In the late 1970s, perhaps into the 80s, Shiloh Sharps offered two .54-caliber "Buffalo Slug" wadcutter or "trash can" bullet molds for their 1863 Sharps carbines (and rifles, if these were in production), the larger of the two molds dropping a [nominal] 580-grain wadcutter bullet. Does anyone know where either sample bullets or one of these larger molds can be obtained?
Shiloh Sharps .54-caliber "Buffalo Slug" wadcutter mold?
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MacRob46 said:
SFAIK Shiloh stopped making these decades ago, before they left NY. There are some blocks in a garage, at least there were, a block from my house but getting to them may be impossible since the owners are both dead. Will make a phone call. Do not hold your breath though not much hope.
IIRC this slug was for stake busting at reenactments.
Dan
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Bear Rider
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I had a limited supply of those .54 slugs for a while in the 80's. I got them as boot in a trade.
"Trash Can" is an appropriate description.
I shot them out of my Lyman .54 pistol with a pre-cut cloth patch over (IIRC) 40 grains of powder. They were quite accurate to 50 yards, but they kicked like a mule. It made a great backup round for hunting.
"Trash Can" is an appropriate description.
I shot them out of my Lyman .54 pistol with a pre-cut cloth patch over (IIRC) 40 grains of powder. They were quite accurate to 50 yards, but they kicked like a mule. It made a great backup round for hunting.
Dan:
I discovered the wadcutter "Buffalo Slugs" in an old Bucksin Report by the late John Bivins. The part that struck me as interesting was that, at the time of the two-part article, Shiloh-Farmingdale had just begun production of their cavalry carbine. I had assumed - incorrectly - that such a heavy bullet would not stabilize when fired from a short barrel 1:48 twist using such a moderate propellant charge. Since good, consistent accuracy was reported by a trustworthy reporter, I believe it will be a worthwhile bullet option here in the short-range terrain of Lolo National Forest in central west Montana.
I found a mold for the lighter version but had no interest in it. But that was about 18 months ago.
I discovered the wadcutter "Buffalo Slugs" in an old Bucksin Report by the late John Bivins. The part that struck me as interesting was that, at the time of the two-part article, Shiloh-Farmingdale had just begun production of their cavalry carbine. I had assumed - incorrectly - that such a heavy bullet would not stabilize when fired from a short barrel 1:48 twist using such a moderate propellant charge. Since good, consistent accuracy was reported by a trustworthy reporter, I believe it will be a worthwhile bullet option here in the short-range terrain of Lolo National Forest in central west Montana.
I found a mold for the lighter version but had no interest in it. But that was about 18 months ago.
I see them on eBay occasionally but they always go for more than I'm willing to spend.
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I don't know about swaging in detail, but IIRC, there are moulds made for that purpose that cast slugs of different, adjustable lengths. I wonder if such a mould might be a solution.
edit: Never mind. I forgot about the lube grooves. Long day. :td:
edit: Never mind. I forgot about the lube grooves. Long day. :td:
I possibly have one. I picked it up because it was unusual and I do have a 54. Mine has little to no markings on the mould so I thought it was a T/C mould which often comes that way. Mine are 425gr and when you flip it over there is a RB mould on the under side. I have yet to try shooting them to see how they do but I plan to.
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