Sometimes mismatched threads can hold a nipple for a long time, but when they let go, results can be bad. Had it happen with an underhammer rifle. Luckily my arm was off to the side far enough to only get powder burns. There used to be replacement nipples somewhat oversized to remedy the problem. Rethread the drum, insert replacement nipple, and problem solved. Be careful, please.
is my nipple seated proper?
- Thread starter Florida airgunner
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buy a bottoming tap of the right pitch and diameter, chase the threads in the bolster. If you need (looks like it) to go oversize, you can get nipples from TOTW oversize.
if you go back to the original nipple you show, it may hold, until it doesn't. think about what is directly aft of that little projectile.
if you go back to the original nipple you show, it may hold, until it doesn't. think about what is directly aft of that little projectile.
Time to measure exactly what is left in the bolster, then drill and tap to the minimum thread (based on the hole diameter in the bolster after cleanup) that will work with a larger nipple. For example, maybe something like this from TOW.
Florida airgunner
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I'm just slightly confused how both of the nipples screw in just fine without any resistance if you guys say they're not the same thread size. Here's another picture of the threads in the bolster too because I think the first picture wasn't too good. These threads are a little grimey but I'm suprised some of yall say they're straight up unsafe. Am I just missing something here?
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This is the proper way to fix the problem and also be safe .Safety is the most important part of the repair don't take a chance of loosing your or someone else eye
But the threads are different.
Oops. I see that was already caught waaaaay back.
Florida airgunner
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Ok, I'll see what I can do safely. thank you guys for all the help
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Same here.
Larry
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Is it my old eyes or are the threads different?
Looks to me that the thread pitch is a bit different
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Those are clearly different threads
Are you the original owner of the gun? I am surprised you got the new nipple in as far as you did.
That answers a lot of questions I had. Most reenactors don't understand that there are vastly different thread pitches for the different repop guns. Many reenactors also drill out the nipple in the misguided notion that it will "improve" ignition when the real problem is dirty powder, poor cleaning and CCI reenactor caps.
For serious, expert arms information- call Dave at Lodgewood. Forget Track, etc as they're all round ball guys. Lodgewood specializes in military muzzleloaders, both original and repop.
From what I can see in the pic, the threads look like they might be different. No, it's not a good idea to shoot the new nipple in live fire till you get this sorted.
So, I used to be a reenactor back in the days of the 125ths. I've seen first hand the "reenactorisms" surrounding these arms. Since then, I've moved over to live fire competition with the North South Skirmish Association with Civil War arms and artillery. Hey, no more drill in the sun! Many reenactors will diss the N-SSA as being a bunch of "farbs" but remember this, the 501c3 mission statement of the N-SSA is for preserving the WEAPONS knowledge of the Civil War. Authenticity in dress and camp equipage is second fiddle and in the N-SSA, you're welcome to be and camp as authentic as you like, or don't. I've also noticed the converse of the above to be somewhat true as well with many in the N-SSA deriding reenactors as "stitch counters". Probably the best way to look at this is reenactors for a flavor of the lifestyle, N-SSA if you want to shoot accurately and hit anything.
@Florida airgunner, take your nipples to a full service local hardware store. ACE Hardware will have thread gauges and will be able to determine the exact thread diameter and pitch, either US standard or metric. The metric 8x1.00 is almost identical to a US 5/16-24, but they are not interchangeable. Your original nipple appears to be a coarser thread pitch.
Manufacturers have changed sizes throughout the manufacturing life cycle. Previous owners may have modified their guns. It's up to you to determine what you have, and this means, measure it.
A musket nipple of the exact size you need will be available, you just need to ask for the correct one.
Manufacturers have changed sizes throughout the manufacturing life cycle. Previous owners may have modified their guns. It's up to you to determine what you have, and this means, measure it.
A musket nipple of the exact size you need will be available, you just need to ask for the correct one.
get a thread pitch gauge... they do not lie.
It appears that you may have a 5/16-18 or an 8x1.25 mm thread diameter and pitch. Use a gauge or test block. Then buy a machine bolt of the correct size and pitch to try in your musket.
The bolt can then be used as a plug when cleaning.
The bolt can then be used as a plug when cleaning.
At the very least you could drill out the bolster and re thread to a standard 1/4X28 nipple.
Yes 1/4 is 4/16 which is smaller than 5/16
Looks good !
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