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Cap question
- Thread starter Mike1911
- Start date
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hanshi
Cannon
Modern percussion caps are not corrosive. The priming formula has long been changed from what our grandfathers used.
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It is my understanding that modern made percussion caps are non-corrosive.
Len Graves
45 Cal.
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It may be that the new manufactured caps are non corrosive, but I have found that they seem to start a rust around the nipple if left very long without cleaning or oiling (a day in damp weather). the flame also seems to affect brass quite a bit. I have a brass scope that I cover with a leather near the nipple for this reason. I am sure the newer caps are much better than the old mercury fulminate caps. With reasonable care you should have no trouble.
that's not the caps fault..It's the black powder or Pyodex residue that is being blown up through the cap's vent hole.
That big hammer and mainspring work as a "pressure seal" of sorts.
However smoke and bits of burnt powder still vent.
Both being corrosive, they rust the nipple and the hammer.
That big hammer and mainspring work as a "pressure seal" of sorts.
However smoke and bits of burnt powder still vent.
Both being corrosive, they rust the nipple and the hammer.
Well When I see a used cap gun and it has rust around the nipple I say they are and usually if there is rust there the bore is rusty to. I never dry fire a cap so I can leave it loaded for a few days till I get a Shot at a GR-hog. I must clean them right as they go bang when I pull the trigger. If after deer I might pull nipple to see if powder is visible. Dilly
Len Graves
45 Cal.
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You are probably right, but I have a rifle which I use for "demonstration" purposes during our annual ladies day. I fire only caps in this rifle, At the end of the day (possibly 15 caps)I find there is a light coat of ash on the nipple and barrel which will rust those parts if not cleaned fairly quickly. I am not really concerned about whether the caps were at fault. I am concerned about the resulting condition of the gun. As I mentioned before. Reasonable care should be taken in regard to cleaning. Len.
As the others have said, modern caps (and primers) use a non-corrosive material.
That is not to say that an unprotected steel surface won't rust and it doesn't say that the ash produced by primers won't absorb water.
I'm betting that after firing a number of caps on your gun the protective oil was vaporized by the intense heat of the flashing caps.
The remaining ash absorbed moisture from the air and all of this resulted in the surface rust you have seen.
Now, if you want to talk about caps that were truly corrosive just go to a gun show and look for some of the old original caplock guns there.
The whole area around the nipple on these guns has been eaten away leaving pocks and pits that look like the gun was the victim of repeated smallpox infections.
In fact, one of the ways to eliminate a "true antique gun that was used in 1840!" from a real one is to look at the area around the nipple.
If it is nice and smooth and unrusted it is undoubtedly a newly made gun.
That is not to say that an unprotected steel surface won't rust and it doesn't say that the ash produced by primers won't absorb water.
I'm betting that after firing a number of caps on your gun the protective oil was vaporized by the intense heat of the flashing caps.
The remaining ash absorbed moisture from the air and all of this resulted in the surface rust you have seen.
Now, if you want to talk about caps that were truly corrosive just go to a gun show and look for some of the old original caplock guns there.
The whole area around the nipple on these guns has been eaten away leaving pocks and pits that look like the gun was the victim of repeated smallpox infections.
In fact, one of the ways to eliminate a "true antique gun that was used in 1840!" from a real one is to look at the area around the nipple.
If it is nice and smooth and unrusted it is undoubtedly a newly made gun.
Len Graves
45 Cal.
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I agree absolutely. I have seen some of the old originals that have almost no nipple left, and no way to get the old one out. Then the question of the treads if you did get it out. There are definitely advances in the caps. I wonder if the old originals were as reliable as modern ones. Even today I get some (rarely) that don't go off. Getting back to the original question, I think we all agree a little after shooting care is well worth the time.
