Another question that has probably been asked before, but I'll ask it again. Does anyone have any experience with Shiloh Sharps? I'm looking to buy their 1874 sharps buffalo rifle...how can I say not to a 34" barrel :D . If I do infact get one, I was thinking the 45/70, but would the 45/110 be a better choice?

My preference would be for the 45-110. The 45-70 is quite a powerhouse with smokeless loads, but I think the 45-110 is better with black powder.

I have never fired a 45-110, but have fired a Martini-Henry 577/450 loaded as(45-85) and a 450 Express double(basically a 45-120) and the extra powder capacity allows for more range and heavier bullets.

That said, of course the 45-70 is pretty good and cases and loading dies etc. are easier to get and cheaper.

Enjoy, which ever calibre you get.

As Carigan states, if you use BP there is something to be gained in the longer more expensive case. Smokeless loads would be BETTER in the 45/70 than in the 45/110...just more volume than you can use in the longer case.

Being a BP hunter, the 45-110 is a good round to heave long heavy bullets to respectable speeds.

The games players are looking at smaller bullets and less recoil for the long strings of shots they often fire...but for shooting meat, the long case does have some impressive extra power.

I have a Shiloh Sharps in 45-70 and shoot only black powder. My buddy and I are loading only 60 gr. of Goex FFg by volume. He took 2 deer with it and had full pass through with pure lead bullets. Many of deer and bison have been taken with a 45-70 with black powder. If you want more power and a lot more kick get the 45-110. As far as smokeless in your Shiloh Sharps it would be a cardinal sin to do it. (LOL) As others have pointed out smokeless has a lot more to offer in knock down power, but you could buy a Ruger number 1 or a Marlin 1895 for that. Yes, the new Shiloh Sharps will handle any smokeless 45-70 round made but the whole idea of shooting a Shiloh Sharps is the nostalgia of the black powder. A 45-70 with 70 gr. of black powder loaded with good quality lead bullet will kill anything on the North American Continent. But all that matters is you have fun with your gun and get what works for you. Also I am shooting from 405 gr. to 550 gr. bullets in my 45-70.

Another question that has probably been asked before, but I'll ask it again. Does anyone have any experience with Shiloh Sharps? I'm looking to buy their 1874 sharps buffalo rifle...how can I say not to a 34" barrel :D . If I do infact get one, I was thinking the 45/70, but would the 45/110 be a better choice?

Hi MightyPirate,
This is my first post, so I hope I do this right. Back in 2001 I stopped by both Sharps factories in Big Timber. I first stopped in Shiloh and admired their rifles, as they are some real beautys. When I asked about the strength of their actions, I was told they are warranteed for blackpowder and only factory loaded smokeless(30-40K, 45-70 etc.). I was also told they make their own barrels.
I then went down the street and stopped at C.Sharps. I was told their actions strength is on par with the Ruger #1. I was also told they use Badger Barrels. Badger is one of the most respected barrel makers in the U.S. C.Sharps also makes very beautiful rifles. I bought an 1875 Sporting w/30" barrel and brought it to Florida. I have been very pleased with the accuracy and performance of this rifle. 1" groups are quite easy to make when I do things right. I shoot both jacketed and cast bullets and am currently working with the Lee 500g 3R bullet, which so far, has printed 2.5", 3-shot groups @ 100 yds. with the front blade and rear semi-buckhorn and smokeless powder.
If you're going to play games, the 45-70 has plenty of horsepower. If you think you'd like to shoot smokeless, then again the 45-70 is your baby. The larger big bore cartridges don't adapt too well to smokeless.
I'm not trying to sway you, just offering a little different view. Good luck with you decision.

HighWall

HighWall, If you contact Kirk at Shiloh Sharps, he will tell you that the Shiloh Sharps will take anything the Ruger #1 will. Me personally, I bought my Shiloh Sharps to shoot blackpowder cartridges. If I wanted to shoot smokeless I would use my Marlin 1895. But back to the question, a 45-70 would work just fine with blackpowder.

HighWall, If you contact Kirk at Shiloh Sharps, he will tell you that the Shiloh Sharps will take anything the Ruger #1 will. Me personally, I bought my Shiloh Sharps to shoot blackpowder cartridges. If I wanted to shoot smokeless I would use my Marlin 1895. But back to the question, a 45-70 would work just fine with blackpowder.

Hi Redhawk1,
Nope, I don't need to contact Kirk, as I wasn't trying to slight the Shiloh rifles and have no doubt that they are fine rifles. I was only passing on info that was given to me. I bought my '75 to work with and learn about Sharps rifles and so far, it has been a very fine experience. I haven't hunted with my rifle yet, but that is on the agenda for the coming season. I just ordered new sights from Montana Vintage and look forward to using them. Yes, the 45 2.1" will work very well with blackpowder and also pyrodex and 777 and also the new pellets. Shoot what you like!
My rifle takes to the Remington 405g JSP and 53g IMR 3031 like a duck takes to water and gives up nice 1" groups with this load. I'm gettng good results with the Lee 500g 3R and plan to continue working with it. Perhaps, I'll get into some blackpowder loads, before long.
Not trying to ruffle any feathers here!

HighWall

Not trying to ruffle any feathers here!

HighWall


You are just fine, no feathers ruffled here. Just glad to see you are having fun shooting. The 45-70 just seems like a great round. :)

I also have a c-sharps. I sold a new in the box browning bpgr 40/65 and wanted a work gun. As in plain nothing fancy witch the browning is not. So i priced around and found that i could get a c-sharps target model 40/65 of the rack for what a pedersole would cost me. Now why would i buy a foren gun when i could get an american one. 32 " round bager barrel 40/65 cal on a 75 action, pistol grip stock . I was suprised how nice the plain wood was . It was not fancy but had some figure, not plain stright grain stock. Single triger no greap. smooth letoff. I like the single triger because most of my single shots are that. Except one mauser and a 45/70 italian sharps (iab). I find that if you are not used to set triggers they go off before you have your sights set. Like i have to remind myself that it,s a touchey trigger. I like to keep things simple. So simple that i have another c-sharps on the way 50/90-75 sharps with a heavey barrel and i do mean heavey #5 sharps barrel 32".

Mighty Pirate,
Before you rush out and buy a Shiloh in .45-110, consider that it packs a lot of recoil, even loaded with a full case of blackpowder!
In Mike Venturino's book, Shooting Buffalo Rifles of the Old West, Mike mentions that his wife had to beg him to stop shooting his Shiloh Sharps .45-110 long enough for the massive bruise to clear up on his shoulder!
He also says that it is a heavy recoiling caliber, and that the .45-70, or .45-90 is easier on the shoulder.
Having firead all the .45 caliber single shot rifle loadings, I can affirm that the .45-70 or .45-90 cals are much more fun to shoot for longer periods, than the larger case calibers.
If your intent is to hunt with it, and not spend large amounts of time at the bench, then go for the biger case, but if you plan to put a lot of lead down range, go for the shorter cases.