Making 56-50 Brass for the Armi-Sport Spencer from 32 Gauge Brass

[PvtGreg]

Prepping 32 gauge Brass for the Armi-Sport Spencer   

The Armi-Sport 56-50 Spencer has different case dimensions than the original (see below) which require some additional case prep.  If you want to see some directions about using .32 gauge brass for the original see here: http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,39041.msg514018.html#msg514018

Armi-Sport 56-50 Dimensions (NOT the original 56-50 Spencer):

• Base diameter   0.56 in
• Rim diameter   0.63 in
• Case length   1.1 in
• Overall length   1.5 – 1.70 in (1.57 in works best for me.)

1) Cut the 32 gauge brass to length. 

• I use the same case length as the Starline brass, which by my measure is 1.1 in.  There are a number of ways to cut this brass.  Some use the small cut off saw from Harbor Freight.  I use a small table saw with a diamond blade to do the same thing.  I've used a pipe cutter in the past.  Find the tool that works the best for your budget and preference.  See posts http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,40873.0.html  & http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,40010.0.html for additional information.

2) Anneal the brass. 

• There a couple of good youtube videos on doing this.  Go to http://www.youtube.com/index?feature=youtu.be and search for the term annealing brass cartridges to see how.

3) Re-size the case

• A heavy duty press like the Rock Chucker from Lyman or like press is a MUST for resizing these cartridges.  First is to run the case up into the 56-50 resizing die with the de-capping pin removed.  Make sure you're using a dye set for the Armi-Sport 56-50.  This step will re-size most, but not all of the case.
• You must next re-size the case right up to the rim.  Remove the shell holder from the press and replace it with something that will present a flat surface for the rim to sit on.  I use the tip of a flat file (the part without scoring cut into it).  I have a piece that broke off while I was working on a project and it works well for presenting a flat face for the rim to sit on.  Fit the cartridge into the resizing die and run the cartridge in to the die up to its rim.
• Obviously since you've just run the case all the way up to the rim without the shell holder you will need to pop it out of the resizing die with something.  To do this you will need to construct a special tool. I use the stem from Kobalt Item# 239374, Model 60223 6-in1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver.  It has a small hexagonal hole on one end and a larger one on the other end that fits over the 32 gauge primer pocket and will allow you to pop the cartridge out of the sizing die with a blow from a hammer without deforming this pocket and the case. 
  

4) Reduce the last .2 to .3 " of the case body near the rim

• Even after running the case up to the rim in sub-step 2, the last .2 " of the case body will be about .02 to .03 too thick.  You need to reduce this somehow.  I do this by using a lathe rigged from a Dremel tool (see post http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,40676.0.html ).  I place the cartridge in this rig and then at low RPM I use a bit of 320 grit paper, or a small jeweler's file to uniformly reduce the base.  You don't have to remove much, just about .02 of an inch.  When you think you have it, test the fit in your rifle/carbine.


• WARNING – anytime you change the characteristics of a cartridge by removing material as I advocate here, you must visually inspect each cartridge before reloading.

The 32 gauge cartridge takes the large pistol primer.  I get very good accuracy with these cartridges and they feed very well.  As a SASS shooter that uses the Spencer Rifle in his matches I know how important this is!


Please consider this a living document.  I will make changes as from input from the community and as I discover typos and mistakes to correct.