Describe & List Your Best Reloading System for the 56-50 Spencer

[Two Flints]

Hi SSS,

You guys have discussed in great detail the various components needed to produce 56-50 rounds that can be fired from a 56-50 Spencer without jamming, etc. But, it doesn't appear that everyone has the same reloading system.  So, I have to ask, is one reloading system better than another?

Now, let's suppose someone came up to you who had just purchased a Taylor Spencer 56-50 carbine and wanted to do his own reloading for the very first time.  What would you recommend he purchase for reloading equipment (that has worked for you) that would give him the best possible finished rounds that would shoot without problems from that 56-50 Spencer?  It would be really great if you could list those items to buy, why that particular item, and how much it cost you (estimate).

It would be great if you would just LIST YOUR OWN RELOADING COMPONENTS without questioning another SSS members choice of components. Just what has worked best for you.  The information you provide would be a great help to new owners  of Spencer 56-50s. 

I realize some of you will be repeating reloading information you have already posted on SSS in other threads, but unfortunately that information has become rather scattered over a long period of time in too many pages to find, and that can get frustrating.    So, can you help us "new reloaders" out

Thanks,

Two Flints

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Howdy,

I use a LEE turret press with auto index and a four stage turret.  On the powder charging die, I have a funnel on the top and drop the powder from a drop tube from a dipper (LEE 3.1 + 45 grains volume 777).  I use Winchester magnum rifle, Dakotas 350 modified LEE with hard cast, and the 45 gtrains of 777, all in a Starline case..  1 inch at 25 yards from the infantry rifle.

[Glenn]

CH dies and the Rapine 360 grain for my original 56-50 rifle  Must be full lenth resized and touchy on length with a max of 1.60"to 1.65" working vey well.  Harder cast bullets feed better but the soft ones look like they should be premo for serious hunting.  When all is correct they feed like a dream.  If things mess up you're only one screw away from dumping the whole thing out the bottom.  I get fair groups with the Rapine but I plan to try other bullets since I feel it's shy on grease grooves. 

[French Jack]

I resize my cases with Lyman dies for the Taylor 56-50.  I do not completely resize the case, I leave the die backed off from the shell holder a couple of turns.  I prime with Federal LR Magnum primers, and expand the neck to accept the bullet which is a Lyman 515139 sized to .512 in a Lee push through sizing die.  Lube is my own recipe. I pan lube, then size.  The bullets are cast of lead of a 1/40 or 1/30 alloy ( 1 part tin to 40 parts lead, or 1 part tin to 30 parts lead.)  I have had better results with the 1/40 alloy.  I charge with 34 gr. of Wano FFG black powder, which is droptubed and slightly compressed, and seat the bullet and crimp with a medium crimp.  Overall length is 1.525 +/-.  I have had no problems or hitches in feeding or performance. 
I was initially concerned about the lube capacity of this bullet, and found that I had a lube star on the muzzle, and recovered bullets still had some lube in the grooves.  This tells me that the lube did not 'run out' in the barrel. 

Your results may vary, as each barrel seems to be a law unto itself.  I obtain one hole groups at 50 yards, just wallowed out to the size of a quarter.  I have had no leading problems, and clean up is easy with only 4 to 5 patches.

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Howdy,

I use a LEE turret press with auto index and a four stage turret.  On the powder charging die, I have a funnel on the top and drop the powder from a drop tube from a dipper (LEE 3.1 + 45 grains volume 777).  I use Winchester magnum rifle, Dakotas 350 modified LEE with hard cast, and the 45 gtrains of 777, all in a Starline case..  1 inch at 25 yards from the infantry rifle.

Add to that, a nice 50 or 64 rd holding case. The MTM caseguard units for the 50AE hold 64 rounds and are the same size as a 100rd 45lc box. Cabelas sells 50rd boxes that work equally as well.

I second the use of a Lee turret press. Also, I find the Lyman dies work best with Lee case sizing lube. (better than anything else I have used)

[Ed Clintwood]

I use an old RCBS Jr press with Lyman dies, full length resize, prime with Win LR primers, Lee scoop 1.9 of Trail Boss and Dakota widowmakers Lee bullet or the Lyman 512139 crimped in the crimping groove. I had a 50 shot group today half the size of my fist at 25 yards offhand (fliers at the end 'cause the dang trigger pull is so heavy) Bullets are lubed with SPG and I've had no leading problems, cleanup is a breeze.  I have 777 loads but can't shoot those indoors.