Reloading 56-50 Spencer

[John Morton]

Hi, Does any one have a good recipe for the 56-50 round? Brass? Lead? Powder" ? Thanks, John

[Herbert]

This will depend on which model Spencer you are re-loading for:EG AS replica,original 1865- 67-NM or a Springfield converted model,each model will need a slightly different bullet and load to get best results for,Barrel will need to be slugged to find groove diameter,if a Springfield converted Spencer a chamber cast to check haw long a case can be used also good to check the twist rate in these conversions

[KEN S]

for my origianl 1865 Burnside carbine.
   starline brass,  (I bevel the outer edge, see other posts here)
     40 grains FFg, it will compress a little but its' ok.
     one veggie wad./   $1000 are $20 on line.  Walters Wads get the thin one   . 030
     large rifle primer
     clean out primer pocket with reamer, not necessary but makes it more accurate.
     bevel top of case and anneal the new cases.
     drop the charge, and it can be 35 to 40 grains, just be consistant.
     put the veggie wad over that.
     put TWO NEWSPAPER WADS , cut them yourself, over the veggie wad. 
    and put the bullet then crimp.   
    Lyman, 350  .515  SPG lubed and unsized.   cast 20 to 1 approx.
    hold the carbine tight to the shoulder.  the big hammer blow can cause it to move off target.
    I shoot into 3 inches at 50  yards and sometimes, 5 out of 7 in one hole. 
     clean every 14 rounds.....Ken
   
   

[Advertising]

[Blair]

Ken S,

I have to ask... how much powder compression would you estimate you are getting with the load information you have posted?
No compression die, Just the bullet, with 40 grains of 2f, and the wadding you have suggested.

My reason for asking is that I have found most modern solid head brass center fire Spencer type cartridge cases, difficult to get 40 grains of powder into, much less the addition of wadding and or lube cookies (of some sort).
Are you doing anything to help settle the powder charge before loading?
My best,
 Blair

[Herbert]

The Starline cases are almost full with 40grs FF so there is a lot of compression.You have to use a compression die with anything over 35gr with Starline brass even then a drop tube is handy .I have found that 40gr compressed is all the Starline cases can handle,this is why I now use modified 32ga shot shells ,I can compress 45grs into these and it gives me my best accuracy.Compression dies can be made by modifying your flaring die,just measure the length from the base of the bullet to the crimping groove and cut the expansion plug to length.I  better accuracy if I do not use any wads,I use wads for my hunting rounds though

[Herbert]

The Starline cases are almost full with 40grs FF so there is a lot of compression.You have to use a compression die with anything over 35gr with Starline brass even then a drop tube is handy .I have found that 40gr compressed is all the Starline cases can handle,this is why I now use modified 32ga shot shells ,I can compress 45grs into these and it gives me my best accuracy.Compression dies can be made by modifying your flaring die,just measure the length from the base of the bullet to the crimping groove and cut the expansion plug to length.I  better accuracy if I do not use any wads,I use wads for my hunting rounds though

[jjort]

Do you use plastic hull 32 gauge or brass?
I am guessing brass as it would be pretty hard to get a good crimp with plastic

[KEN S]

to answer your question about 40 grains.  I bought a pistol BP powder measure.  I fill it to the 40 grain mark , then drop tube to the case.  I leaves about 1/4 inch to put in the card and two paper wads that take up no room.
   I hand fit the bullet and then use the press to  seat the bullet and compress the load.
   It starts at the first lube groove, then when I seat and crimp in the case it covers the groove.  so, about 1/8 inch compression.
 and it works...
   I asked the same question a while ago, and was told 40 grains fit the case. The original load with balloon head rimfire cases was 45 grains.  Backing off the usual 5 grains for the solid case, means you should be able to get 40 in and load up.
    I think the problem is what measure we're all using.  I'm using a measure, clearly marked in 5 grain increments, and at 40 grains.

      accurate load.   Ken

[Herbert]

Do you use plastic hull 32 gauge or brass?
I am guessing brass as it would be pretty hard to get a good crimp with plastic

brass

[Blair]

Herbert,

Are these a balloon head style/type casing construction?
My best,
 Blair

[PvtGreg]

Search the forum for 32 gauge brass - I did a post series on how to prep and lead them for armi-sport spencers.  Regular spencers are a lot easier to process.

[Herbert]

Herbert,

Are these a balloon head style/type casing construction?
My best,
 Blair

Yes balloon head type ,but still much stronger than the original copper rim-fire cartridges

[Blair]

Ken S & Herbert,

Thanks for the added info.
I never tried 32 gauge. Never had access to it when I was setting up Spencer's for shooting or blanks.
I guess it is available here in the States now. Probably because of the Spencer?
My best,
 Blair

[Herbert]

The 32ga brass shot shells can be formed into many cartridges,all the British 500-450 type cartridges,quite a few metric cartridges and all the Spencer cartridges but especially the 56-46 case as you can modify neck length,you can also use it to make a longer 56-50 case for the Sprinfield converted Burncide Spencer so you can use the Rapine 350T bullet and adjust case length so OAL is 1.6 +inch ,this combination works very well in this rifle