Does anyone have ballistics data for 56-50?

[The Yankee Bandit]

Howdy all,

I'm just wondering what kind of energy the 56-50 has or is capable of.  I know this could be a broad question, but I am just wondering what the range is.  Or even if you could give me a caliber it is similar to, I would appreciate that.
Thanks!

[Sloan Dodgy]

I haven't chronographed my loads, but here are a couple of calculated figures that will give some idea:

350 grain bullet at 1000 fps  = 777 foot pounds energy
350 grain bullet at 900 fps  = 625 foot pounds energy
350 grain bullet at 800 fps  = 500 foot pounds energy

[Tuolumne Lawman]

It seems like a 1100 FPS load would be about 925 and a top end Triple 7 load at 1200 fps would be around 1050.  Even at 1000 to 1100, it would make a good short range deer and hog thumper.

What is the formula you use.  It would be handy to have.

[Sloan Dodgy]

I cheated and used QuickLoad to come up with the energy figures, but the formula is:

bullet weight (grains) times velocity(fps) times velocity(fps) all divided by 450240

for our example at 1100 fps, 350x1100x1100/450240 = 940 foot pounds

[Dakota Widowmaker]

As a reference.

Its legal in most states to hunt with a puny 25-20.
75gr bullet * 1800 * 1800/450240 = 540ft-lbs

Or a run-of-the-mill .243Win
75gr * 2500ft/sec * 2500ft/sec / 450240 = 1041ft-lbs

But, because the 56-50 is under 1.285", its not legal in many states.

45gr of 777 FFFg and 350gr bullet with mag primers (finally got to test them) drove it over 1200fps. (average was 1208fps for 7 shots, which iis like 1120ft-lbs)

[Tuolumne Lawman]

 ???Oooooooooo!

I have only been able to load 40 grains of Triple 7 with the BAC bullet.  I "have gotta" get that modified LEE mold and load up a messs of 1200 FPS thumpers!

[Grizzle Bear]

I've got some 777 I won, haven't used any of it.  Is that 45 grains blackpowder volume, or 45 grains actual weight?

Grizzle Bear

[Tuolumne Lawman]

As a reference.

Its legal in most states to hunt with a puny 25-20.
75gr bullet * 1800 * 1800/450240 = 540ft-lbs

Or a run-of-the-mill .243Win
75gr * 2500ft/sec * 2500ft/sec / 450240 = 1041ft-lbs

But, because the 56-50 is under 1.285", its not legal in many states.

45gr of 777 FFFg and 350gr bullet with mag primers (finally got to test them) drove it over 1200fps. (average was 1208fps for 7 shots, which iis like 1120ft-lbs)

Well I'll be darned!  I check the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia hunting regulations, and the Spencer is legal for big game (Deer, Bear, and Pigs)!  No mention of length.

§353. Methods Authorized for Taking Big Game.

(a) Except for the provisions of subsections 353(b) through (g), title 14, CCR, big game (as defined by section 350, title 14, CCR) may only be taken by rifles using centerfire cartridges with softnose or expanding bullets; bow and arrow (see section 354, title 14, CCR, for archery equipment regulations); or wheellock, matchlock, flintlock or percussion type, including "in-line" muzzleloading rifles using black powder or equivalent black powder substitute, including pellets, with single ball or bullet loaded from the muzzle and at least .40 caliber in designation.

(b) Shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing single slugs may be used for the taking of deer, bear and wild pigs. In areas where the discharge of rifles or shotguns with slugs is prohibited by county ordinance, shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing size 0 or 00 buckshot may be used for the taking of deer only.

(c) Pistols and revolvers using centerfire cartridges with softnose or expanding bullets may be used to take deer, bear, and wild pigs.

I guess if I cast soft lead, and maybe drill a little hollow point, I could use it.

[Harve Curry]

Has anyone figured down range velocity or trajectory?

I'm afraid to shoot over my chronograph much past the usual 10'-15'
If I recall correctly my drop is 20" with a 50 yrad zero.