C. Sharps Big Fifty?

[Eric Johanen]

For those who have one of these rifles, how does the 1X26 inch twist stabilize bullets in the 500 to 550 grain range. My 50 70 Shiloh military rifle 1X36 twist is working very well with bullets in the 450 to 500 grain range. I see that those with a 50 90 Shiloh in 1X22 twist are having best results using 600 + grain bullets and was just wondering how a 1X26 twist would work for lighter bullets. I was looking at the Accurate 51-550 bullet as a slightly heavier clone to the 51-465S I use in the 50 70. I am thinking about adding one to my battery.

[Kurt]

Eric.

I have a Shiloh with the 22 ROT and the best bullet I use in it is right at 1.5" at 720 gr. Creedmoor type ogive. The lightest I can use to still get fair accuracy is about 640 gr 1.4"long Creedmoor ogive. I think your 26 ROT should be ok with a 600 gr.

Kurt

[Mike]

Eric, I'd say go ahead and try that .50/90 with the 1 in 26". I have a couple of them with that twist and find them doing fairly well with bullets from 473 grains (paper patch) up to 550 grain (greasers). One fact that sold me on the 1 in 26" twist was a conversation with Don who has looked all through an original Sharps '74 in .50/70 and it also has a 1 in 26" twist. That led me to get another .50/70 which is doing great with the standard 450 grain bullets. It does seem to me that my .50/70 is more accurate than the .50/90s. Let's just say that I do better shooting with the .50/70 and that is out to 200 yards. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Mike]

Eric, And if you try that Accurate 51-550 bullet let us know how well it works. I might get that one for myself. Shoot sharp, Mike

[rdnck]

I have a 50-90 with a 1-26 twist, and it won't hit due east with a light bullet. 8 to 12 inches at 100 yards. With a 650 grain Saeco, it does 1 3/4 inches at 100. And yes, the heavy bullet kicks quite a bit, too much to shoot it for fun on a regular basis. Shoot straight, rdnck.

[Mike]

Eric, Which .50/90 by C. Sharps are you thinking about? If it's that 14 pound Bridgeport with the #2 barrel in the C. Sharps "ready rack" it would be a good choice. I have a Hartford that weighs as much and it really helps in the recoil department. Those .50/90s do kick, there's no gettin' around that. I also have an early Gemmer by C. Sharps Arms in .50/90 which has the 1 in 36" twist to the barrel. That works rather well with the 500 grain paper patch bullet I use with it. It's hard for me to do well with that rifle now because it still has only the open sights on the barrel and my eyes don't agree with those anymore. Even so, I don't want to change its sights so heavier .50/90s get taken to the ranges now. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Hiwall55]

Eric I have a Highwall 50/90 with a 1 in 26 twist ,it shoots my RCBS 515 ,which casts at 540 grains and a BA C O 620 creedmoor real well.

[Eric Johanen]

Mike, as Chief Dan George said in "the Outlaw Josey Wales" I went home and thought long and hard about it and decided to Declare War! Strike that... I decided to buy it!!! They are going to mount a rear barrel sight and swap out the globe front for a blade. Have to get to my ffl dealer now and get the paper work for transfer started. Have been lusting over a 50 90 for some time and just did not see the right rifle, well this is it. I do believe I'll order that Accurate Molds 51-550s and see how it works. Also thinking about the KAL adjustable tapered Gibbs mold for a paper patch bullet as I can get just the right length to stabilize well for some longer range work. Should be buckets of fun. Have my Shiloh 74 Military rifle 50 70 working well. My Shiloh 45 70 is really shooting paper patch and greaser's light's out and the Shiloh 45 90 is coming along for use on the Creedmoor range. (I also have a Shiloh 44 77 and a Shiloh1877 in either 45-70 or 45 90 on order) Retirement is proving to be real good!!

[Hiwall55]

Eric my RCBS is 1.090 long and my creedmoor is 1.305 long. The accurate mould is 1.180 so your rifle should shoot it well. If you want to try my bullets I could send you some to try . Bill

[Mike]

Eric, I pounded out a long reply to you but then saved it as a draft and now I can't find it..! Anyway, good doin's on securing that .50/90. Have you looked at The American Sharps Shooter 2013-6? You might find it interesting. Shoot sharp, Mike