Starr Carbine 45-70 Ammo Needed *** Photos Added ***

[vettime82]

I just purchased an antique Starr carbine, cartridge conversion. It was rebarreled for a 45-70 cartridge. I would like to take it to the range. Does anyone no where I can purchase some 45-70 ammo cheap? Nothing fancy, just to try it out.










                                                  (Photos Posted by Two Flints)                 

Thanks,

Vettime82

[Two Flints]

I don't know about pricing, but I have purchased Spencer ammo from them and have been pleased.  Just to try out your Starr conversion...

http://www.tenxammo.com/files/Shooter_Direct_Pricing_1-1-2010b.pdf

Two Flints

[JimBob]

Ammunition prices are getting ready to take a hefty increase in price as well as components,I wouldn't dawdle buying.

[Arizona Trooper]

I'd be very leery of shooting even full black powder loads in a 45-70 Starr action, That double wedge locking system is not strong, even by the standards of the day. Start with about 40 grains of FF, a 405 bullet and lots of card wads to take up the empty space in the case. The off-the-shelf 45-70 smokeless rounds would probably be dangerous in a Starr. Recall that an ordnance officer during the war commented on the Starr; "It is an evasion of the Sharps, with all of it's drawbacks and none of its advantages."

[JimBob]

Any chance of some pictures showing the breech block conversion?

[5judge]

I've never heard of a .45-70 Starr. To fire one, I'd recruit my worst enemy and stand back. "Way back.

[vettime82]

Hi,
To clarify things and give a better decription of the carbine. It is a STARR CARTRIDGE CARBINE, made by the Starr Arms Co. Yonkers New York. Total quanity 5,002. The first 1,000 were delivered by March 9, 1865 and those were issued to the Winchester (VA) Ordance Depot. By April 10th 2,0000 more were received, the balance of the order completed by May 25,1865.
52 caliber rimfire. Single SHOT, FALLING .BLOCK BREACH. MECHANISM, 21" ROUND BARREL. Identical in most respects to its percussion predecessor,this model was smaller, straight hammer. The percussion carbine model was rated better than the Sharps in government tests. Information taken from Flayderman's guide 9th edition. The one described in the post and not attempted to fire, is rebarreled with a new 45-70, 24" barrel. I will post some pictures later today. Thanks for your responses.

[vettime82]

Sorry, can't seem to figure out how to post pictures here.

[Fox Creek Kid]

No. 1    I would NEVER shoot that gun with smokeless loads.

No. 2    I would never shoot that with blackpowder loads as well.

The Starr was not designed for that cartridge even in its earliest BP format. It's a wall hanger for sure., 

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Have to agree with FCK here. BP Gallery loads at the most.