Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
.56-52 Spencer
Christopher Spencer's Civil War repeating rifle cartridge, issued to Union cavalry.
- Caliber
- 0.512″ · 13.005 mm
- Introduced
- 1866
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- Military/LE
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1866
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Christopher Spencer
- Manufacturer
- Spencer Repeating Rifle Company
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 33.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:36
- Primer
- Boxer Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 18,000 CUP, SAAMI crusher
- Eff. range
- 300 yd
- Max range
- 3100 yd
- Recoil
- 18–26 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .56-52 Spencer — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Wikipedia · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 13.01 | 0.512 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 13.59 | 0.535 | ~ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 13.97 | 0.550 | ~ |
| Rim ⌀ | 16.00 | 0.630 | ~ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.78 | 0.070 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 23.88 | 0.940 | ~ |
| Overall length | 41.45 | 1.632 | ~ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .56-52 Spencer is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in .56-52 Spencer
History
Christopher Spencer developed this rimfire cartridge for his Spencer repeating rifle in 1860. Adopted by the Union Army after Lincoln personally tested the Spencer carbine at the Washington Navy Yard. Spencer repeating arms gave Union cavalry a 7-shot advantage over Confederate single-shot rifle opponents. The cartridge was obsolete by the 1870s.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .56-52 Spencer use?
- .56-52 Spencer typically uses a 1:36 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .56-52 Spencer?
- .56-52 Spencer uses a 0.512″ (13.005 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .56-52 Spencer still in production?
- .56-52 Spencer is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
- What is .56-52 Spencer used for?
- .56-52 Spencer is primarily used for military/le.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
