Reloading 56-50

[Deadeye Don]

I know where to get dies, primers, bullets  and powder, but I am not sure about the shell plate.  I have enough brass.   I have a Dillon 550B.  Do any of you use this to reload this caliber.  I could not find a converstion kit for 56-50 on the Dillon web site.  Have any of you used a Dillon press for 56-50?

[ndnchf]

I don't have a Dillon, but if its any help, I use the same shell holder used for .50-70.

[Two Flints]

Hi Deadeye,

Hope you have that Dillon mounted on a very sturdy bench

I think Dillon has already been approached with your question in the past . . .  one SSS member received the following reply from a Dillon Rep:

I asked Dillon if they had a shell plate for a 550 or 650 press that would work with the 56-50 Spencer cases.  The gentleman I spoke to said there it was not possible to load the 56-50 on a Dillon press because the rim size was too large

Why not shoot them an Email . . . maybe they can offer a suggestion on how to make it work for you.

Two Flints

[Fox Creek Kid]

Just buy a cheap single stage press, Don. I've never loaded more than say 60 rds. at one time anyway since it's not exactly an IDPA round. 

[Deadeye Don]

Thanks guys.  A single stage press it is. 

[pakm]

I reload for the 56-50 on a single stage also. I prime on a lee auto primer. I cut a washer down to fit the Lee auto primer,(I had to open up the lee Auto primer so the case would fit in it.  that part works find. I fill 1/4 -3/8 inch clear plastic tubes with Trail boss and trickle the TB into my scale. I use(I pour them) a Accurate molds 350-360gr. bullet they make for the spencer.  so far I've only shot it at 25 yards but I've gotten several three shot's in one big hole. and yes, I use a Dillon 550B for every thing else, but Dillon doesn't make a shell plate for the 56-50 and or the 50-70,(I"m loading for a friends sharps in 50-70) I use the same set up for the 50-70. I just neck size the brass for the sharps. and o0k, so it's kinda slow!
Pat

[pakm]

I shot my 56-50 spencer after a cowboy shoot last week. I've never shot it pass 25 yards. but it was dead on at about 65-75 yards. (I didn't think I could see that far) so it was dead on at 25 yards and now it pretty much dead on at 65-75 yards. I use the 350 gr. or so bullet for the rifle and 10 gr's of Trail boss. I understand your not suppose to compress TB. but I read where some one was shooting 12 gr.s of TB in their spencer. It better be a lighter bullet than mine.  I use 42.5 gr.s of 777 or pyrodex in my friends orginal spencer with the same bullet as mine.