I wasn't aware that a Sharps Rifle was a Muzzle-loader, I thought it was a breech-loading black powder cartridge rifle. If that's the case, then I'd say we're still dealing with apples and oranges here.
“I thought it was a breech-loading black powder cartridge rifle. If that’s the case, then I’d say we’re still dealing with apples and oranges here.”
Whether loaded at the breech or barrel, what counts is the size of the black powder charge. A black powder cartridge rifle has no more potential power than a muzzleloader using a similar charge. It’s just more convenient to load and carry ammo.
The Sharps is a breech loader, but it is still a black powder rifle. During the 1874 Creedmore Match, the US and Irish marksmen were regularly hitting the bullseye at 1,000 yards (the furthest target available at the match), with one American scoring thirty-six bullseyes and nine centers with his forty-five shots for an amazing 171 out of 180 points possible.