Another period correct Buffalo rifle in .44-77

[pacecars]

Well after hemming and hawing and bugging everyone on the forums with questions, looking through Seller’s book and Venturino’s over and over I finally made up my mind on my next Sharps. I am buying a Shiloh 1874 Hartford in .44-77 SBN with a 32 inch #1 1/2 barrel with the Hartford collar, military style butt stock, pewter friend tip, buckhorn rear, globe front and a mid range vernier sight. I think it would fit right in during the Buffalo hunts. It comes with brass so I need to get the dues and bullet molds together. This will be my first .44-77 and first .44 cal rifle so suggestions and advice are welcome. I will be hunting deer and pigs with it and plinking for fun. I guess I need to see about a Buffalo hunt now

[Eric Johanen]

I found it true what they say... The 44-77 is a great cartridge and my rifle is a relatively "plain Jane" Hartford with a 30" heavy barrel and barrel sights. A real shooter and was easy to work up a accurate load . It likes 2 fg in KIK or OE. You will like that rifle!

[pacecars]

Picked her up today!

[Dan Cash]

You have a fine gun. How does it shoot?

[Caprock]

Just thought I'd pass this along. If you are thinking of using the rCBS 370 greaser mold then don't. The nose diameter is tool large to allow chambering even with jamison brass. Accurate has a copy that will and is a good starting point for mold shopping.

[pacecars]

Haven't shot it yet. I am planning on using paper patch bullets

[Kurt]

With that 1/19 ROT I would suggest a bullet from a Brooks mould that has the profile like the originals usEd in the past. I spent a lot of time shooting the .44-77 and the .44-90 BN both with the 19 ROT and I have not found a bullet that shoots as well as the original profile at ranges as far as my sights elevate.
I just pulled a bullet from a case to measure the dimensions that works so well in my .44's
I use a .485 gr 1/20 to 1/30 alloy .430" diameter 1.325" long. For the .44-2-5/8 (.44-90 bn I use a .520 gr because with the extra velocity it has it handles the longer 1.425" bullet in fine shape. The Brooks mould is adjustable. I opted on a .430" diameter so I had the ability to patch thin for shooting without fouling control when hunting and still patch to a snug bore fit.
The .44-77 is a great caliber and the bullet I use has dropped three Buffalo in fine shape. Two with the 77 BN and one with the 90 BN.
   

[Don McDowell]

I like the dual diameter bullet 1.3 inches long and 435 at the base. Wrap it in 7 or 8 lb. paper, a dry lubed felt wad and a .030 card wad, jojoba the exposed patch after the bullet is seated and shoot into the 90's at 300 yards, with no fouling control other than a blow tube.. Shot the entire course at the Quigley never wiped the barrel and got over 50 % hits with the ladder sights.

[J.B.]

Another 44 in our midst .. Good to hear. I think you'll be very happy with your choice. I know I am with mine. That Sharps bullet Kurt refers to is a great performer. I shot a heap of Kurts ammo in my rifle last year...and I couldnt fault it. Me... well yes...I can fault me...but not the ammo. I'm also trialling a two diameter bullet in mine currently ...with a .443 base & .433 shank. Its interesting to wrap but the idea was to stop working the case mouths too much and it appears to be working. I gather you got some cases laid in...so that was really the only grey area. Get to shooting and let us know how she performs.

J.B.

[Stephen Borud]

Nice rifle Pacecars.