Anyone loading 50-70?

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ligonierbill

New member
It's a round that has always fascinated me, and it had a pretty big role in "winning the West". Bill Cody shot buffalo with it. Of course, the 45-70 overtook it pretty quickly after 1873, and it's popularity continues today. But the 50-70 got a lot of play before that. No shortage of rifles, either. So, tell me what you're running.

Guess I answered my question. But somebody is shooting 50-70, as components are readily available. If I get going with it, I'll post results.
 
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44 AMP

Staff
I have a friend who has or had a .50-70, I'll be seeing him Sunday, and will ask.

One lesser recognized place the .50-70 lasted after the .45-70 replaced is as a service cartridge was as an "Indian" cartridge. Not for shooting them, for their use. .50-70s were often available to the "peaceful" Indians through reservation agents.
 
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T. O'Heir

New member
No, but Midway lists Starline brass at $26.99 per 20(On sale. Usually a buck each).
Bill Cody shot buffalo with an 1866 Allin conversion Trap Door. 450 grain bullet with 70 grains of BP out of a converted Springfield rifled musket. Done in 1865.
 
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ligonierbill

New member
Just ordered 100 @ $1.08 ea, advertised as 10% off. Also ordered some Lee dies and 50 (we'll see how they work) Montana Casting 450 gr 0.512 bullets. Oh, and I ordered a rifle. Found a Navy Arms Rolling Block #2 made by Pedersoli. It's a reproduction of the old Remington. Looks nice. I can go with black powder, or I have a couple of the smokeless that Lyman lists. I'll be away on business for a few weeks, but when I get back I'll load some and report.
 
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44 AMP

Staff
I spoke with a friend, he shoots .50-70 out of a modern made Sharps. 450gr cast he buys, and a load of IMR 3031.

He didn't recall the exact weight off the top of his head. I'm sure the data is out there to be found.
 
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Mike Irwin

Staff
When the military switched to .45-70, they got rid of rifles chambered for .50-70 pretty quickly. Companies like Schuyler, Hartley, and Graham did a good business in buying surplus rifles and ammunition and selling them throughout the country, but largely to stores and individuals in the plains and farther west.

The .50-70 military load had a good reputation as a buffalo round, and was used extensively.

Some have speculated that Sharps developed the .50-90 Sharps based on the .50-70, but with a slightly heavier powder charge.
 
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