New Spencer wannabi shooter

[Preston County Rider]

Folks - had a chance to shoot a Spencer 56-50 replica a few weeks ago in West-By-God-Virginia and, quite honestly, decided I got to have one. Been doing some checking around re supporting this gun - looking for relaoding dies, bullets, etc. I currently shoot BP only with a .44 OT, .45 P model, and an Uberti Henry 44-40. Also got an old Warrior Trapdoor and Pedersoli RB, both in 45-70.
I am comfortable with my own reloading. My questions are - dies out there? Bullets - where are the best to start with/ - any other things I should consider. I saw the Starline brass - just a LITTLE pricey, eh? Would appreciate any thoughts you Spencer folks got in starting out. Oh, yeah, I need the gun too! Dixie seems to have the best price going. Any thoughts?
Thanks for your time.

Preston County Rider 

[French Jack]

The Starline brass is the only way to go-- other routes are more expensive.  The brass should last almost forever, used with BP.  Dies are available from Lyman's, as is a decent bullet, the mould # 515139.  Use any LR primer you prefer.  Bullets from the Lyman mould work well pan lubed and shot as cast.  I believe there are a couple of threads on this forum with information regarding your questions.

[Two Flints]

Hello Preston County Rider,

I would have responded to your thread sooner, but last night we had one horrific electrical storm and my computer just came back on line.

Please check the ORI Thread (often Requested Information) for most of the information you are looking for regarding the Spencer, especially loading suggestions.

You also need to let me know if you are joining SSS   If you plan to join, just post that you are joining, at the Register Here thread, the first one on the SSS Home Page.

Two Flints

[major]

Preston
If you like the Spencer and you already have a Henry in 44-40 you might want to consider getting the Spencer in 44-40 instead of 56-50.  They are a lot cheaper and easier to load for and you already have the dies.  BTW I have a new one for sale for $1050. (shameless plug).

Terry

[Sagebrush Burns]

Major, that's a hell of a good price, makes me wish I shot 44-40.  Taylor's now wants something over $1300 for new ones.  PCR, since you already load and shoot 44-40 and 45 Colt, either of those would be a good way to go.  I'm just getting started with a 45 Colt and it is being an interesting and educational process.  Way fun, too.

[Preston County Rider]

Major - I do have to say I jumped when I saw your Spencer - I love me Uberti Henry in 44-40 and am not sure she would like to see another 44-40 in the case.....she is a tough old bird. How many rounds does the 44-40 hold and is there a Stabler-like cutoff to allow magazine plus one?

[major]

PCR
You can put 7 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber but there isn't a stabler cutoff on the gun.  I never really cared for the cutoff anyway as I don't think it was very user friendly.  The 44-40 Spencer is a hoot to shoot.  I mostly shoot blanks out of the one I reenact with but I did try it with live rounds once and it did pretty good.
Major

[Deadeye Don]

Get the 56-50.  You wont look back if you do.   

[Preston County Rider]

Deadeye - I think you are right - Major, thanks for the info on your 44-40 but think I will hold out for the 56-50

[walkinboss]

Hey Major,

Please e-mail me some info on the .44-40 Carbine for sale. Is it a Taylors or Cimarron? Who handles the warrantee?  Do you need to ship to an FFL (I'm in New Mexico now, but moved here from White Plains NY)? Any other info?

Thanks,

Walkin' Boss

[major]

Walkin' Boss
E-mail sent.
Terry, AKA Major