Waiting for my Spencer

Regret Chancy · September 10, 2009, 07:05:11 PM

I just wanted to thank all those who contribute to this site. I have been able to go back a pretty fur ways and check out alot of back topics that I am using for reference info to help with my Spencer quest. My first inclination and desire was one in 44 Russian but after evaluating this it seemed that my best bet was to go to 56/50. I found what I hope is a good specimen on Gunbroker in 56/50 and I felt the price was very good so I bought it as soon as I had the dinero. Now all I am waiting on is delivery. I am trying to start reloading and being that this ammo is purty fur up there in price I will probably be loading most of my own. I have planned to buy 3 or 4 boxes of Ten-X or OWS to start and after firing them making them my reload brass at least for awhile. If this is a bad idea I would sure like to hear any advice on the Spencer subjects that come up most often. Thanks for any input. RC

panhead pete · September 10, 2009, 07:49:27 PM

Congrats on your new acquisition! Is it an original? I look forward to reading more about it.

Kind regards,

Panhead Pete

Two Flints · September 10, 2009, 08:15:18 PM

Regret,

Your insignias are on the way to you. Let me know when they arrive.

Two Flints

Regret Chancy · September 12, 2009, 06:25:47 PM

Howdy Panhead Pete, I wish I could afford an original but mine is a replica (Taylors Armisport Chiappa or something). Still havent gotten it but he was shipping from North Pole Alaska ( thats no joke) and last e-mail said it was sent from Fairbanks on 9-11 09(thats no joke either). Kinda odd how things work out sometimes. Dont have any fingernails left and fingers are bloody to the first joint in anticipation though, I am that anxious but the fingernail chewing thang was a joke. I am lucky enuff to have a local dealer in my area that sells guns and stuff to movies (last one I know of was the newest Indiana Jones film) and they have 2 originals that I looked at one was a proven civil war used carbine for 3600 or so. He was going to let me look it over but I couldnt bring myself to hold it or I would have probably sold my suv to get it. Self control at its strongest but I would be lying if I said I wasnt tempted. The second one was cheaper I think but I got distracted looking at a revolving shotgun and stayed strong.

Hey Two Flints, Did you get my message about the insignias? If not then I got 'em this morning and really like 'em.

Keep the good info comin. Thanks, RC

Two Flints · September 12, 2009, 06:54:57 PM

Got it Regret

Two Flints

Regret Chancy · September 15, 2009, 03:53:16 PM

I went and picked up my Spencer today. After the gunstore employees got done drooling all over it and I got it home and wiped down good, I have looked over it. Fit and finish is very good. I am well pleased with it and while it does have a few minor stock dimples it really looks unfired.

Now my obstacle is finding available ammo. Put in a call to Ten-X and its on backorder but sounded promising that as soon as components get to them production will start. Tried Old Western Scrounger and Gunbroker with OWS being backordered from Ten-X and Gunbrokers only available was collectible rimfire in almost all being ones and small numbers. Does anyone know where some may be available that I am missing?

Thanks, Regret Chancy

French Jack · September 15, 2009, 04:43:48 PM

As expensive as factory ammo is, I would highly recommend you purchase 50 or a hundred cases from Midway or Buffalo Arms, dies are made by Lyman and available at a reasonable price. Bullets you can get 50 or a hundred precast and lubed from Buffalo Arms, and load your own. You will be money ahead by doing so.

Regret Chancy · September 15, 2009, 06:44:26 PM

Howdy French Jack, I have set myself a goal to get a reloading setup together and to work it safely by Christmas. With ammo prices going through the roof most shooters will have to start reloading thier own. I use a few almost obselete calibers( at least not available readily). With my '76 using 45/60, my Sharps using 45/70, my '73s and Schofields using 45 Colt, and my Russians using 44 Russian, and now my new acquisition using 56/50 Spencer it is the only sensible way for me to go shoot as much as I like to. Maybe I could get a couple of pards together and split up a bulk number( say 2500 to 5000) of cases. I am lucky in the 45/70 used cases being trimmed down to reload for the 45/60 and 45/70 seems to be available from quite a few manufacturers and most dealers have some in stock. I am just looking for away to buy a couple boxes ready to go with out having to wait until the above is up and running. Good advice and I appreciate it greatly. Thanks, RC

Jbar4Ranch · September 16, 2009, 10:18:48 AM

The short answer is get a hundred cases, Lyman dies, shell holder, etc., on order from Midway, and a few pounds of black powder on order from powderinc.com. Shooting smokeless in a 56-50 is blasphemous.

Factory Ten-X smokeless runs $144.99/50 rounds from Midway, plus shipping. BP rounds are listed at $149.99 for twenty rounds.

Starline brass is available for $26.99/25 or $105.99/100 from Midway, or direct from Starline for $235.35/250, $424.70/500, or $799.25/1000, and I think Starline's prices are delivered...? I've got 150 cases, and it ain't enough. If I could find two or three other people locally to go in on a thousand cases, I'd do it.

Regret Chancy · September 18, 2009, 09:25:49 AM

Jbar4Ranch, I am pretty sure it is alot cheaper getting it straight from Ten-X at 129.99 for smokeless and 134.99 for bpc (both in 50 round box). At least that what the price list I printed had it for a week ago. All on backorder when my wife called for me the other day. I did place an order for 2 boxes of whatever is ready first. He told her the smokeless is usually done first but I will have to wait and see what arrives when it does. I dont know where you are located but if you are anywhere near Kentucky I would be willing to partner up on an order and if you are afraid I might be an unscroupulous rogue I will send you my part of the money and when you order and get the cases I will pay the shipping to have my part of them sent to me. Give me a holler and let me know.
Regret Chancy

French Jack · September 18, 2009, 11:05:20 AM

Just a quick check on prices from Buffalo Arms, the Lyman dies @$46.39, Shellholder @ $5.99, Bullets, precast & lubed with SPG @ $19.99/50, Starline Brass @ $50/50, $99/100, $243/250, the cost of reloading less powder and primers is: $122.38 for 50 rounds, $191.38 for 100 rounds, considerable savings over factory ammo, your setup is paid for in cost of 100 rounds.

Powder, a lb. will load approx 200 rounds +/- depending on charge, and primers are $3-4 a hundred. Cost for powder and primers less than $20. Still a bargain.

ps-- where in KY are you-- I'm in Shelbyville.