Original paper patched bullet designs?

[bobw]

Stephen Borud and Orville Loomer probably know more about the shape and dimensions of the original 473 gr ppb for the 50-2.5" than anyone. The 50-70 and the 45-70 were not chambered as tight as the other Sharps cartridges were,so they could use Gov't greaser ammo any time they needed too. The 420 gr 45-2.1 ppb load was patched to .456" and tapered, it would not surprise me if the original ppb's in the 50-1 3/4" weren't tapered as well and patched to almost groove dia at the base. I have a Rapine 500-500 ppb mold that is parallel sided at 500 grains
@.500" dia and patch to.510" with Bienfang vellum paper, they shoot great in my 50-3 1/4". They kill buffalo fine,if you want to try some let me know. bobw