58 Rimfire case?

[grumpy]

Got a ? if I may; Im not up on civil war stuff I usually hunt way to far west to be concerned;
However I have a cartridge case question; I found a couple of 58 rimfire cartridge cases; 58-60-500 for the 1865 Springfield. they are rough cases and not special at all but what i was wondering is how common a find are these cases??

Also can anyone tell me the name of the ignition system that is a rimfire combustion system but the firepin placement is in the center of the case making just a small dimple in the case Not using a primer ? dont think i ever heard of the name of this type system.???

Thanks for the help
Grumpy

 

[txquest]

Grumpy, I believe your shell case will be an example of a "Benet primed" case. The U.S. Army used them on their converted Springfield rifles 50/70 from 1866-73. Of course there are numerous civilian models of varying calibers also. Hope this helps. Txquest PS. I believe the early 1870's Army 45/55 and 45/70 also used the "Benet Primer".

 

[grumpy]

Thanks Tx;

On the old 58 60 500 rimfire do you have any idea of how rare they are?? Or a good reference book??
I been a gunsmith for 40 years but never bothered to look into these old old ammo and their proper names and components. I found one case out of a double firing pin winchester (rimfire) there have been lots of variables in firearms in the past especially around the civil war.
Thanks again and any other info appreciated too
Grumpy