Are there any real performance differences between the 50-110 Sharps and the 50-110 Winchester? Cartridges of the World lists very different ballistics for the two - is this due to the types of rifles used, or as a cartridge limitation? Bullet diameter is different: .509 for the Sharps and .512 for the Win.

Of specific interest to me is the once-factory Winc load of 300 gr bullet @ 2225 fps for the 50-110 Win. Can this load be duplicated with the 50-110 Sharps in an appropriate rifle? Basic 50 brass is used to make either case, so they do have a common denominator.

I'm thinking that a Ruger #1 in 50-110 would be a very nice companion to my 45-70. Any other ideas for an appropriate donor rifle for this round? I really can't think of any other ones I would want to use to get really good performance.

The other question is a barrel - anyone know who to call for a 50 cal bbl in the proper twist for the 50-110? I am not a bullet caster. Where can I get decent .512 lead bullets? I was also thinking that a guy could use 50BMG bullets in the Winchester variety also. They run .511 in diameter and offer spitzers, cheap milsurp, match grade, etc. Lots of options in projectiles anyway. As you can tell, I am leaning towards the 50-110 WInchester for a couple reasons. Does anyone shoot one of these? thanks, maxman

Buffalo Arms should be able to fix you up with anything you need from brass and bullets to barrels.

maxman,
i have a 50 alaskan in a rolling block. i shoot the 535 grain cast bullet out of an rcbs mould. never tried to push it real hard, keep it a little over 1600fps. i picked it as 348 brass is easier and cheaper to get than the 50 basic brass, and i already have it around for my 348 and 450 alaskan.

Max- I think the reason the ballistics are different is that late in the game winchester offered a smokless powder loading that was quite a bit more powerfull than the standard blackpowder. I could be wrong but at the moment I am too lazy to go look it up.

Maxman,

There is a Guy called Kev, who frequents the Marlin Big Bore forum, he has a 86 Winnie? thats chambered for 50.110 Winchester, he may be able to help with info.

Cheers, Choppa

I would also look hard at the 50-140 for the Ruger#1.

The Winchester 50-110 used fairly light bullets in an attempt at high velocities, the Sharp version used heavy bullets for hunting and long-range target shooting. Remember in this era of black powder the full cartridge loading was it's real name i.e. Winchester 50-110-285 & 50-100-450 used same 2.4" case, different bullets and BP loads. Sharps used 2.5" case for it's 50-90-??, 50-100-?? & 50-110-??, again just different bullets and BP loads.