Powders for 56-50?

[El Supremo]

Hello:

Just to clarify, please:

There is no parameter shown for the ... 12,000 to 14,000... figure.

Is that CUP's for copper units, LUP's for lead units, both in a crusher rig or piezo units?
These are not interchangable. 

Respectfully,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[Coal Creek Griff]

Good point, Kevin. Here's a quote from the public portion of the article:

"It is suggested to keep pressures within 14,000 to 16,000 psi, with 18,000 psi being considered maximum."

It sounds like he's using PSI.  He does point out that determining pressure levels is tough for the average handloader.

CC Griff

[PJ Hardtack]

11 grains of Universal Clays with the 300 gr. bullet gave best accuracy.  Pressure was kept between 14,000 and 16,000. Velocity listed was 1204 f.p.s.

Matt45 - If this data is from Pearce's article, thanks! But like griff askes - what other powders did he test?

I just finished casting up a batch of Rapine 350 RNFP's. Haven't miked any yet, but if memory serves, they should be .515 out of the mould. I size these down to .510 for use in my Shiloh 50-70 SRC. Sounds like a lot of reduction, but my 50-70s love them. Hopefully they'll work in my Spencer, whenever it arrives.

I'm holding off buying dies and brass as the last Italian guns I bought (Cimarron .44 Spl. Open Tops) were so bad, they went right back in the boxes to the dealer.

[matt45]

AAC 5744; starting @ 19 grs., ending @ 24.  Solo 1250, starting 8, ending at 11 (listed as accurate.  Unique; starting @ 8, ending @ 11 (so you know, I have not had good results w/ unique and this cartridge).  Trail Boss; starting 5.5, ending 8, listed as accurate.  These are in addition to the Universal Clays load.  I have had good luck w/ 21.2 Grs of H4227- 1.5" @ 50 yds.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks, Matt. I appreciate it.

CC Griff

[PJ Hardtack]

AAC 5744; starting @ 19 grs., ending @ 24.  Solo 1250, starting 8, ending at 11 (listed as accurate.  Unique; starting @ 8, ending @ 11 (so you know, I have not had good results w/ unique and this cartridge).  Trail Boss; starting 5.5, ending 8, listed as accurate.  These are in addition to the Universal Clays load.  I have had good luck w/ 21.2 Grs of H4227- 1.5" @ 50 yds.

Thanks! I have 8 lbs of Trail Boss and 5 lbs of 5744 on hand. Several lbs of BP as well - Swiss, Old Eyneford, Goex (FFg &FFg).

I'm good to go!

[El Supremo]

Hello:

Far be it from me to second-guess the experiences of others using what they consider to be reasonable smokeless loads in 56-50 cartridges, BUT:

I respectfully suggest that the 22'ish grains of 4227 and a 300''ish grain bullet recited above is nearly a "max hunting load in a 44 Mag ctg per a couple modern loading manuals. 
Not my conservative way to achieve 1400fps in a Spencer "repro".

Sorry to butt in, but again, be careful.  Thanks.

El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[matt45]

I don't have an Oehlar system, but I use the Ken Waters method for pressure test.  I didn't find any pressure with this, but always work up to a load.  For my own part, I just use B.P. now.  So, like beer, use responsibly.

[Drydock]

The internal volume of the .56/50 is more than double that of the .44 magnum.  With far more surface area in the base of the bullet to act upon, and a expansion ratio also far greater.  That makes a big difference.  The same as a high pressure load in the .45 Colt will develop far lower pressures and velocitys in the .45-70 case.  Organic compounds are sensitive to a volume influenced pressure curve.

That being said, extrapolating from such vastly different cartridges can be a chancy thing.  There are folks out there that have done the research for this rather odd cartridge in todays setting.  Best use their data.  (And I'll stick to BP!)