Search Loads/Search Results

.56-50 Spencer

Warning! Notes: The .56-50 Spencer 20-inch barreled carbine was imported by Cimarron F.A. Co. Starline cases and CCI 350 Large Pistol Magnum primers used throughout. Bullet diameter: .512 inch, case length: 1.150 inches and overall cartridge length: 1.505 inches. Temperature during testing was 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Read entire article at loaddata.com under Load Development.

To read the accompanying article click here.

Cartridge History

.56-50 Spencer

The .56-50 Spencer is one of the earliest successful metallic cartridges used in American military service, introduced during the American Civil War in the 1860s. Developed for the Spencer repeating rifle and carbine, it represented a major step forward in firearms technology by combining a self-contained metallic cartridge with a repeating action, greatly increasing rate of fire compared to traditional muzzleloading arms.

Despite its designation, the .56-50 Spencer does not use a .56 caliber bullet. The naming convention reflects the approximate case dimensions rather than the actual projectile diameter, which typically measures around .52 caliber. The cartridge uses a rimfire design with a copper case, originally loaded with black powder and a lead bullet. Standard loads generally featured a bullet weighing approximately 350 grains, propelled at relatively modest velocities by modern standards, but effective within the combat ranges of the time.

The .56-50 Spencer gained widespread use during the Civil War, particularly among Union cavalry units, where its rapid-fire capability provided a significant tactical advantage. The Spencer rifle’s tubular magazine, typically holding seven rounds, allowed soldiers to deliver sustained fire without the need for frequent reloading. This combination of firepower and reliability helped establish the cartridge’s reputation and influence future cartridge and firearm development.

In modern times, the .56-50 Spencer is primarily of historical interest, though it remains in use among black powder enthusiasts, collectors, and shooters of reproduction Spencer rifles. Reloading for the cartridge requires specialized components, including rimfire-compatible cases or conversions to centerfire systems. Black powder or equivalent substitutes are typically used to replicate original performance, and careful attention must be given to pressures and case integrity due to the age and design of the cartridge.

The .56-50 Spencer stands as a landmark in firearms history, bridging the gap between early experimental cartridges and the widespread adoption of metallic ammunition. Its role in the Civil War and its influence on repeating rifle technology make it an important cartridge for both historians and enthusiasts of classic firearms.

Source: Wolfe Publishing

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	917
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	960
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	1,009
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	1,065
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	1,106
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	1,161
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	861
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	981
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	1,086
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	1,202
Remarks: accurate
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	890
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	981
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	1,080
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	1,172
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	804
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	932
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	1,085
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	1,204
Remarks: possible best accuracy
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	735
Remarks: 70% capacity minimum
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	840
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	924
Remarks:
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	1,001
Remarks: 100% capacity, accurate
300	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Pyrodex Pellet	Subscribe	1,018
Remarks: Pyrodex powder charge is by volume
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	859
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	904
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	947
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	988
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	1,033
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	787
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	884
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	987
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Accurate	Solo 1250	Subscribe	1,081
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	765
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	877
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	979
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	1,089
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	723
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	841
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	955
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Universal Clays	Subscribe	1,073
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	705
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	781
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	844
Remarks:
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	IMR	Trail Boss	Subscribe	928
Remarks: 100%, do not compress
350	Buffalo Arms flatnose cast	Hodgdon	Pyrodex Pellet	Subscribe	976
Remarks: Pyrodex powder charge is by volume