Which Caliber is best?

[Cooleemee Edd]

Perhaps I missed the right thread, however I am curious. Which caliber is most popular for CAS use?  I think that the big boy is most historically correct (aside from the rimfire/center fire difference). I'm looking for boom and smoke as well as just shooting. I have pistols and a rifle in .45 LC and a '73 Winchester in .38WCF. So for the Spencer, I am just thinking. It is easier and less expensive to get something in .45 I know, however for the sheer fun and history, what is the general trend?  I like the idea of the 56/50.

Incidentally, Two Flints, I've tried to read a bunch of previous posts to learn what I can. I haven't read it all yet, so haven't found the answer to the question above. I'd rather NOT get .44 Russian or something smaller than .45LC. I am leaning for the big bullet. I can build myself leather for extra ammo tubes and have access to big chunks of poplar (I think I have a huge tree that will fall if I don't get it down sometime in the next couple of years).

[Fox Creek Kid]

I like the idea of the 56/50.

You answered your own question.    However, I do believe that SASS "legalized" the 56-50 for main match use this year. If not, someone please correct me. NCOWS on the other hand leaves it to the individual ranges to decide if they'll allow 56-60 for fear of target damage. I am lucky in that I shoot NCOWS and my local range allows 56-50. As a matter of fact I'm the only one that shoots one there. You will be at a disadvantage if you're shooting for time (obviously) as the Spencer is not as fast as a Winchester clone or a Marlin. However, for "coolness" factor the 56-50 with real BP can't be touched! 

[Black River Smith]

I think FCK just about said it all.

You, through your own comments and feelings, have for the most part answered your own question.

The 56-50 does have a strong following when it comes to authenticity.  And as FCK stated and I will add, it was fully approved by SASS, as a main match rifle caliber, after NCOWS voted it only limited acceptance.

I am a member of only NCOWS, at this time.  I bought a 56-50.

It can be considered, too expensive to load for and shoot, compared to the other available calibers.  The is a matter of desire or a limiting factor.

They are fun and enjoyable to shoot.

[Mick Archer]

   Howdy Pards!

  IMHO, that is a personal and complicated question based upon what one is going to "do" with it and why.  (Which brings up the old Mick Archer Heresy about Mental Pictures being what we see ourselves doing and where we see ourselves fitting in.)

   As a result, for the stricter History-Heavy pards, unless they are doing a post Civil War cavalryman or civilian, a very few if any CW era cavalryman actually saw a M1865 Spencer carbine.  Meaning, there were only 132 M1865's shipped to the Army on April  12, 1865 AFTER the Civil War was "over."    

  So, "that" can get into a stricker historical argument about calibers that carries over into other guns like the M1860 Henry, M1866 Improved Henry, the NM1859/1863 Sharps, Gallagher carbine, early Winchesters in .45 Colt, and a host of revolvers made in calibres that "came later" than the period many pards portray.  (Is it "okay" or "right" to not have a Henry in .44 Henry Rimfire because it is not made?)

  For the History-Light pards, where say in the shooting it doesn't matter, or in the CAS type competition smaller calibres can be "faster on the clock" due to say  faster "return to battery" due to less recoil displacement, or for some pards greater accuracy because they can control smaller calibres better than larger, or where the cost of brass, powder, and lead can be cheaper for smaller cartridges, etc., etc....

  I believe that the Italian M1865 was first "marketed" to the CAS/SASS community only in the .45 S & W Schofield and .44 S & W Russian sizes.

   Nothing negative or critical or criticizing in anyway.  Just, IMHO, different strokes for different folks, and all is good!

   As shared, IMHO, I think the question was answered in the question.

   Mick Archer
   Heretic

[French Jack]

You will have less problems with the round overall, if you go with the 56-50.  That is because it is a loose round feed action.  The 56-50 is the correct size to function in the action with the least problems.  Smaller diameter cases do not function as dependably.  That said, you need to get what you want.  The 56-50 is more expensive to get brass for, but you do not lose too many of them as they don't sling brass all over the country.  Unless you reload, the ammo is prohibitively expensive.  Expense of reloading is comparable to 45 Colt. 

[mtmarfield]

   Greetings!

   If you set yourself up with the basic reloading tool necessities, 56-50CF is indeed easy & cheap to reload; just keep your brass clean!
   The 56-50CF is, except for being centerfire, plenty authentic, accurate, it's what the action was designed to handle, and you sure know when you've hit your gong! Recoil isn't an issue, either.
   That's what I bought & I wouldn't have it any other way! But, I'm strange that way...

   Be Well!

             M.T.Marfield:.
                 6-13-07