Big Fifty up and running

[Roosterman]

 Took the 50 95 out for it's first run last evening. Being dusk it sure put out some fire works! Recoil is similar to a .62 muzzleloading rifle. It appears to be very accurate, shot some on paper then moved over to the steel silhouettes. Had to rehang the steel after I hit them. The only thing that would improve this gun would be a better trigger and better eyesight!

[Dave T]

Rooster,

I had the same problem with my 50 2-1/2" Sharps Business Rifle.  I had a steel gong target built by a local welder that was supposed to stand up to it.  Every time I hit it the gong went flying, even out at 100 yards.  Still looking for a portable (I have to set it up myself in the desert) gong that will stand up to my "Big Fifty".  Best of luck and good shooting with your 50 cal.

Dave

[King Medallion]

Plus one on the better eyesight! Glad your happy with your 50 cannon. Powder and bullets?

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[Roosterman]

Plus one on the better eyesight! Glad your happy with your 50 cannon. Powder and bullets?

The Bullet was from BACO, .513 @ 350gr. I tried a few with 27gr of 5744. Most was Goex 2ff ....I think 78gr or so. The 5744 was very mild. The BP loads were a lot more fun. I will probably only shoot black from here on out. I got a bullet mold from accurate molds for this that throws  350gr .513's that I'll be using from now on. Iowa now allows  using straight cartridges for deer hunting now. This gun may draw me back out in the field to murder Bambi again.

[King Medallion]

Is it considered a straight walled cartridge? I think it would be considered a bottle neck. I wish Illinois would let us use rifles, I'd be all over that! My 50/95 is the Presidio model, and a full shell of 2X is a definite thump on both ends.

[Roosterman]

Is it considered a straight walled cartridge? I think it would be considered a bottle neck. I wish Illinois would let us use rifles, I'd be all over that! My 50/95 is the Presidio model, and a full shell of 2X is a definite thump on both ends.

My 50 95 loads look straight sided! Actually they are slightly bottle necked.
Iowa law on rifle cartridges:

"Rifles firing a straight wall or other centerfire ammunition with a diameter no less than .350 and on larger than .500." 

A little confusing, the way it's worded you should be able to use just about anything. I guess the 50 95 is illegal as its .13 too big?

[King Medallion]

I reckon you'll need to ask the DNR of Iowa to be sure. What part of Iowa are you?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

You should say it is a .50-95. You don't need to mention that the bullet is.513. The excess is just there to fill the grooves!

[Roosterman]

I reckon you'll need to ask the DNR of Iowa to be sure. What part of Iowa are you?

Right on the edge of Scott county.

[Montana Slim]

The Iowa DNR has FUBAR'd on the details of their "pistol" & "rifle" many times, so it's not a surprise. I submitted suggestions almost yearly since they introduced these weapons. Adding the "other" to the "straight-walled", negates the "straight" requirement. I'm not sure if the ".500" was purposeful, to limit the bullet diameter or just another dumb mistake of not knowing the difference between .50 CALIBER & what they wrote. Back in the day, I would explain details in emails to them & included my office info with daytime phone number, adding I'd be glad to answer technical specifications relating to firearms & ammunition. As you can guess, no response. Likely they collaborate with other states or agencies rather than SMEs.

Next thing I'd consider is whether a DNR enforcement officer will be pulling bullets or slugging your bore to measure with a calibrated micrometer to determine compliance - LOL. Or, will be just admire your items & say, yup.. 50 caliber - great rifle.

Regards,
Slim

Preparing the 1876 for duty of holding deer accountable for their many trepidations!!