Shiloh Sharps 44-77 paper patch

[Eric Johanen]

    On the range today with my Shiloh Hartford 44-77 Orville's paper patch chamber. Really impressed with the rifle and chamber. As I do more work with it I find it can really bring the goods. This load used Jamison brass ( neck sized using a Meacham bushing die), Winchester LR primers, 75.0 grains of KIK 2 fg, DGL 3/16'th lube between 2 .450 card wads. Benched at 100 yards using the Timed and Rapid fire pistol target. Lawrence rear and Hartford front sight. 6 O'clock hold. The Brook's .431 440 grain Medford style bullet wrapped with .002 100% bond paper at .439 diameter. Combination of blow tube and wiped after 3 or 4 rounds. I will stay with this bullet and paper for target work but will test patching with Seth Cole 55W and 55Y thinking patching thinner will allow a long string of shots with no more fouling control that several breaths up the breach. The .439 bullet still exhibits some fouling interference on repeated shots and a patched bullet several thousands smaller might just be the ticket for hunting and general field use. Things are tightening up with use and with more practice I think I can get a repeatable sight picture and shrink the group smaller. Practice, practice, practice! (Naturally, my last shot was the 6 O'clock 8 on the line messing up a pretty good target!)