well together.