Could anyone please tell me how much pressure a Pedersolli sharps actioned rifle in 45/70 can take ,say ,in relation to what a Ruger No. 1 can take in the same calibre,as I would have to use a heavy load to get the velocity required by law in the UK

The original Sharps are in the same strength catagory as a Trapdoor Springfield. The design of the firing pin arrangement is not suitable for modern smokeless loads. It had to do with more than just a fat firing pin. You need to use low pressure loads. The action is actually quite strong, according to Frank DeHass. I do not know what Pedrosoli had or has not done to improve the firing pin issue. I would not hot rod a Sharps rifle regardless of who made it. Your eyes are a terrible thing to waste.

[ 10-03-2002, 02:46: Message edited by: scot ]

Pintail---

It's unfair to compare anything with the Ruger #1 as far as handling pressure is concerned.

The Number One is one of the strongest, safest, and least likely to hurt you, actions in the world. They will withstand pressures far above any bolt action made.....it won't still work, but it won't let go.

I asked this question of Pedersoli last year. E-mail reply said the max was 27,000 PSI. A few have speculated that the Pedersolis might take more, but no one has tested them above 27,000 that I am aware of. If you need more than that in a single shot get a #1 or Browning ( if you can still find one).

Pedersoli test their Sharps actions with a load that's +30% hotter than the hottest commercial sold factory load. Does that help?
Henrik