Any paper patchers out there?

[bohica793]

I am currently paper patching 500gr 45-70 rounds in my Pedersoli 1874 Sharps rifle with amazing results. I am patching a .442 slug up to .450 bore diameter and running it over 65 grains of OE FFg. I am about to start experimenting with my 38-55 high wall but need to find a proper mold for the job. Anyone else out there paper patching?

 

[Hiker45]

I am currently paper patching 500gr 45-70 rounds in my Pedersoli 1874 Sharps rifle with amazing results. I am patching a .442 slug up to .450 bore diameter and running it over 65 grains of OE FFg. I am about to start experimenting with my 38-55 high wall but need to find a proper mold for the job. Anyone else out there paper patching?

New on here, not sure if you still load paper patch. I load 45-70 and getting ready to do some 40-65 had good results but not enough real data for accuracy and velocities

 

[Master Blaster]

I am currently paper patching 500gr 45-70 rounds in my Pedersoli 1874 Sharps rifle with amazing results. I am patching a .442 slug up to .450 bore diameter and running it over 65 grains of OE FFg. I am about to start experimenting with my 38-55 high wall but need to find a proper mold for the job. Anyone else out there paper patching?

I have that same rifle and have not been able to get it to shoot right yet - tried some Lyman 457125 cast 1:20 500gr govt rounds over A5744 and got keyholes. What round did you use that was .442? Would love to hear your load process

 

[Hiker45]

Nice to see some others loading paper patch. I use bullets from Buffalo arms. I think midway carries some. Mine are 400 and 500 grain sized to .451 and a cupped base. The 400 grains shoot well out of my trapdoor carbine. I haven’t sized the groups or chronographed the velocities yet, but was pleased at 100 yard targets. I have some bullets for my 40-65 but have yet to load them. Another project on the back burner. Not sure that helps but nice to see others loading old school 1880s.

 

[Master Blaster]

I am also sorting out an original trapdoor - as-cast 405 hollow base sized .459 worked well over the AA5744 but leaded the barrel badly. The 500g govt shot equally poorly as in the sharps.

 

[Master Blaster]

Is this the bullet you're using? Can you give me any guidance on case prep / seating? I have never actually done paper patching before

 

[Hiker45]

That would be patched out to .450 so may be a .44. My patching is around.007 or .008 so need the .450 or .451 to patch out to .458 or .459. I have much better accuracy with the 400 grain bullets but shoot more with black powder now than smokeless in my trapdoor

 

[Hiker45]

I have a great reference I will find it tomorrow and post a picture of it.

 

[Hiker45]

These are the best resources I have. The one by Wolf on trapdoors is the best I know for shooting the trapdoor. The black powder primer is great for the basics. The paper patch book has everything you need for reloading and making the paper patch. Hope this helps.

 

[Hiker45]

I believe they have up dated editions of the first two books also.

 

[Beached]

Hi
I have shot thousands of lead bullets in old cartridges I have owned 45-70,45-90,40-65,38-55, 32-40- And many muzzleloaders the key is slug the bore and make sure the bullets are min. One thousands oversized also have had best luck with them almost touching the lands and no crimp.

 

[Master Blaster]

Thank you! I have the wolf book, as well as “the paper jacket” - will look at the others. It was very difficult to measure my slug with the trapdoor as it’s got 3 rifling grooves