Favorite Handload

hooey · January 22, 2011, 12:38:42 PM

Okay you guys, what's yer favorite handload for the Armi-Sport 56-50 Spencer? I have been using Trail Boss, good at closer ranges...not so accurate down range. I'm just looking for a fairle accurate load out to 150 yards or so.
Thanks!

Two Flints · January 22, 2011, 12:49:10 PM

Hooey,

Try this link for loading information. Lots to pick from.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,14075.0.html

Two Flints
SSS Moderator

hooey · January 22, 2011, 01:01:13 PM

Perfect, thanks!

.56/50 Iron · January 23, 2011, 02:15:03 PM

Hello! Keepiing in mind the standard disclaimers, here is my load.
Lyman #518145 made from Wheel Weight metal, about 350 grains. This comes out of the mould at about .514" and I size to .512" . Best accuracy with wheel weight metal, mediocre feeding. Good accuracy and perfect feeding with the harder linotype metal. Does not allow the leading edge of the breechblock to cut into the nose of the slug hanging up feeding,The linotype slug weighs 536 grains lubed.
9 grains of Trail Bpss powder. This from directions I followed from the Hodgdon Powder Company tech.
CCI #300 Large Pistol Primer.
OA length I don't have here at my desk but can retieve it for you if you need it.
Velocity of this load as I chronographed it is 978 feet per second! A good little thumper!
Best accuracy that is repeatable is at 75 yards.
Note that while I tried Swiss 1 1/2 black powder, I got the best accuracy with the Trail Boss load. As I recall, I also tried some loads with Unique, but I will have to look those up if you want them.
Starline cases.
Good Luck!
56/50 Iron

Jbar4Ranch · January 24, 2011, 02:31:46 PM

Modded Lee cast bullet, and a case of Goex, KiK, or whatever I have handy. VERY accurate, and lots of smoke, hellfire & brimestone.

Arizona Trooper · January 24, 2011, 07:34:35 PM

56/50 Iron, watch out for pistol primers. They are very much more sensitive than rifle primers and greatly increase the risk of a magazine explosion.

I know of several Henrys that have gone up because of high pistol primers (one while I was talking to Val Forget about that very subject on the line at an N-SSA National). N-SSA does not allow loading Henry magazines on the line due to these incidents, but does allow reloading Spencer magazines as there has never been a problem. That said, I personally know of one Spencer (primer type unknown) blowing a magazine in modern times. There are doubtless at least a few more. But overall, rifle primers make tube magazines a lot safer. Unlike a Henry, a Spencer will go off right between your hands and your face.

Sorry, I'll get down off my soapbox now.

Jbar4Ranch · January 25, 2011, 10:09:08 AM

Quote from: Arizona Trooper on January 24, 2011, 07:34:35 PMI personally know of one Spencer (primer type unknown) blowing a magazine in modern times.

While being loaded, or a sympathetic detonation while being fired?

Arizona Trooper · January 25, 2011, 04:39:46 PM

While being fired. It blew the magazine tube in two where it screws into the frame, blew out the stock on the side opposite the lock and bent the lock plate about 10 degrees to the right. Luckily the shooter was right handed. It slightly lacerated his left arm and really buzzed his right hand fingers, but otherwise he was OK.

Jbar4Ranch · January 25, 2011, 10:59:11 PM

Dang.

El Tigre · January 29, 2011, 02:11:22 AM

Quote from: hooey on January 22, 2011, 12:38:42 PM
Okay you guys, what's yer favorite handload for the Armi-Sport 56-50 Spencer? I have been using Trail Boss, good at closer ranges...not so accurate down range. I'm just looking for a fairle accurate load out to 150 yards or so.
Thanks!

Look to this.
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,28223.0.html

I am take sw1