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MarcB

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Hi all.
My name is Marc and I've been shooting black powder rifles for over 40 years. I had a gun shop about 20 years ago so I stocked up on just about everything one could need. My favorite gun is a Shiloh Sharps 50-140 Express. I am starting to run low on powder. I have one 8# keg of Hodgdons CTG powder left but this big brute goes through powder like mad and I'm shooting it more now that I'm retired. My question is that what options are available after I run out? I like the Pyrodex cause it cleans up so easy. Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome. IMO this is the best BP site on the web, very knowledgeable folks here. Unlike you, I'm new to BP shooting. I use Pyrodex as it's what's available in my locale. Some here swear by it, others wouldn't shoot their guns if Pyro was all that existed. Works for me....... you'll like it here.
 
Welcome to the Forum Marc. I'm one of those that wouldn't use Pyrodex if it was the only thing available. For a big bore cartridge rifle, I'd be leaning towards Swiss as first choice with Shuetzen as a back-up.
 
powder

I also would go with real black. Swiss is #1, but with the brute you are shooting Thinking your not competing you might try Kik powder. You can buy it by the case from ( Powder Inc ). Good guy to ask questions of also.
Welcome. Jim H
 
Thanks for the welcome. I'll keep your suggestions in mind. I should be able to get about 2 more years out of the Pyrodex, except the gun is so much fun to shoot and the accuracy is great. I added a slip on recoil pad to the rifle even though it came with a recoil pad and it feels like shooting a 12 gauge, tamed it way down.
 
Marc,
Welcome. Sounds like you have a lot of time with the BP. Always nice to have even more knowledge here. This site is the best I've been able to find. Great people here.
 
I hope these pictures are good enough.







Some specs on the rifle:

name: Shiloh 50-140 "Express" Sharps
weight: 23+ pounds
barrel length: 35"
trigger pull: 1/2 pound
manufactured: 1980
cost $650 (dealer cost since I was a dealer).
best grouping (I was a better shot back then) 6" at 300 yards (7 shots with the best and worst thrown out). Now days I'm just happy to hit the target.:)

Note the extra recoil pad. The vernier sight in this picture is set at 200 yards.
 
Wow what a beautiful shoulder mounted CANNON :cool: What is the powder charge in one of those cases? Does the "140" stand for the charge or the length of the case?
 
Forgot to post the load. 50 stands for cal. 140 stands for 140 grains of black powder. I'm loading it with 122 grains of Pyrodex. Case length is 3.25".
 
Oh ok, see I always wondered that. I thought it was length like in 45-70, 45-90, 45-110. So its the charge. Got it. See I have learned something today so the day wasn't wasted :)
 
Welcome aboard. I'm new here too, and new to Blackpowder.
Very friendly, helpful people here. Hope you like it as much as I do.
 
Oh ok, see I always wondered that. I thought it was length like in 45-70, 45-90, 45-110. So its the charge.
Click to expand...

Length is part of it because bp always fills the case with no air space but yeah the numbers are bullet size and powder charge.
 
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