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I have owned a Rolling Block - probably Pedersoli - the one sold by Navy Arms way back when.
: Originally, for me, it was barreled up with an extra heavy 1-1/4" 36" Hoch .45 barrel chambered for the RCBS & Bell 3-1/4" case.
: After having the barrel ruined by a local gun smith, I re-barreled it with a McGowen #5, 24" twist .50 cal barrel chambered for the .50 Alaskan, 28" long. The gun weight came out at 11 1/2lbs. with that barrel - perfect for heavy loads with mild recoil. The reason for this case was the ease of getting .348 brass. They held 90gr. 2F with a 520gr. Lyman or RCBS 550gr. bullets. I also shot smokeless in it with the same 520gr. and 550 gr. RCBS bullets up to 1,950fps. The 450gr. Lyman mould went a bit faster, in the 2,100fps range.
; Check to see if it has a small firing pin. It may or may not have one. The reason is for handling higher than 28,000PSI pressures if it has the small pin installed. It isn't necessary for fairly heavy loads. The action is certainly up to it, being a large #1 size action. This action was tested by Val Forget and Ken Waters up to some amazing pressures, much higher than most guys would ever attempt, as in the 50,000PSI ranges- not recommeneded, by the way. This was a blow-up test by them- don't do it as those pressures aren't necessary for even very powerful loads.
: Ken used it with his .45 2-3/4" case with 400gr. Speers at over 2,000fps, a feat which is easy at relatively low pressure in the larger cases.
: In 50-90, even with the large pin, (if that's what it has), you can drive the heavy bullets in the 1,900fps range, creating about as much recoil as you would want in a sporter weight rifle. They are well made actions, very strong for a rolling block, and very worthwhile having.
: As well, excellent tang sights are available.
: What is the twist of that .50 cal barrel? Most of the Shilo Sharps have a 36" twist which is most suitable for short slugs in the 450gr. range. Their .50's have been shot with 600gr. projectiles, but those will not be properly stabilized and probably won't have good long range accuracy, nor will they be particularly stable DURING penetration of game animals. If the bullet doesn't go in a straigth line, it isn't usable. Stick with 450gr. in the slow twists. If it has 48" twist, consider re-barreleing it with a McGowen barrel. He can not only chamber, but can sell a pre-threaded barrel for that action that fits correctly. that was the problem locally, up here in the bush.
: The McGowen barrel I bought was a 1-1/2MOA shooter to 300yds. In fact, with iron sights, it shot 1-1/2" at 100meters, 1-1/2" at 200meters and 3" at 300meters off the bench - with duplex BP loads & RCBS 550gr. bullet. It shot about the same with smokelss at 100, but 4" at 300meters - iron sights, remember. the bullet, partially overstabilized close up, settled down for incredible accuracy down range.
: HEY- .577 - wonder if that's mine???- if so, it isn't chambered for the 2-1/2" .50/90 Sharps case, but we still called it a 50-90. It's chambered for the 2.1" .50/.348Alaskan IMP. (straight case) I traded it to Leatherbelly and he has since sold it - quite a while ago, I believe. It could very well be the one I had - if so, it's VERY accurate & will easily win the Heffley Creek Silouette shoot- or hunting for that matter. If so, contct me by E-mail and I'll give you the loads it liked best. I think I've still got my data.
: If the price is good, and it has the proper twist (anything faster than 36") then buy it. You'll not regret it, I'm sure.

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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Edited by Daryl_S (28/09/05 07:49 AM)