Comparing results using BP and smokeless powder in my Taylor's Spencer 56-50?

[Two Flints]

Hi SSS,

You're at the range and have your Taylor's 56-50 ready to fire.  You have a box of BP cartridges and a box of smokeless cartridges.  What will the results be after firing each box assuming accuracy is about equal?  What differences can be expected?  I guess I'm thinking in terms of how Bp will affect my Spencer as opposed to the smokeless cartridges.

Any comments?

Two Flints

[French Jack]

First, you will hear the booming report of the black powder load.  You will see the cloud of smoke, and smell the burnt powder.  There may be just a slight bit more recoil.  After firing, the cleanup is quick and easy.  Takes all of about 5 minutes to clean the Spencer.  Takes longer to clean the fired cases.  With BP, you will notice much longer case life-- lower pressures are easier on the cases.

Once you try it, you will be hooked.

[Two Flints]

French Jack,

Thanks for responding...what about accuracy with everything else being equal with smokeless.  Will there be a difference in where the bullets hit with BP as opposed to the other? 

Two Flints

[Drydock]

All other things being equal, you may have a slightly higher point of impact using Black Powder.  This is due to increased recoil elevating the barrel slightly more prior to bullet exit. 

[Grizzle Bear]

I have only shot Black Powder in mine, however:

Considering the sights on the Taylor's Spencer, I don't think you could notice any difference in practical accuracy.  The gun shoots better than I can hold.

Grizzle Bear

[Crazeyiven]

I would be interested in specific loads that have been tried.  I have found a few scattered around.  Hodgdon's current reloading mag published 7gr of trail boss for, I think, around 800fps.  On this site and another site I've seen 9 gr of trail boss for around 1000 fps.  On this site I have also seen IMR 4227 at I believe it was 22.5 gr.  Do not remember a velocity listed.

I received a Taylor Arms Spencer carbine in 56-50 for Christmas.  I have some 300 gr jacketed bullets on order from Midway.  They are Barnes for the 50-110 winchester.  Want to load smokeless and the jacketed bullets to use for barrel breakin.  Using the guides as listed on Badger Barrels site.  I have a 1874 50-90 C Sharps (their barrels are from Badger).  Used the breakin guide and it made a noticable difference.

Anyway, would be interested in some other smokless loads, etc.

Love the site.

Thanks

David

[matt45]

Howdy, Crazeyiven,
     When you shoot those jacketed bullets, would you be so kind as to post the results?  It seems to be a general rule that original and replica Spencers like harder bullets.  Curious, given what those rifles shot.  Anyways, thanks
                                                                  matt45

[Crazeyiven]

Matt45

No problem.  Bullets arrived today.  Will try them out this weekend.

deg

[Crazeyiven]

Matt45-

Sorry I have not got back to this sooner.

Between work, weather and finding a smokless load I am willing to try I have not yet had the time to load or try these yet.

As soon as time & weather permit I will update this on results.

Thanks

David 

[Grapeshot]

Having fired BP, 777, and APP out of my Spencer I will tell you not to forget to clean the Magazine Tube in the Stock as well as the tube, follower, and spring that fits into the Mag tube.  I forgot to, and had the dickens of a time trying to get that removeable tube assembly out of the stock.

I am planning to shoot my Spencer, along with a pair of my C&B revolvers at Jefferson, PA this spring.  Should prove to be most interesting.

[matt45]

In regards to 777, how corrosive is it   Here of late I have had time to shoot maybe 10- 15 rounds a day Yeah, I am lazy enough to ask if a thourough cleaning is necessary every time like it is w/ the real stuff.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Howdy,

the triple seven won't hurt the steel if you don't clean right away, but it is bad on brass as BP.  I use Kaboom cleaner for 777 brass.  works great 1/3 kaboom/water.