Silly Question

[Major Matt Lewis]

I just ordered the Spencer in .56-50.  Are there any smokeless loads out there for them?

[Two Flints]

Hi Major,

Welcome to SSS.  If you will check back on earlier posts you may find the answer to your question on smokeless loads.  Specifically on page 4 of this forum, I believe, the date of the post is May 11.  Check that post and the replies.  It may be of some help.

Two Flints

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Howdy pard, and welcome.

Ken's Ten X sells both smokeless and BP (loaded with American Pioneer Powder) loads.  The smokeless is stiff at what Ken says is about 1300FPS.  The "BP" loads are at about 1100 FPS.  I loade a 350 grain bullet and 40 grains of Hodgdon's Triple Seven to duplicate the original 45 grains of black powder.  I haven't chronyed them, but I guess around 1250 FPS.

Buffalo Arms sells brass, bullets, molds, and dies for the Taylor's 56-50.

[Major Matt Lewis]

Thanks guys

[Black River Smith]

Not to be too funny Matt.   BUT YOU ORDERED A WHAT? (not shouting) but (in a dumbfounded way).

You!!! after all the NCOWS posting, 21 pages.

You ordered one of the slowest operating rifles available.

OH well, one can never tell.

Hope you like it.  They are really nice and interesting to load for.

Welcome to the other side.

Black River Smith

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Maybe he just became enlightened!

After all, shooting a Spencer is the most fun you can have (with you clothes on)!  To me, it is almost a primordial, religious experience!

[Hell-Er High Water]

Major Matt,

I believe that I posted this previously, but here it is again.  My smokeless load is with the modified Lee 335 grain bullet and 23.5 grains of IMR 4227 powder.  This load pretty well fills the case so there is no chance of double charging and powder position is not a concern.  I have also tried Unique, IMR 4198, SR 4759 & AA 5744 and all gave less than satisfactory results.  The details on the modified Lee mould is posted on other Spencer topics, along with photos.  I like the modified Lee bullet as it gives an over all cartridge length close to the original Spencer 56-50 cartridge length and has a nice big, flat nose which I like with a magazine full of them right under my chin.  If you need any additional info eMail me direct at wrheller@sbcglobal.net.  Keep us posted.

Hell-Er High Water

[Major Matt Lewis]

Black River,



LOL!  Yup, I ordered one.  I will never use it in a main match, but as somebody over on the SASS Wire said, no Cowboy Fire Arms Collection is complete without one.  Also, I like to get Froggy at the GAF Muster.  You never know when your going to run up to a stage and find a staged rifle.....

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Howdy pard,

Actually I use mine as a main match rifle quite often, even though it is 56-50!  I only use it with big targets that have good support.  At the Yolo and Murietta monthly matches , and at Plainfield Raid and High Sierra annuals in CA,  they let me shoot it for "crowd entertainment value".  I just use common sense on which targets I shoot, and always check with the posse leader first.  They have always said yes.

Granted, you could not use it at Winter Range or EOT, but locally, everyone seems to like it.  I always bring extra ammo, because peoiple always want to shoot it after the match!