First Shots!

[Coal Creek Griff]

An anonymous donor set me up with a handful of 56-50 brass to get me going.  I've had my Armi Sport carbine for a while, purchased used via Gunbroker, but I haven't been able to shoot it.  I've been nervous this whole time wondering if it would even function.

I loaded up 10 rounds of mild smokeless loads because it was quick and easy and I was anxious to shoot.  The loads were 7.5 grains of Unique with my Accurate Molds cast bullets. I went out between rain squalls and I'm pleased to say that the gun functioned perfectly!  What fun!  I was shooting at fairly close range because I was mainly checking function, but the bullets all grouped together and just a tad high, which is what I'd expect.

Thanks to those who have taught me so much here and to my anonymous donor who allowed me to finally shoot my gun!  I'm smiling today.

Happy Thanksgiving, folks.

CC Griff

[Two Flints]

Coal Creek Griff,

Could you give more detail on your Spencer 56-50 loads - - bullet grain weight, length of brass, etc . . . more details just to help SSS members in need of such information.

Thanks,

Two Flints

[Coal Creek Griff]

Sure, Two Flints.  Keep in mind that I just threw this together so that I could try out the gun.

Cases:    Starline.  Case length 1.154
Primers:   Winchester Large Rifle
Powder:   7.5 grains Unique
Bullets:   Accurate Molds 51-350S.  350 grains. Fired unsized at .513.  Lubed with homemade lube.
Cartridge OAL:  1.509

The overall length was somewhat dictated by the crimp groove in the bullet design, but I made some inert rounds and tried them.  All functioned perfectly in the gun.

CC Griff

[Coal Creek Griff]

I'll have to say that this Spencer is turning out to be one of my favorite rifles to shoot (don't tell my Winchester '73)!  I was interested because of the history and the unusual mechanism, but it is just plain fun.  It's turing out to be quite accurate and it's easy to clean.  Thanks again to those who helped me get started with this.

CC Griff