56-50 Centrfire ammo

[John Morton]

Hi All,,,Well I converted my 1860 Spencer Carbine (that had been relined to 50 cal 3 groove after the skirmish). I used an "S&S upper block, and a "S&S brass follower (with dimple head), all seems to work as I have a few Starline brass. NOW,, Does anyone know where I can get some ammo? It seem "Ten X" has not made any in 2 years (I called them), and Buffalo Arms , who sells the "Armi sport" have been on backorder for months.
I purchased some Lyman 3 piece dies.
I would like to SHOOT my carbine.
Am I going to have to start from scratch and load my own? If so , does anyone have a good recipe for the 56-50 carbine, "Brass , powder, and best loading bullet".
I had no Idea how difficult it was to find some "Store Bought ammo". Thanks, John

[Herbert]

If you have the dies you are almost there.Just order some pre-made bullets that are for the original Spencers (BACO sells a couple of different types)get some FF black powder and start with a 35gr load(you will need a compression die to use more in the Starline brass)

[John Morton]

Hi Herbert, Thanks for Post. What is "BACO" bullets? Also what is the best Brass? I really don't want to purchase another component "Compression die". Do "Starline" brass have a larger inside diameter?

[Herbert]

BACO =Buffalow Arms Co,Starline brass is solid head brass so it will take 5gr less than modified 32ga shot shell brass,Starline brass has worked very well for me in original Spencers but others have had trouble in originals not extracting.Compression dies are not needed unless you are after the very best accuracy possible for the 56-50

[John Morton]

Thanks Herbert, can you recommend a bullet manufacturer and powder manufacturer", probably a 350 grain bullet.
I have used "Meister Bullets" in my 44-40's. Thanks! John

[jjort]

where would you find a 56-50 compression die?...

[KEN S]

check out the thread below
reloading the 56 50.  I posted all the information there.

   you don't need compression dies for this ctg.  it's really easy to load.
   I'm using 40 grains of FFg with success now...

    the hard wad with the TWO newspaper wads on top are the secret.  keeps the wad from sticking to the bullet and riding all the way to the target,   goodby accuracy...

     get, (or make) a 50 cal wad cutter..  really cheap, and you can cut paper wads forever.  a piece of pipe sharpened works,but the wad cutter is not expensive.  I use 030 veggie wads from Walters, but you can cut your own from pad baking...
    Ken