After purchasing my first Creedmoor rifle, I did not feel like I was obtaining the type of performance I desired. I was using the rifle for Black Powder Cartridge Target Rifle matches at distances ranging from 200 to 1,000 yards. So, I started a quest to determine if my loading procedures were correct, including velocity, primers, lube and bullet hardness.
Over a period of years, I looked at available historical information in an effort to glean what our predecessors had used to compete in matches over 100 years ago. Specifically, I focused on bullet hardness, sometimes known as “temper.” As is commonly known, lead bullets can be made harder by the addition of tin, antimony and/or arsenic. Antimony is more efficient in increasing hardness, but tin is more commonly used in Black Powder Cartridge Rifle (BPCR) shooting. There are some historical references to the use of mercury as a lead hardening agent, however, I would not suggest using it since it is considered a hazardous item. After digging, reading and doing a bit of research into bullet hardness this is what I have found.
My Creedmoor rifle is a Shiloh Sharps with a 30-inch, extra-heavy barrel (No. 6 Winchester barrel equivalent, 1.30 inches tapering to 1.25 inches) chambered in .45-90. The weight of the rifle on the official Raton scale is 14.5 pounds. This is slightly less than the allowable 15 pounds. For the longer distances (900 and 1,000 yards), I add a leather cheekpiece to aid in aligning my eye with the tang sight. With the cheekpiece addition, I am still able to make weight.
This story is from the Winter 2020 edition of The Black Powder Cartridge News.
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This story is from the Winter 2020 edition of The Black Powder Cartridge News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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ON HUNTING AND SNIPING
Long-range target shooting here in the U.S. has become increasingly popular, at least since the first International Match with the Irish team in 1874.
Death in the Desert
This Colt .45 “Peacemaker” was found out in the desert in historically one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
A COVID-19 Project
As far as the COVID-19 pandemic is concerned, I can’t find much good to say about it. One thing I can say, though; I had a lot of idle time on my hands. After perusing YouTube videos during this time of lockdown, I came across a company that makes rifle kits – Kibler’s Long Rifles.
Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship NSmithmoor Rangen Carpenter, Wyoming – February 20-21, 2021
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A .40 Caliber Long-Range Rifle
During a recent stay in New Zealand, we found ourselves in Rotorua, which is the stomping grounds of expert Kiwi rifleman, Laurie Kerr. Laurie has been a friend since we first met at Raton, New Mexico, a number of years ago and we have managed to stay in relatively good communication ever since.
BE MORE THAN A Wannabe PART II
Since my first article was published in Issue No. 113 of The Black Powder Cartridge News, I have received several emails and groups from readers.
The Hide Hunting Exploits of HARRY “SAM” YOUNG
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Match Results
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When somebody hears the words “Sharps rifle,” the first things that probably come to mind are the great buffalo hunts, the “Wild and Wooly West” and tales of long-range shots, Indian attacks, and hunters freezing in blizzards.
