Hi Shilohdiver, thanks for the compliment. I am just starting out experimenting, googled m1853 Sharps cartridges and found Star and Bullock, ( cartridgekits.com ). I watched their YouTube video and that gave me an idea of what’s involved in making paper cartridges. I bought one of their loading kits and some .54 cal Richmond bullets. Now the fun begins. I’m getting calipers today because so much is involved in getting this right. Th bullet is too big for the bore, which may be correct, but I don’t know by how much. I remember loading BP pistols and seating the ball, it was tight and left lead shavings when seated. I also need to figure out the load, best black powder, length of chamber, ( I’ll make a cartridge and mark the edge of the chamber ), and I’m sure there will be many more questions to be answered as I go along. That’s why I’m here, hoping to get some advice from the experienced shooters here, and who knows, share what I’m learning along the way. This is a new hobby for me, I’ll see where it leads. Thanks in advance.
Hope I haven’t overstepped my bounds, is it OK to discuss Sharps on this Spencer site. My intention is to share my Spencer when it arrives and discuss a center fire conversion that will soon follow.