Question on Spencer Brass

[Pitspitr]

I know that Spencer used a pretty unconventional way of naming their cartridges. The only one I've ever been around is the 56-50 but I understand that several of the various cases were very similar. Was the main difference the case length like the difference between 22 short, 22long, 22long rifle and 22 mag.? Could any of them be interchanged like the 22's?

[Rim fire]

The cases were named by the measurement of the base of the case and the mouth of the case.  The 56/56 was .560" at the base and .560" at the mouth (these are external dimentions), and the 56/52 and the 56/46 were measured and named similarly.  The 56/52 and the 56/50 can and were interchangeable.  The 56/50 and the 56/52 could be fired in the 56/56.  The cases would split and accuracy would suffer as the 56:56 bullet is ~.545 in diameter and the bullet in the 56/52 and 56/50 is ~.518.  The 56/56 would not chamber in the 56/52, 56/50, or the 56/46.  The case length varied as well with the 56/56 at ~.915 and the 56/50 at over 1".  Overall length was about equal for all calibers for functioning in the rifle.  Hope that helps.  I'm sure more knowledgable people can respond.

[Pitspitr]

So then if I'm understanding correctly the 56-52 would be slightly shorter than a 56-50?

The reason I'm asking is I bought some star line 50-70 brass that was supposed to be converted to 56-50 for the original Spencers. When I got it I found that it was too short. The vendor is replacing it and doesn't want the first batch back (BACO's Customer service is outstanding!) I am wondering if there's some use for it somewhere or if it should just go to the trash or recycler?

[Good Troy]

Do you know if it will fit the Armi Sport replicas?  What are the dimensions?

[Pitspitr]

Do you know if it will fit the Armi Sport replicas?  What are the dimensions?

My guess is that the rim would be too big as that is why they use converted 50-70 brass in the originals. I'll get the calipers out tonight.

[Blair]

Jerry,

My understanding is that there is that there is not much difference in the OAL of the various Spence 'original' cartridge cal. (You will find more variation in OAL within the various ammo makers that you will in the Arms makers.)
Case length, however can vary greatly between various round. The 56/56 case being the shortest case, 56/52 is slightly longer.
Both of these were designed by Spencer intended for use with heal base, outside lubed bullets.
The 56/50 was designed by Springfield and was meant to be an inside lubed bullet. These cartridge cases are the longest with a rather heavy and long crimp. (Spencer did not like this long crimp, so he developed the 56/52 for his 1865 models.)
Springfield also helped develop the 56/46 bottle neck cartridge with outside lubed bullet. (Springfield wanted to get away from the outside lubed bullets because the lube 'could' collect  dust and dirt during combat that could cause damage to the bore.
The 56/46 bottle neck case can be made from the longer 56/50 cases.
I hope this info helps?
My best,
Blair

[Rim fire]

How long is the brass you have?  How much do you have and how much do you want for it?  I may be interested.  Thanks

[Pitspitr]

1.035

[Rim fire]

How many pieces and how much $?  Thanks