Author Topic: Unknown cartridge conversion (Read 3831 times)

Tubac · « **on:** July 23, 2006, 03:14:21 PM »

Hi fellas, new guy here.
This does not apply to Spencers per se, but I noticed discussion of old cartridges on the Cimmeron post.
I have an original Rogers & Spencer revolver, that has been converted to center fire cartridge.
The back quarter of the cylinder has been removed and replaced with a machined plate to accomidate
cartridges.
The cylinder bore is .438" and 1.51" in length. This is too narrow for a .44 Special, or a .44/40 amd I would guess the .44 colt and .44 remington. A .41 magnum case fits fine.
Does anyone have any idea what cartidge was used in this pistol?
Thanks for your help and thanks to Two flints for letting me post this.

Tubac

Two Flints · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2006, 03:41:51 PM »

Tubac,

Doing a Google Search will get you lots of links that can provide the info you are looking for. Here are just a few. Whe you find or get the info you are looking for, please delete this post. It would get lots more attention over at the "Historical Society Discussion Forum" moderated by St.George located at: http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?board=6.0

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976724312.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976742990.htm

http://www.civilwarguns.com/0005.html

http://armscollectors.com/mgs/army_revolvers_part_2.htm

Hope this helps!

Two Flints

Tubac · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2006, 04:31:41 PM »

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your help.
Tubac

Advertising · « **Reply #3 on:** **Today** at 05:57:07 PM »

St. George · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2006, 06:47:14 PM »

For the hell of it - try a .41 Colt - either Long or Short.

They were an outside-lubricated, heel-based bullet with a nominal diameter of .410.

You 'can' reload for them - but you've got to want to...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Hell-Er High Water · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2006, 07:54:45 PM »

Tubac,

It sounds like a 44 S&W American. My references show that this cace can be made from 41 Magnum cases. According to the references, the original had head & base diameters of 0.438" to 0.440", used a 0.434" diameter, outside lubricated, heeled bullet and the overall loaded cartridge length was 1.440" to 1.460"(depending on which reference you use). It is said to have been developed and introduced in 1869 which would make it a prime candidate for a cartridge conversion.

Hope this helps.

HHW

Tubac · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2006, 08:24:24 PM »

Thank you Hell'er High Water, may I ask what references you're using?
Right now, I'm opening up a .41 magnum case and using an outside lubed .428, backed by 20 grains of FFFG.
I'd like to see what the references say.
thanks again,
Tubac

Hell-Er High Water · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2006, 09:41:08 AM »

Tubac,

My primary reference is "The Handloader's Manual Of Cartridge Conversions" by John J. Donnelly. My secondary reference is "Cartridges Of The World" by Frank C. Barnes. In most cases they agree very closely with each other.

Both are good books to have in your library.

HHW

Fox Creek Kid · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2006, 08:42:31 PM »

Just as a note, does this revolver have a rimfire hammer? There were some R&S's converted to .44 Rimfire and they went West. There is one in the Cody Museum. As a side note, it has now been documented that some (albeit few) R&S revolvers were indeed used during the Civil War. There was one a while back on an esteemed auction site with provenance.

Tubac · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:14:54 PM »

The hammer has been modified as it is a centre fire.
I'm amazed at the number of responses, and I'd like to thank you all for your help.
Tubac

Two Flints · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:31:28 PM »

Tubac,

We have a great bunch here and they share information they have whenever they can!

Two Flints

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