Lyman or C-H dies, which are best?

[Bad Ramon]

Three days ago I received my Spencer carbine in 56-50 by way of Dixie Gun Works. I have read several of the posts and there seems to be a vast amount of data about loads and bullet selection. I am planning on buying some brass from Starline and probably a Lyman bullet mold.

There seems to be some discussion as to which dies are the right ones. My carbine says Armi Sport on the barrel and 56-50 Spencer. The rifling appears to be fairly even and true and rather shallow. I  am planning on slugging the barrel at a later time. There appears to be a definite bullet seat in front of the chamber that seems to end abruptly. Overall the gun is really a work of art. I'm guessing the trigger pull on mine is about 4 pounds. The question is: should I buy the Lyman dies or the C-H dies? Most of the dies I have bought in the past are either RCBS or Bonanza.

Thanks so much for a great site.

Bad Ramon

[Two Flints]

Bad Ramon,

A lot of SSS members use the Lyman 56-50 die set.  You may find this link interesting:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,16642.0.html

And regarding bullet moulds, you may want to see this link and info on the modiified bullet mould made by Dakota Widowmaker:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,6521.msg79757.html#msg79757

Two Flints

[Black River Smith]

I own the Lyman and they work for the new modern Spencer casings.  Watch the crimp dies.  Once fired brass does not want to crimp onto the bullet.  I believe this is more a factor of the hard Starline brass I use, rather than the die.

You may want to check that the C-H dies are meant for the modern Spencer brass/casing and not just meant for use on casings for old Original Spencers when converted to centerfire.  This I do not know for a fact.

Hope this helps you.

[Bad Ramon]

Thanks so much for the info. I'll probably go with the Lyman dies. Has anyone ever made a hollow-based bullet for this cartridge? Have a good one,......Ramon

[French Jack]

NEI Handtools makes a hollow-base bullet for the Spencer.  I believe it is referred to as the "Lakota Spencer".  Hollow base bullets are only available in single cavity moulds, however.


                                                            (added by Two Flints  )
http://www.neihandtools.com/catpages/mold_pg14.htm
                                (added by Two Flints  )

[Rancid Roy]

Howdy,

I have the Lyman dies and the crimp die was too long in the body. I unprofessionally ground down the body and finished it off with a file. Now the die goes deeper towards the case and crimps well.

I do not recall having a problem with the "belling" and to loose a fit due to too much "belling".