45 cal proof load

Skylark4 · Apr 25, 2023

Hi everyone, received a Sharon Hawkins in 45 cal for my B-day a few weeks ago. Now having acquired shooting supplies (powder,ball,patches,caps,etc) I am concerned about safety of using a near 60 year old used rifle. Going by online loading data powder range for 137 grain patched ball is from 60gr to 90gr. My thoughts are to sandbag the manure out of it and touch it off using 500ft of double line 100lb kite strings loaded with the full 90gr of FFF. Reasoning is I may never run full charge so if it handles it all remaining loads should be safe. And IF it fails I would rather be 500ft away than up close and in person.
Thoughts??

Grenadier1758 · Apr 25, 2023

You aren't actually proofing the barrel. This is a very procedural effort with all sorts of measurements done before and after firing. It is a reasonable functional integrity test. Sharron barrels are high quality barrels. It is my expectation that the barrel will pass this test. Look for any signs of gas leakage at the breech.

But first, determine the present condition of the barrel. Is there any pitting in the barrel? Any signs of rusting? What is the condition of the nipple seat? Can the nipple be easily removed? Any loose spots or tight spots in the barrel? Is it loaded? Do the lock and triggers work smoothly.

longcruise · Apr 25, 2023

There's a theory regarding proofing. It goes as this: The system by all observations nicely survived the proof but is weakened to the point of waiting for the proverbial straw!

Not saying it's so though. Just passing on an anecdote.

In any case, 60 to 90 may be a range of suggested loads but IMO, getting beyond the range of most practical applications. Many here kill deer with a 45 without getting into 90 grain country.

Loyalist Dave · Apr 25, 2023

Skylark4 said:
Hi everyone, received a Sharon Hawkins in 45 cal for my B-day a few weeks ago. Now having acquired shooting supplies (powder,ball,patches,caps,etc) I am concerned about safety of using a near 60 year old used rifle. Going by online loading data powder range for 137 grain patched ball is from 60gr to 90gr. My thoughts are to sandbag the manure out of it and touch it off using 500ft of double line 100lb kite strings loaded with the full 90gr of FFF. Reasoning is I may never run full charge so if it handles it all remaining loads should be safe. And IF it fails I would rather be 500ft away than up close and in person.
Thoughts??

Unless you've put an endo scope down the barrel and have found something that looks like structural flaw, you don't need to test it. If you think you've found a flaw magnafluxing is a better test.

LD

PathfinderNC · Apr 25, 2023

If this makes you more comfortable and confident, by all means go for it.

Sean E Bug · Apr 27, 2023

do you have a reason for the concern over the safety of the barrel? heavy rust, pitting, cracks, signs of gas leakage, bulge, or improperly fit breech plug?

Johnny Tremain · Apr 27, 2023

My 42 inch barrel can only process 75 grains of powder. Period.
Anything else is a waste. IF your barrel is shorter, wasting more.

According to Dixie Gun Works, you can fill the barrel with powder and double ball it, then touch it off.
No damage, just a waste of powder.

Skylark4 · Apr 27, 2023

Ok OK, after all the replys from you fine fellows, I grew a spine and loaded her up with 60 gr FFF. Target stand in back yard at 50 yd till I can tell its on paper then out to 100 or so. Wife standing off a ways(with first aid kit, she has seen me do dumb stuff before) and POOF. So surprising as to the sound. Not the Blast and sharpness of smokeless. Very cool. Neighbor's 2 miles away more than likely never even heard it. Now to work on getting it within a 6 inch square at 250 to 300 yards. Typical range on the whites and mules out here.

Wolfmanjack · Apr 28, 2023

Skylark4 said:
Ok OK, after all the replys from you fine fellows, I grew a spine and loaded her up with 60 gr FFF. Target stand in back yard at 50 yd till I can tell its on paper then out to 100 or so. Wife standing off a ways(with first aid kit, she has seen me do dumb stuff before) and POOF. So surprising as to the sound. Not the Blast and sharpness of smokeless. Very cool. Neighbor's 2 miles away more than likely never even heard it. Now to work on getting it within a 6 inch square at 250 to 300 yards. Typical range on the whites and mules out here.

250-300 yards with a round ball? Seriously Clark?

Frontier's · Apr 28, 2023

Over thinking. If the bore is clean and in good shape, load it up, find an accurate load.

Frontier's · Apr 28, 2023

Skylark4 said:
Ok OK, after all the replys from you fine fellows, I grew a spine and loaded her up with 60 gr FFF. Target stand in back yard at 50 yd till I can tell its on paper then out to 100 or so. Wife standing off a ways(with first aid kit, she has seen me do dumb stuff before) and POOF. So surprising as to the sound. Not the Blast and sharpness of smokeless. Very cool. Neighbor's 2 miles away more than likely never even heard it. Now to work on getting it within a 6 inch square at 250 to 300 yards. Typical range on the whites and mules out here.

Oh boy

BoomStick · Apr 28, 2023

Sharon started making barrels in 1973. Their Hawken kits were early 1980s, but (while they made 45 and smaller calibers) they only offered kits in 50 cal and larger. I'd be curious to see what you have, as it could be a custom using a Sharon barrel.

TreeMan · Apr 28, 2023

At 300 yards with a 45 roundball you’re gonna annoy the piss out of that deer. Might even leave a whelp if you double that 60grain powder charge. You might want to pull up a roundball velocity chart. At those distances there is like a 20 foot drop and less energy than a slingshot.

Kansas Jake · Apr 30, 2023

A decent 60 year old muzzle loader is as safe a 60 year old shotgun. Most not would proof a used modern firearm.

Skylark4 · May 1, 2023

To Boomstick, here's a photo or two.

waksupi · May 1, 2023

I even consider 300 yards irresponsible with a modern cartridge gun, and personally won't take a shot at over 200 yards with a modern rifle. The time it takes the projectile to get there, the animal can take a step, or the wind can gust. Don't be a slob gut shooting hunter. I've killed antelope with a trade gun and revolvers at under fifty yards. I don't care what kind of terrain you hunt, learn to be a hunter, not a shooter.

Your barrel was made by Sharon, the rifle was not.

Edm · May 1, 2023

Consistent 6” groups at 300 yards with a roundball. I’m sure it can be done but I’m not sure it will do what you want. Maybe on prairie dogs…

BoomStick · May 1, 2023

Skylark4 said:
To Boomstick, here's a photo or two.

Thanks for sharing. Nice rifle. It has some features of a TC gun.

A couple photos of my early 80s Sharon kit gun in 62 cal.

tenngun · May 1, 2023

No matter how hard you drive the ball it will go subsonic at around a hundred yards and at three hundred you will be down to three hundred fps
Lots of folks have taken lots of long range shots, but in practice less then a hundred is needed in ball and in .45 fifty around your tops for a quick clean kill

BillRob · May 1, 2023

I think Skylark4 might just be putting us on with the 300 yard comments!

45 cal proof load

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