The Enduring Legacy: Starline Brass 50-90 Sharps Rifle Brass – 50 Per Bag

For the discerning historical firearm enthusiast, the dedicated black powder cartridge reloader, or the competitive shooter seeking uncompromised authenticity and performance, the choice of brass is paramount. When it comes to the legendary .50-90 Sharps cartridge, a true icon of the American West, precision and consistency are not just desirable traits—they are necessities. This comprehensive guide explores why Starline Brass STAR5090EUP5, offering 50 unprimed cases per bag, stands as the definitive choice for bringing these historic firearms back to life with unparalleled reliability and accuracy.

Who Needs Starline Brass 50-90 Sharps?

Are you an avid collector of historical firearms, particularly those chambered for the mighty .50-90 Sharps? Perhaps you're deeply involved in black powder cartridge reloading, striving to reproduce the authentic performance of these powerful rounds. Or maybe you participate in long-range shooting competitions, where every component, from the bullet to the brass case, contributes to that elusive sub-MOA group. If you answer yes to any of these, then Starline Brass 50-90 Sharps is meticulously crafted for your needs.

This product is specifically designed for:

• Black Powder Cartridge Reloaders: Those who understand the nuances of black powder ballistics and require robust, consistent brass capable of handling traditional loads.
• Historical Firearm Enthusiasts: Individuals dedicated to preserving and accurately shooting vintage Sharps rifles, whether original or high-quality reproductions.
• Long-Range Competitors: Shooters participating in Black Powder Cartridge Rifle (BPCR) silhouette, Creedmoor, or other precision events where consistency is king.
• Hunters: For those utilizing a .50-90 Sharps for appropriate big game hunting, demanding reliable terminal performance.

Unlocking the Power of the .50-90 Sharps: Why Quality Brass Matters

The .50-90 Sharps, also known as the .50-90 Sharps Straight, is a powerful black powder cartridge developed in the late 19th century. Renowned for its use in buffalo hunting and long-range target shooting, it fires heavy bullets with significant muzzle energy, making it an impressive cartridge even by modern standards. However, the unique demands of black powder—including its corrosive nature, voluminous powder charges, and the critical importance of proper case capacity and neck tension—mean that standard brass simply won't suffice.

Investing in high-quality unprimed brass like that from Starline is not just about having a supply of cases; it's about building a foundation for superior performance. Poor quality brass can lead to:

• Inconsistent powder charges due to varying internal case volume.
• Erratic pressure curves, affecting velocity and accuracy.
• Premature case failure, posing safety risks and shortening brass life.
• Difficulty in seating bullets consistently, impacting concentricity.
• Increased fouling and cleaning challenges due to improper obturation.

By choosing Starline Brass, you eliminate these variables, allowing you to focus on the art and science of reloading and shooting.

What Problems Does Starline Brass Solve for the .50-90 Sharps Shooter?

The Starline Brass 50-90 Sharps (STAR5090EUP5) directly addresses several critical challenges faced by reloaders and shooters of this magnificent cartridge:

1. Scarcity of Components: The .50-90 Sharps is not a mainstream cartridge. Finding reliable, high-quality components can be a significant hurdle. Starline provides a consistent, readily available source of premium brass, ensuring your reloading bench never runs dry.
2. Consistency in Reloading: Each Starline case is manufactured to exacting specifications, offering uniform wall thickness, consistent internal volume, and precisely sized primer pockets and case mouths. This consistency is vital for achieving predictable velocities and exceptional accuracy, especially crucial for long-range engagements.
3. Durability for Multiple Firings: Black powder reloading can be hard on brass. Starline's proprietary brass alloy and manufacturing processes result in cases that withstand numerous reloading cycles, providing an excellent return on your investment. Their cases are known for resisting splits and cracks, even after repeated resizing and annealing.
4. Optimal Performance with Black Powder: The brass is specifically engineered to perform optimally with black powder loads, providing excellent obturation (the expansion of the case to seal the chamber) to prevent gas blowback and ensure efficient powder combustion.
5. Simplified Reloading Process: With consistent dimensions, Starline brass minimizes the need for extensive case preparation. This means less time trimming, deburring, and uniforming, and more time at the range.

The Starline Advantage: Precision Engineering for Historic Cartridges

Starline Brass has earned its reputation as a premier manufacturer of cartridge cases through an unwavering commitment to quality and precision. When you choose Starline for your .50-90 Sharps needs, you are choosing a product backed by decades of expertise.

• Proprietary Brass Alloy: Starline utilizes a unique blend of brass specifically formulated for strength, ductility, and consistent spring back, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This alloy allows the cases to withstand the pressures of firing while remaining pliable enough for multiple resizing operations.
• Strict Quality Control: Every batch of brass undergoes rigorous inspection, from raw material to finished product. This includes precise measurement of dimensions, examination for structural integrity, and consistency checks on weight and internal volume. This dedication to quality control ensures that every case in your 50-count bag meets the highest standards.
• Optimized Annealing Process: Starline employs an advanced annealing process that ensures the case necks and shoulders have the optimal hardness for consistent neck tension, while the case body remains strong to prevent stretching and head separation. This balance is crucial for safe and accurate reloading.
• Uniform Flash Holes: The flash holes are precisely punched and deburred, ensuring consistent ignition every time. This often-overlooked detail is critical for achieving low extreme spreads (ES) and standard deviations (SD) in velocity, which directly translates to tighter groups downrange.
• Perfect Primer Pockets: Primer pockets are meticulously formed to ensure a snug fit for primers, preventing loose primers and ensuring reliable ignition without excessive pressure.

Real-World Applications: Where Does the .50-90 Sharps Shine?

The .50-90 Sharps, supported by Starline Brass, finds its niche in various demanding shooting disciplines and historical reenactments:

• Black Powder Cartridge Rifle (BPCR) Silhouette: This challenging sport involves shooting at steel targets representing game animals at distances up to 1000 yards. The .50-90 Sharps, with its heavy bullet and high ballistic coefficient, is a formidable competitor, and consistent brass is essential for repeatable long-range accuracy.
• Creedmoor Style Long-Range Shooting: Recreating the historic long-range matches of the 19th century, Creedmoor shooting demands absolute precision. The .50-90 Sharps, when loaded with high-quality components like Starline brass, can deliver exceptional performance at these extended ranges.
• Historical Reenactments and Living History: For those who immerse themselves in the history of the American West, shooting an authentic Sharps rifle with period-correct ammunition (or meticulously reloaded modern versions) adds an invaluable layer of authenticity to the experience.
• Hunting: While not as common today, the .50-90 Sharps was historically used for large game, including buffalo. With appropriate loads and modern bullets (if desired, though many prefer cast lead for authenticity), it remains a potent cartridge for ethical hunting in specific contexts.
• Personal Enjoyment and Practice: Simply experiencing the raw power and historical connection of shooting a .50-90 Sharps is a reward in itself. Starline Brass ensures that every range session is productive and enjoyable.

Getting Started with Your Starline 50-90 Sharps Brass

Upon receiving your 50-count bag of Starline Brass STAR5090EUP5 cases, you’ll find them ready for your reloading process. While Starline brass is known for its "ready to load" quality, a few steps are always recommended for optimal results, especially with black powder cartridges:

1. Inspection: Visually inspect each case for any minor imperfections that may have occurred during shipping or handling.
2. Full Length Sizing (Optional but Recommended): Even new brass can benefit from a full-length sizing pass. This ensures uniformity and proper chambering, especially if you have a tight chamber or are using a progressive press.
3. Primer Pocket Uniforming (Optional for Match Loads): For the ultimate in consistency, especially for competitive shooting, uniforming the primer pockets can ensure consistent primer seating depth and ignition.
4. Case Mouth Deburring/Chamfering: Although Starline brass is typically well-finished, a quick deburr and chamfer of the case mouth will make bullet seating smoother and prevent damage to bullets.
5. Annealing (After Multiple Firings): While not necessary for new brass, after several firing cycles, annealing the case necks and shoulders will restore ductility and prevent work hardening, significantly extending the life of your Starline cases.

Essential Components for Reloading .50-90 Sharps

To get the most out of your Starline 50-90 Sharps brass, consider these complementary components, all available from reputable suppliers like DEGuns:

• Large Rifle Primers: Choose reliable large rifle primers, standard or magnum depending on your load and powder choice.
• Black Powder: Authentic .50-90 loads demand black powder. Consult reloading manuals for appropriate granulations (e.g., FFg, FFFg) and charge weights.
• Cast Lead Bullets: Historically, heavy cast lead bullets (typically 450-550+ grains) were used. These are still the preferred choice for authenticity and performance in black powder loads. Look for bullets with appropriate lube grooves and bore diameter.
• Wads: Card wads and grease cookies are often used in black powder loads to protect the base of the bullet, provide lubrication, and ensure a tight gas seal.
• Reloading Dies: A dedicated set of .50-90 Sharps reloading dies is essential for resizing, depriming, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating.
• Reloading Manuals: Always consult multiple reputable reloading manuals specifically for black powder cartridges and the .50-90 Sharps to ensure safe and effective load development.

The Investment in Longevity and Performance

Choosing Starline Brass for your .50-90 Sharps reloading is an investment in the longevity of your components, the consistency of your loads, and ultimately, the enjoyment and success of your shooting endeavors. Each case is a testament to Starline's commitment to quality, designed to be reliable for many reloading cycles, offering exceptional value over time.

Don't settle for less when preserving and enjoying the heritage of such a powerful and historic cartridge. Equip yourself with the best foundation for your loads, available conveniently at DEGuns.

Where to Acquire Your Starline Brass

Starline Brass STAR5090EUP5 for the .50-90 Sharps is a popular choice for serious reloaders. For a reliable source of this premium brass, look no further than DEGuns. They stock a wide array of reloading components, ensuring you have access to the best for your shooting needs.

Key Specifications and Product Details

Understanding the precise details of your reloading components is crucial. The STAR5090EUP5 product code signifies a commitment to quality and consistency from Starline Brass.

Feature	Detail
Product Type	Unprimed Rifle Cartridge Brass
Caliber	.50-90 Sharps
Manufacturer	Starline Brass
Quantity	50 Cases Per Bag
Condition	New, Unprimed
Material	High-Quality Brass Alloy
Manufacturing	Precision Drawn, Annealed, Consistent Dimensions
Purpose	Reloading Black Powder Cartridges for Historic Rifles & Competition Shooting
Availability	Available through DEGuns (STAR5090EUP5)
Expected Life	Multiple Reloading Cycles with Proper Care
Application	Historical Firearms, BPCR Competition, Hunting, Recreational Shooting