56/50 Spencer rifle jamming problems

[Cannon Fodder]

Gentlemen

I realize most of you are probably shooting live ammo and I believe my problem would not exist with live ammo.

However, I am presently just reenacting  and using the kennesaw cannon co  plastic blanks  which are considerably lighter then live ammo. The  problem is  the  gun does not want to cycle the first two rounds when seven are loaded. When you reduce the  load to five rounds, the gun seems to work just fine. It appears that the first 2 rounds are going in too far and jam. Releasing the tube by taking it out part way seems to make it cycle ok.

Solutions !!???

Thanks, CF

[Two Flints]

Cannon Fodder,

Maybe some members are also using the "kennesaw cannon co  plastic blanks" you mention and they would be able to respond to your jamming problem.  I can only suggest that you check out this link:  http://www.tenxammo.com/files/Shooter_Direct_Pricing_1-1-07.pdf  Ten-X Ammunition also sells blanks for the Spencer 56-50 and from what others have said work well in their Spencers.

Two Flints

[Grizzle Bear]

You might try taking a couple of turns off the magazine spring.  Don't think I would do this until I had a new replacement spring in hand.

Of course, if you lighten the mag spring, it might not function with "real" cartridges.

Grizzle Bear