The Civil War's 7-shot repeating carbine cartridge. Confederate troops faced Union cavalry with seven shots per reload versus one — a decisive tactical advantage.
Type: Rimfire
Introduced: 1860, United States
Parent case: .56-56 Spencer
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.512" (13 mm)
Case length: 1.01" (25.65 mm)
Overall length: 1.48" (37.59 mm)
Max pressure: 18,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimfire
Primer: Rimfire
Typical twist rate: N/A (rimfire, lever action)
Muzzle velocity: 950–1100 fps
Muzzle energy: 700–940 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 350 gr
Primary use: Military (Historical)
Production status: Active
Also known as: .56-50 RF · Spencer Carbine · .56-50 Romano
History: Christopher Spencer personally demonstrated the repeating carbine to Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Lincoln test-fired it on the White House lawn and ordered adoption. Over 94,000 Spencer carbines entered service. Confederate General James Longstreet reportedly called the Spencer the weapon that prolonged the war by making Union cavalry tactically dominant.
Notable firearms: Spencer Carbine Model 1860, Spencer Rifle Model 1860
Military use: {"country":"U.S. Army","years":"1863-1865","conflicts":["Civil War "]}
Similar cartridges: .50-70 Government