.45 Caliber blanks problem solved, maybe.

[major]

I have been working on the problem of the .45 caliber Henry blanks sticking in the chamber.  This is similar to the problem that the .45 Schofield Spencer's have.  I got a shoulder forming die for the .45 similar to the one for the .44s.  I made up 21 .45 blanks and used the .45 shoulder forming die on them.  Today I went out to the range and shot them through a .45 Henry.  They all cycled smooth and none of them hung up in the chamber.  I think this my solve the problem with the .45 Schofield also.  Since those with the .45 Schofield are using .45 long colt brass this might be the solution.  I know that the .44 Magnum blanks will work in the .45 Schofield Spencer, but if the .45 Long Colt brass can be used than this should solve the blow back problem associated with the .44s in the .45.
Anyone with a .45 Schofield ever try this?
Terry

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Howdy,

Joe, I have talked to a few people that use 38-40 or 44-40s as blanks for the 45 Schofield Spencer.  This makes the shoulder die un-necessary.  I guess they use an oversized  round nose bullet seating die to decrease the case mouth opening and help feeding.  I will be getting a 45 Schofield SPencer for my "Spencer Round-up" article. I plan on exploring this myself.

I already have 56-50 Carbine and rifle that came from Taylors, a 44-40 carbine that came from Cimarron, and will be getting a 45 Schofield carbine from EMF.  Gosh!  I am going to have four Spencers to play with at the same time!  I may have "Spencer Overdose" <ggg>!

[major]

TL
The point to using the Shoulder forming die is so one can use .45 Long Colt cases.  This should create a better gas seal and reduce or eliminate the blow back that accompanies using .44 magnum brass for the blanks.  With less blow back the workings of the gun will not get as gummed up as with the .44s.  And as an added bonus it will be easier to clean.
I am just throwing this out there for those that use the .45 Schofield Spencer for reenacting to gnaw on.
Terry

[Drydock]

Major, the .44-40 is a bottleneck round with base dimensions nearly identical to the .45 S&W.  It is also thinner than .45 colt brass, and I can tell you seals much better.  It is an ideal blank case for the .45 Spencer.