Another period correct Buffalo rifle in .44-77

[Kurt]

Stephen at one time I had a original Sharps mould and I had Steve make this adjustable mould to match the profile and he nailed it very good. The mix I used today I have no idea what the final weight mix turned out to be, but it feels very soft by the finger nail scratch. I will run a test on it in the morning from the ingots I made emptying the pot.

   

[Kurt]

here is a close up look.
   

[Stephen Borud]

Don that’s interesting. What is your final diameter after the .435 is patched? On the original bullet how deep was the cup and how wide was the skirt? I measured an original 45 Creedmoor bullet once. If memory serves me right it was something like .150 deep with a .050 skirt.

SB

[Stephen Borud]

Kurt I’ll be curious to see what your bullet hardness ended up at?

[Don McDowell]

Stephen the measurements on the skirt of this original 44 bullet is about the same as your 45 bullet.

The measurement on the base of those .435 bullets patched with 8 lb paper, come out right around .437.

[Kurt]

Stephen I checked three ingots of the alloy mix I used and all three show 6 BHN that is a little softer than 1/40 T/L.
I have 100 loaded with 77 grains of 2F OE and the 405 gr bullets for the Q or Baker to see if they will reach 800 or the 1000 yard targets
Might have to put the base and sights on for this

[Kurt]

   

Well they shoot pretty well Stephen. Shot these at 135 yards with barrel sights and just a blow down the breach.
Had to put some white on it for holding center.

[Gunner500]

Good deal pacecars, looks like you're well on your way, I'm getting ready to get started on mine too, good luck to you.