56-50 blanks

Jimbo · November 06, 2011, 05:13:49 PM

I need some help with the "how to" steps to make 56-50 blanks that feed in the Armi Sport out of .348 Win brass. I remember seeing something about it a while back but never saw any details posted. I cut down 2 pcs to the OAL length of 1.65 and they work single load only. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to this kind of stuff. Any guidance will be helpful.
Thanks,
Jimbo

Sean Thornton · November 06, 2011, 06:18:06 PM

Quote from: Jimbo on November 06, 2011, 05:13:49 PM
I need some help with the "how to" steps to make 56-50 blanks that feed in the Armi Sport out of .348 Win brass. I remember seeing something about it a while back but never saw any details posted. I cut down 2 pcs to the OAL length of 1.65 and they work single load only. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to this kind of stuff. Any guidance will be helpful.
Thanks,
Jimbo

C-H Tool and die made a die for trimming 8mm Kropatcheck brass into a proper configuaration for a .56-50 blank case. If you had this die you could run the .348 brass in it and they would probably work. They probably do not have these any more but a person could check. Part of the problem of the .348 brass is that the rim diameter is a little too small at .610 while the .56-50 Taylor is around .626 diameter. However they can still work somewhat, I used some of these back in the late 1980s for blanks. Also if you are planning on crimping the mouth of the case then the brass become a one time use since the crimp will weaken the brass. You might try bottle-necking the case slightly, about a half inch, using a .45-70 size die but then you will also need to round over the case mouth slightly if you are not going to crimp the mouth. I have used a 3/8 flare cap over the mouth of the case and used a vice to apply the pressure for the desired amount of round over.

With all of that said the best and cheapest option is using the 32 gauge shotgun shells as described in the following website as well as the video links that are on the site. You can reload your own .56-50 blanks for around 20 cents each. The 32 gauge case comes primed for around 14 cents.

http://44henryrifle.webs.com/spencerrifleblanks.htm

Here is the video of these blanks in my Taylor Spencer rifle .56-50,

Here is the link on my loading process

Hope this may help, if does not, just consider the cost of the information: FREE. Well free for you, I spent well over $3500 for the RD&T work on this project last Fall, but then that is what I like to do.

Jimbo · November 06, 2011, 11:45:13 PM

Sean,
After watching your loading video all I can say is Thank you!!! I spent over 2 hours cutting down 2 rds of .348 Win and could not figure out how to roll crimp the darn things. Your system is easy fact is the hardest part for me will be cutting them down to size, no talbe saw but I'll figue it out.
Well I'll give my buddy back 18 rds of .348 Win or better yet try to sweet talk him out of his Mod 71 that he hasn't used in years !!!
Another winter project to add to the list.
Thanks,
Jim

Two Flints · November 07, 2011, 05:31:58 AM

Jim Bob,

Pardon the hijack, but look into the mini chop saw that Mike Moore uses with much success cutting his 50-70 Government Brass down to proper length. Check out his video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JRQZ0j1Vnc&feature=related

Two Flints

Sean Thornton · November 07, 2011, 11:08:59 AM

That is a neat little saw. I think that I may just have to have one for some projects. I have used a tubing cutter in the past but this saw looks a lot better.

Sean Thornton · February 15, 2012, 03:26:15 PM

Has anybody had a chance to try making any of these blanks? I was just wondering. I have fired over 2000 of these both in testing and at reeanctments.

On another note, our group has 6 or 7 guys with Spencer rifles and are planning on participating at the 150th anniversary of Chickamauga in 2013. We also have several guys that will be armed with Henry rifles so our numbers will probably over 25 men. My hope is that we could field a dozen Spencer rifles or more, sorry but no carbines since they weren't out yet or used by Wilder's men. By making your own .56-50 blanks from the 32 gauge shotshells it makes some cheap shooting. There will be several battle from Thursday through Sunday so 700 to 800 Spencer blanks would not be out of the question. Jim and I fired over 350 blanks in 2 one hour battles when we went to Selma using our Spencer rifles. At any rate I am just passing this along in case any are interested.

http://44henryrifle.webs.com/spencerrifleblanks.htm

Here is the video of these blanks in my Taylor Spencer rifle .56-50,

Preston County Rider · February 15, 2012, 06:00:32 PM

Sean - I was hoping someone would mention specifics for Chickamauga in 2013. I WILL be there with my Spencer rifle which, as per Two Flints estimate on the serial number, was at Chickmauga with the 5th Ohio Sharpshooters. So, I am prepared to stand with you all - by the way, do you sell the 32 gauge blanks? We've got a number of Spencer rifle events coming up out east (G'Burg, Funkstown, Williamsport - all in July) so I expect to be busy and would like to try your blanks in my original (which has been s&S'ed to 56-50 but has a blade extractor) before going full bore (so to speak)

PCR

Sean Thornton · February 15, 2012, 09:01:32 PM

Quote from: Preston County Rider on February 15, 2012, 06:00:32 PM
Sean - I was hoping someone would mention specifics for Chickamauga in 2013. I WILL be there with my Spencer rifle which, as per Two Flints estimate on the serial number, was at Chickmauga with the 5th Ohio Sharpshooters. So, I am prepared to stand with you all - by the way, do you sell the 32 gauge blanks? We've got a number of Spencer rifle events coming up out east (G'Burg, Funkstown, Williamsport - all in July) so I expect to be busy and would like to try your blanks in my original (which has been s&S'ed to 56-50 but has a blade extractor) before going full bore (so to speak)

PCR

I don't sell any of the blanks but you could contact http://westernsharpshooters.webs.com/blacksquirrelblanks.htm
Todd makes these for sell. I have an original carbine that I have to do some extra step but a friend has an original and they work perfect in his.

Tuolumne Lawman · February 15, 2012, 11:21:17 PM

A few years back (about 4 or 5???), Ten-X offered 56-50 blanks. I believe Starline did a limited run of 56-50 blank brass. Anyone else remember these? I drilled out plastic 56-50 blanks and loaded them with 15 or 20 grains of FFFG and a shotgun primer. They worked OK in the 56-50 Taylors, but the rims separated on the 56-56 1860 model.