load for 1859 sharps

[badammo]

I have a pedersoli 1859 sharps in .45 cal. Pedersoli says to fill chamber with powder, cap, and fire. Problem is they also say not to use more than 60 grains of ffg. Mine holds 80 grains ffg. Is this a problem or do I need to use some kind of wad? I have cast up some Lyman 500 and 385 grain bullets for this rifle. 385's allow even more powder. I don't really want to use the brass or cardboard "cartridges".

[Lead Fred]

If that rifle cant handle 80g, Id buy another.
No air gap, it was designed for longer heavier boolits.
Adjust with wadding & or filler

[Nobade]

Just like Lead Fred says. Or you could use Charlie Hahn's tubes if you like, they will take up a little space themselves and make loading a lot easier than using loose powder. Nice rifle BTW - I hope to own one someday!

-Nobade

[badammo]

Great, thanks guys. looking forward to a good shakedown of it.

[hhilljr]

I have that same rifle, and I use 80 grains as well. The chamber must be full or nearly so. Unless there is some sort of defect in the action, that load should be safe. As someone said above, the bullet used will have an effect on the powder capacity. I'm using Pedersoli's "modern" bullet.