I am probably full of it Jim, but didn't they use a Minnie in those things and a nitrated paper cartridge? derf

Thanks ffffg for the reply. I agree with you as to overall consistancy in loading for ML rifles. I have been a shooter for many years. This Sharps thing has me buffaloed. I had hoped that someone on the board has some pet loads, bullets, powder, etc. I agree with you about the substitute powders and have not seen much advantage in using them. The Sharps, being a breech loader with a sliding breech block has its own special "idiotsyncracies" in fouling the breech and causing difficulty in loading after a few shots. Spit will loosen it up fairly well and the nice thing about it is you always have it with you and it is free! The triple seven did not foul as badly as black but the damn stuff won't light up.
As to the ramrod pressure, it must have been late when you mentioned that. NO RAMROD ON A SHARPS. I never make mistakes. JIMBO