My new Chiappa Spencer and range report

[tc432]

After reading all I could on the Spencer carbine I decided to purchase one.  I have to admit I was somewhat apprehensive about getting one that would have a lot of issues right out of the box. I did feel confident after reading all the posts here on the board that I could straighten out any issues.After a close examination at the store I brought it home and began loading up some 56-50 rounds for it. I had already purchased 100 starline cases and a set of rcbs dies and a shell holder. I loaded 28 dummy rounds- 8 grs of unique  powder ,bullet , no primer and a piece of tape covering the primer hole. The first 7 rounds were formed to Chiappas recommended length of 1.518" and made up several more sizes up through 1.60". I cycled each set through the carbine several times. 2-3 rounds then all 7.  Chiappas length worked ok. The one that worked best for me was 1.544". I had only soft lead bullets 512 360 grainthat I made for my smith carbine. Right near the tip there were some dings from the top edge of the block . I primed all the cases and went to the range.  Shot all rounds off and to my surprise the gun shot  right to poa at 50 yds!  My 13 yo son levered  7 rounds thru like Mike Believue and wound up with a big smile on his face.  Overall I'm very happy. Looking forward to loading some bp rounds up. Does anyone have a preference of 3f vs 2f and or experiences performance of Swiss vs Goex etc.?

[tc432]

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks for your report.  When I bought mine, I too was apprehensive that it might be full of problems.  I bought mine sight-unseen via Gun Broker and it was used, so my apprehension was doubled.  I was enormously relieved when it worked just fine.  I'm also glad to see your son enjoying it.  My son was a teenager when I got mine, but he definitely wanted to get out and shoot it with me.  I get almost as much fun watching others enjoy my guns as I do shooting them myself.

I will have to say that I cringed at the thought of priming a charged case with a seated bullet, though (if I understood you correctly).  I'd recommend making dummy rounds with no powder or primers.  Then you can pull the bullets, prime and charge the cases before reseating the bullets.  It is rare to have a primer ignite while seating, but the consequences are severe enough that I would not be willing to take the risk.  Just a thought.

I love seeing pictures.  Be sure to post more of your carbine, especially action shots like the one you attached!

CC Griff

[tc432]

You are 100 percent correct. I  wrongly assumed that my bullet puller would not work with the 56-50 round because of its size. I then took the risk of priming already loaded cases. I wound up crouching under the workbench while priming just in case.  In hind sight a bad idea. Slow down and always take all safety precautions . 
That said. The 6 cavity mold I had used came from lodgewood mfg is a 360 gr 515 dia round and looks to be made by lee. I'll get some more photos posted up soon.  Regards Tom

[Coal Creek Griff]

I found that my RCBS bullet puller works for 56-50 if I remove the collet.

CC Griff

[Chance]

My first meeting with the Chiappa Spencer when I visited the factory in 2005.

Chance