Questions for Repro Spencer Shooters

[threepdr]

I'm considering doing a run of Spencer molds. I've not decided on a design yet, but I will probably take attributes from several earlier designs. The mold will be for use in the Taylor's reproduction carbines.

This will be a departure for me as I usually only make molds that reproduce original designs. Of course, that is not an option for the center fire 56-50.

1. Do you prefer a crimp groove?
2. large single grease groove like the Romano bullet, or multiple grooves like the 50-70 bullet?

Thanks! Any imput on design features would be appreciated.

[Steve Weems]

I do prefer crimp groove and the single large lube grove. The 350gr .512 RNFP bullet Buffalo Arms is feeding nicely thru my Taylors Spencer but i expect there will be some excellent suggestions by more expert Spencer shooters than I. Good luck with this project.

[Kevin Tinny]

Hello:

The Cowboy Action Shooting Spencer Shooters Society "CAS/SSS" Forum has a lot of bullet information. Consider joining and then search Armisport/Chiappa Spencer. These repro's have been around for almost 20 years and in 56-50, perhaps 15 years. The rifling twist used for 56-50 in the Armisports varied, but not enough to change the 50/100 yard stability of the 350T.

The Rapine 350T was designed for the Armisport/Chiappa Spencer 56-50 carbine.
From years of posts on CAS/SSS, that bullet is widely admired, especially in a harder alloy of 16 -18Bhn. Photo's are on CSS/SSS.

A couple suggestions:
Single large lube groove with base to bottom of lube groove of at least .120" prevents
pressure compressing base into lube groove.

350T is .775" long, .280" meplat, base to lube groove .120", .175" wide lube groove and a crimp groove at .400" from base. My mold with 18Bhn alloy casts to .516" OD.

Sprue plate thickness of .150" to better hold heat.

Thanks,
Kevin Tinny

[threepdr]

Congrats on your willingness to take on a biggie challenge. Be warned the Spencer bullet must be shaped "just right" and loaded "just right" or the rounds won't feed thru the magazine. Then one can advance toward dealing with accuracy issues.
I see you're in the 4th LA. That's the Deep South. You have a premier Spencer shooter in your midst - Hoot (Lawrence) Gibson, 3rd GA. Hoot kills with his Spencer. Hoot can guide you down the primrose path.

THANKS Eggman, In fact my Spencer was previously owned by Hoot himself!

[threepdr]

Thanks Tinny!

Good information!

A couple suggestions:
Single large lube groove with base to bottom of lube groove of at least .120" prevents
pressure compressing base into lube groove.

350T is .775" long, .280" meplat, base to lube groove .120", .175" wide lube groove and a crimp groove at .400" from base. My mold with 18Bhn alloy casts to .516" OD.