[Kudu]

I am going to buy a new C Sharps rifle either the 75 model or the Hi Wall and am a little undecided on the caliber. I am considering either 45-100, 45-110 or 50-90. This rifle will be loaded with black powder and cast bullets and will be used for hunting large game such as elk, moose, deer and will also be used in Africa on some of the large antelope there. One other consideration, the 50 caliber is only available in the #1 heavy barrel.  Any suggestions or experiences with these or other calibers will be apprecitated.
Thanks

 

[James Gates]

Rich....The Highwall is a better rifle design than the Sharps. The Sharps, of course, is a much loved firearm. There are some things I don't like about the Sharps, mainly the offset firing pin, which has a tendency to enlarge the firing pin hole in the breech block. When it gets worn a little, it binds and lessens the blow on the primer.
As for cartridges...I would stay with the tried and true .45-70. This would mean that you could develop very fine smokeless loads if you ever decided to. With BTB cast cast bullets you are going to shoot through any animal you have mentioned. There will be very little flatten the trajectory from 70 grs to 100 grs of powder. However, if you do decide to step up to the .45-100 or .45-110, stay with the .45's as they have been historic as more accurate than the 50's. I ahve also found Elephant Brand black to burn cleaner and more uniform than GOEX. If you can find ant Pyrodex CTG be sure and pick it up! It proven, beyond a doubt, the most accurate in all the .45-70's I tested.
Best Regards, James

 

[Kudu]

Thanks for the comments James. I am leaning towards the HiWall for this rifle. I do have a 75 Model C Sharps rifle and it is one fine rifle, it is in 38-56 and very accurate. I would not be afraid to get another one if I didn't  want something a little different but I do agree with you that the Hi Wall is a better design.
 As for cartridges, I already own five 45-70s and while it is a very fine cartridge, I am looking for the ultimate black powder hunting cartridge and I am not concerned about the smokeless powder loading potential. I have problems getting a full 70gr. charge of black powder in the 45-70 and was considering one of these larger chartridges for the increased capicity, I would like to burn about 100grs. powder and think that I would have to go to 45-110 to do that. The 45-100 might be a more reasonable choice as I see that Starline is going to start making brass for it.
Thanks  again for your comments.

 

[James Gates]

Rich...After reading your last post, I would say by all means go with one of the two higher powder capacity 45"s. I also love the old Sharps rifles, but feel the Highwall is better. If you can find any of the discontinued Pyrodex CTG, be sure and try it, if you have not already. I got my best accuracy from it in both my Trapdoor and Sharps .45-70's.
Best Regards, James C.

 

[alyeska338]

Kudu,
I'm sure you've already made your decision by now, but Mike Venturino has written a couple of articles about using the Sharps in Africa for plains game.  I believe he carried a 40/70 and used it to take a very nice Kudu at about 130 yards, a wildebeest at about 80 yards, a zebra at about 130 yards, a nyala about 140 yards and a reedbuck at 50 yards.  Sounded like the rifle performed well, but he recommended a couple of improvements, one being a "stalking safety" like those on the British double rifles and the other being a sling.