Progressive reloading of the 56-50

[klw]

For what it is worth, RCBS shell plate #31 works with the 56-50.  Now, of course, you can make this brass a number of different ways so maybe #31 doesn't work with all possibilities but this is the one RCBS recommends you try first.

Lyman will be added reloading data for the 56-50 in their next manual.  Work has not started on that yet but should begin shortly.  When that manual will be out I don't know.  I've asked them to consider including a lower powered load using Unique.

If you want to use blackpowder, there is, of course, an adapter for the Dillon RL550 powder measure (though not a Dillon product) that supposedly allows that unit to be used with blackpowder.  Have the literature somewhere I think if anyone is really interested.

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Hmmm...interesting.

FYI: Pyrodex is qualified to be used with the Lee Powder measure tools. (this is from Hodgdon, not Lee)

So, if you have Lee dies, you could use the Lee autodisc with the extra height adapter to add a bit more drop length.

Station 1: Resize/deprime
Station 2: prime
Station 3: Powder
Station 4: Seat (& crimp if doing it at one stage)

Not a bad way to go.

The Lee 4 hole turret with auto indexing will do the same thing. (but, its not a progressive press...)

Me? I just use my plain jane Lee 3-hole non-indexing turret and powder charge by hand.

[klw]

Have you seen Lee's new Classic Turret?  Though it is hard to find on Lee's web page, that press also has a new rather interesting looking primer system.

[Backstrap Bill]

I asked Dillion if they had a shell plate for a 550 or 650 press that would owrk with the 56-50 Spencer cases.  The gentleman I spoke to said there it was not possible to load the 56-50 on a Dillion press because the rim size was too large.  Bummer.

[French Jack]

Boy, I would like to be able to afford enough brass to wish for a progressive reloader for the 56-50!  My 150 cases are all I can scrape up-- hardly enough to get a progressive press set up.

[Ed Clintwood]

I called Dillon about a shell plate too and was told that they used to make one for the .50-70 for the A-Square press that could be used on the 550.  They quit making that plate years ago, but you might be able to find one on e-bay.  Me, I resorted to cleaning up the old RCBS jr.