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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2016 18:06:25 GMT -7
Recently was able to provide a new home for a Sharps Borchardt 1878 Sporting Rifle, Cal. 40 2 1/2 (aka: .40-70 SS), .28" octagon barrel. Previous 'caretaker' (which is what we all are with irons) used RCBS .40 cal 400 gr n' Black Powder loads. Included were 165 rounds of loaded Bell .405 Basic Brass, cut to 2.5" length. This rifle was used to win a Virginia City, Montana Buffalo Shoot, in the early 1990's. As a result of winning that shoot, she won a buffalo hunt, and was able to select a 2 year old cow buffalo, dropping it with this rifle. Later in the 1990's she shot a cow moose with it. One shot through the heart did the job - though gave it a second shot to help ensure it'd not walk off into the thick woods. She's a young 79 years and decided it was time to pass the rifle along to another 'caretaker'. I am most grateful she considered me worthy. Part of the enjoyment of these older irons is to do some research into their past, when able to. I do like the Cal. 40 2 1/2 cartridge, a most enjoyable shooting round and will do the job at hand, if you do your part... Have had a C. Sharps 1877 J.P. Lower Sporting Rifle in Cal. 40 2 1/2 for a few years now, and it has become a favorite rifle/cartridge combination. Why yes...I am most pleased having acquired such a nice vintage 'brown rifle'. L@@king forward to sending some Plumbum with NASA lube downrange when the snow clears this spring. Attachments:
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Post by todddoyka on Feb 10, 2016 19:44:23 GMT -7
very nice gun!!!!
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Post by Bullshop on Feb 10, 2016 21:42:58 GMT -7
Oh Lord how many commandments am I breaking lusting, coveting ! Forgive me Lord but I cant help myself!
Great rifle!!!!! I wanna shoot it. You are very fortunate to be close friends with someone that has so many 40 cal bullets designs available.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 9:59:29 GMT -7
Bullshop - that shall happen: the burning of charcoal, lead flying downrange, soft recoil and the report from a rifle of the late 1880's across your valley......later this spring.
The cast bullet that had been used with good success by the previous caretaker was an RCBS 400 gr, just not sure which one? Hope to learn that, and more specific load information, within a few weeks. They'd not loaded for or shot the rifle in many years, so are having to go through their paperwork for information. Along with whatever else they find to provide for and about the rifle's history while they've had it. They do have her sight chart for long range use, which is always nice to have.
I've a few Cal. 40 molds that have been accumulating over the past few years and shall bring 'em along for 'show-n-tell'!!
Yes, have reviewed the Cal. 40 molds on your list, and some of what I have are not listed.
Have been doing other things these past several years and not getting into black powder use for reloading, this is the rifle and year that shall change...
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Post by Bullshop on Feb 11, 2016 21:05:13 GMT -7
Praise the Lord and pass the Sharps.
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Post by missionary on Feb 12, 2016 13:21:38 GMT -7
Greetings
Thank you for the posting. I am another caliber 40 enjoyer. They certainly will get the job done.
Mike in Peru
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mike
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Post by mike on Mar 1, 2016 17:23:25 GMT -7
Hey Outside Bear, It's nice to hear about your Borchardt but let me ask you to watch your arithmetic. (Ha! Look at who's talking!) The .40/70 SS is the .40-2 1/2". I've got two of them, one in a C. Sharps Highwall and the other in a C. Sharps '74 Hunter's Rifle. Yes, I'm in a rut, shooting mostly C. Sharps rifles. My .40/70 Highwall is the rifle I use when I try silhouettes. The bullet I've settled on is the RCBS .40-400-CSA and that helped me get four chickens in the last match. That was my best relay for the day too. About your .40-2.1", how do you like it? Years ago I had a .40-2 1/4 BN and I sold it simply because I couldn't get it to like me. Some folks want to blame the bottleneck case. I don't want to do that because now I also shoot the .44/77 and the .44/90 BN with enough success that they please me and I wouldn't mind having a .40/70 BN, maybe on a rolling block. So, let me know how you're doing with both of those guns. Shoot sharp, Mike
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mike
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Post by mike on Mar 2, 2016 10:17:21 GMT -7
Bear, And, just to continue, I have a Tom Ballard .40 adjustable paper patch mold that I have "set" on 330 grains right now. That just duplicates the old factory loads for the .40/70 SS. Let's team up and you can try some. Shoot sharp, Mike
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 16:16:15 GMT -7
mike, amigo: yup, a fopaux on my part, about the 'proper' description/title of that round (had been reading about the .40 2 1/10 - .40-70 Govt, from the 1990's, had a bunch of them inches on me mind when first writing that Post - opps): .40-70 SS. = .40 2 1/2 Went back n' corrected it!! Sometimes them 1/10ths, 1/2s, n' such run amuck. Better increase my ginkgo biloba intake.  I do like the Borchardt Sporting Rifle, nice balance and not of 'wagon gun' weight. A bit on the chilly side here on the Continental Divide, so haven't taken her out for some shooting yet. The lady who allowed me to be the new caretaker of this fine original Borchardt primarily used 400 gr cast for her competition shootings. Liked it so well stayed with it for hunting. This Borchardt is the rifle that is entering me into the us of black powder cartridge doings. uh, I heard a rumor that the new smokeless powder may not be catching on that well, and just could be removed from the market?? A rumor mind ya, but what if? So I need to be prepared, just in case. I've one other .40 2 1/2" that is also a favorite: C. Sharps J.P. Lower Sporting Rifle on their 1877 action - 28" tapered octagon Badger barrel, open barrel sights. When asked John Schoffstal at C. Sharps if he made his and his son's same model rifle after or before he agreed to make mine, he just grinned and replied, "One before and one after!" So far have used 5744 (as have been with .45-70 and .50-70 - it's been good with me) in shortened Hornady .405 Win to 2 1/2" brass, with 385 gr cast bullets. Will take ya up on that offer, when to the left coast sometime. If not straying too far off topic here, what is your PP load, aside from the 330 gr? Speaking of Tom Ballard, spoke with him this past November in Helena. Holding up, but the years have taken their toll, as they will in time with us all. Tom's at least in his late 80's. Still wears his signature top hat he's worn for almost ever. Don't think Tom made molds after 2009(?), having sold off his lathe/milling machine/equipment afterwards. He was gracious enough to invite me to stop by his home, look over my Sporting Rifle, then set and design/cut a .457 mold, 315 grs, that I use in a Peabody Sporting Rifle in .45-50. |
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Post by mike on Mar 2, 2016 17:42:11 GMT -7
Bear, Some doin's and don't worry about those "fox paws," I make them all of the time. And you know how my proofreader sometimes laughs at me... (By the way, we have a fox now, a red fox. It shows up mostly at night. Good company, so far.) It makes me slightly jealous that you know Tom Ballard. I have written a letter or two, sent in his direction, but he never replied. That's okay, my notes didn't need a reply. Quite a guy as I understand. You asked about my .40/70/330 paper patch load. It is a simple duplication of the old factory load, using 65 grains of Olde Eynsford 1 1/2F powder, a card wad, then about 3/16" of lube, followed by another card wad, and then the patched bullet. The bullets are patched either with 9-pound patching paper from Buffalo Arms or 8-pound onion skin from an art supply store. I find the 9-pound paper easer to apply to the bullet and I do apply my patches while wet. I bought that .40 PP mold from Pat Dulin, not too long ago. Why he was silly enough to sell it, I don't know. He also sold me a copy of Lyman's #446187, the 470 grain version, at the same time and that bullet is doing very good duty in my .44/90 BN. (I shot a 99-4X with that today!) The only Borchardt I ever had much of a chance to play with was a .45/70 Cadet rifle that Theno had. I remember him shooting it, out at our place in North Bend, but I can't recall ever shooting it myself. Hmmm... In the .40/70 Highwall, I also am using trimmed Hornady .405 brass but I'm changing to the new Jamison .40/70 SS brass. It is nice and having a correct headstamp appeals to me. Also, my .40/70 Hunter's rifle won't chamber the Hornady brass because the rims are a mite too thick. Does your '77 take the Hornady brass? You should bring that rifle around so I can photograph it. Maybe a good story about a '77 can be done, I could sure use one. Shoot sharp, Mike |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 18:57:18 GMT -7
By golly, can just envision your proof reader setting there snickering at times!! Too funny!! Fox's be nice. Had one down the driveway with her litter, spring of last year. Always entertaining and a nice touch of wildness. IF see Tom at this weekend's doings, will touch base with him. Though he rarely makes an appearance anymore. I tended to his hat a time or two in years past, nary a charge, good man. His grandson wears a hat I made for him several years ago. Most knowledgeable Tom is. Hope he's still on the right side of the grass? Will let ya know if I find out anything? Thanks on the .40-70 SS load info. I've taken a gander at PP's, just not there 'yet'. Perhaps this next winter, might be settled in somewhere by then? Could happen ya know!! Pat: good man and excellent craftsman. Have a couple of 'other type' of irons he completed for me in '08. I've a few .40 cal molds, need to go look 'em up though. Nope, not into casting, myself. Have known too many folks that do casting professionally and they have a pile of molds (Hi Dan), and what few molds I've acquired over the years, have let them use them (yes Dan, will bring you some also!). Once settled someday, will begin casting - though not enough to take business away from those who still feed 8 children!! Friend in Alaska has an Al Story Borchardt .45-70. Only needs to document another 1,300 rounds through it to reach the 10,000 rounds mark. Yes, he likes a Borchardt. When talked with John at a recent show, he said they were now carrying the Jamison brass with the proper head stamp. I've 200 shortened Hornady cases and 165 each of the old Bell .405 Basic, cut to 2 1/2" and indexed on the rim - they came with the Borchardt. Might add some of the Jamison .40-70 SS cases, as like a proper head stamp when available. Yes, the '77 had the chamber cut for the .405 Hornady case. Seeing as how Hornady .405 Windychester brass was readily available back then and it being quality brass. Didn't want to mess with .303 Brit or .30-40 stretched brass. Whenever head over your way will slide the '77 into a proper scabbard n' bring her along. As well as the Borchardt. Have a Farmingdale Military infantry rifle in .50 1 3/4 (with a spare fitted Farmingdale barrel in .45-70)and a 'pile' of older NIB Dixie brass that will be loaded with BP, hopefully to get to that project later this year? Have been using Starline .50-70 brass with 5744 in a Peabody .50-70 military carbine (it started life as a .50 rimfire, but a North Carolina gunsmith converted it to central fire and lengthened the chamber to .50-70, as well as new re-case coloring n' stock refinish work. Obtained it from his estate about 4 years ago), it is one of 350 .50 rimfire carbines shipped to South Carolina in 1877. A bit of a shame it being converted, nothing that I would do to a collectible original, but just the same I'm not disappointed in having it the way it is! In some ways I prefer the .50-70 over the .45-70. That statement might stir the pot some!! Though have a few irons chambered for both cartridges, so yes, I do like them both. Enough that now have a Peabody carbine in .45-70. Not original, but came up with an action n' butt stock. So having a Badger barrel on hand, had it contoured to the same dimensions as the original .50 rimifre Peabody carbines were. Yes, I like the Peabody rifles/carbines. |
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Post by mike on Mar 2, 2016 20:34:59 GMT -7
Hey Bear, Good doin's on all. You know, we haven't kept in touch like this for years!! That's good doin's too. About the .50/70, I also favor the .50/70 over the .45/70, speaking in terms of sporting use. In fact, I was shooting my favorite .50/70 today and I really should go over a page and report on what that rifle did for me this morning. Let me say here that things must have been right. Yes, if you do see Tom Ballard just tell him that I said "hello" and that I'm using some of his molds. At this time I have a .45 caliber adjustable paper patch, a 500 grain .45 tapered paper patch, the .40 adjustable paper patch, and a .45 caliber adjustable greaser. The .45 adjustable paper patch I like to keep down around 420 grains for duplicating the old Sharps .45/75/420 loads. I've used those loads with a degree of success on deer and bear, you might recall, but that was with other molds. Maybe I'll try once more while using the Ballard mold. And maybe I'll find a Ballard mold for the .44 Sharps, both .44/77 and .44/90. That would make me happy. Let's keep our shooting with the .40/70s in mind and then do some good shooting with them. What kind of sights do you have on the '77? Shoot sharp, Mike |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2016 20:56:03 GMT -7
Back from this weekend's g/show in Helena. Hadn't been on a computer since last Wednesday. Tom Ballard did make a walk through Saturday afternoon. Visited with him for a few minutes. He's doing ok overall, but as mentioned above, the years are upon him, in late 80's or early 90's now, not real sure? One thing about Tom, can spot his old top hat across a room right now! A bit frail, but enjoying his senior years he is.
Sights on the '77 .40-70 SS C. Sharps JP Lower Sporting Rifle: rear sight - open factory, with ladder. Front: silver blade. Hunting sights. No tang sight, as just not all that fond of them! For purely target bench work, yes, a tang sight is fine/optimal, but I like rear barrel open sights.
At the show also visited with fella what converts Trapdoor Springfield's into carbine for the re-enactment cavalry troopers to use when horse back. I'd obtained one of his 1 1/2 years ago, .45-70 of course. It's also waiting to be taken to the field for use! He has a proper front sight installed on a turned down to proper dimensions rifle barrel; proper carbine sights, and even though he fills the ramrod hole, he comes up with a properly transformed trapdoor carbine. The one I talked him out of was his own personal carbine that he used with re-enacting. In fact, at the end of the show today he stopped by my table as I was loading out of the show and let me know he really misses that carbine, as it was his personal use carbine and it shot so well for him! I told him if ever decided to part with it, he has first right of refusal. It's a correct looking Model 1873.
An advanced collector I know looked over the Borchardt Sporting Rifle. It has a newer spirit level front sight. He told me that when I stop by his home the middle of this week, that he has some original Sharps/Borchardt front sights and said he'd fix me up with one if I wanted one! I thanked him and said I'd certainly like to obtain a proper original Sharps front sight for the Borchardt.
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mike
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Post by mike on Mar 7, 2016 9:53:29 GMT -7
Bear, Good doin's on seeing Tom Ballard. I hope you said "hello" for me. I sure do admire his bullet molds. And about the sights on your '77, good goin's if you can see them. That's my biggest complaint about open sights on the barrel, I just can't see them. So, when I order a Sharps from good ol' C. Sharps Arms, I order them with no rear sight and no rear dovetail in the barrel. And, actually, that is more authentic, I do believe, for a '77. Few of those were made to be used with open sights.
At the present my .40/70 SS Hunter's Rifle has open sights on it. That gun is waiting for a sporting tang which is still in the design stages at Distant Thunder. More about those when I have more to say. It is that Hunter's Rifle that I want to do more shooting with while using the bullets from the Ballard paper patch mold.
Some doin's about those trapdoor carbines. For some reason now I'm on the trail of a trapdoor that I can sporterize, or Hawkenize. Maybe just make it a sporting rifle like Custer's. And I would want a .50/70.
Please report back when you get that new front sight for your Borchardt. That will fix the old gun up. Shoot sharp, Mike |
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Post by Bullshop on Mar 8, 2016 17:37:31 GMT -7
Glad you two found a place to re connect and I am enjoying eavesdropping.
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