The U.S. Sharp Shooters were renown for their battlefield prowess and unerring accuracy with their customized Sharps rifles. But, as Dean S. Thomas wrote in the preface of his book Roundball to RImfire A History of Civil War Small Arms Ammunition; “In the end it can be safely stated that You do not know your Civil War gun unless you know and understand its ammunition.”

In 2020, I accepted Dean Thomas' challenge by creating the 'Authentic Sharps Cartridge Project'. Joined by fellow Sharps researchers, Brian White and Dan Wambaugh, I have sought to recreate the ammunition used so effectively on the battlefield by the U.S. Sharp Shooters.

I caution the reader, this article is for educational purposes only. If you do not have the knowledge, skill or patience, do not attempt to recreate these cartridges yourself. Working with molten lead and black powder are dangerous and can cause severe injury or death. Be smart, be safe.

http://berdansharpshooters.com/Sharps_Cartridge.pdf

Bill Skillman
Michigan Companies
Berdan Sharpshooters Survivors Association

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