Shot the Spencer rifle!

[Preston County Rider]

Finally got a chance to shoot my 1860 Spencer rifle (ole 9481), fantastic! I need a new (old) rear sight and a little work on my own eyes but at 50 yards, no keyholing(?) - since the rifle is a centerfire conversion, load was as follows (my load, all the legal stuff about don't use, etc.)

Starline brass 56-50 (from S&S); bullet Montana .50 cal (.512/365 - probably too hard, I've got some softer .512s from S&S I will try next); 36g fff Goex. Lyman dies (56-50) and Nr 22 shellholder

(Not crazy about the Lyman dies - don't seem to expand the case mouth much - even with their M1 expanders..)

That is about it - I just wanted to get out there and shoot the Lady - she did fine - except - the last round in the string did not feed - it would jam coming into the receiver - managed to shoot a string of seven but had to basically pull the loading rod and reset the last round - first guess would be the spring is weak and doesn't have the strength to push that last, single round - let me know what you all think.

I will get decent photos of the rifle tomorrow for posting. Right now, just wanted to celebrate the shooting! If, as Two flints SRS'ed, the rifle was as Chickamagua, Chattanooga, and other places with the Ohio sharpshooters, then the expereinced was even better. One of the range officers came up while I was shooting and asked me what the rifle was - I told him - he gently reached out and touched the stock, turned to his partner and said "That is real history".....and it is, living history......

OK, I'll stop now....talking I mean, not loading and shooting

PCR

[Ibgreen]

Good job!  I can't wait to get mine on the range.  Does your have the lane extractor?

[Preston County Rider]

Ibgreen - no, mine has a blade extractor which works fine - so far

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Is it a 56-50 reline of a 56-56?  The Lyman dies are for 56-50 Armi-sports with a .512 slug.  You need CH4 dies and a .515 to .520 expander, depending on what diameter your bore is.

[Ibgreen]

Ibgreen - no, mine has a blade extractor which works fine - so far

Good, I have the blade as well.  I will give starline a try.