NIPPLES

[appalichian hunter]

As to the question of period correct anti-sieze, I would think what ever was used as a patch or ball lube would suffice. More than likley (SWAG HERE) some type of animal fat rendered into a grease maybe hog lard or even sheep,deer,buffalo tallow, that sort of thing.

 

[Rfp10000]

The only seized nipples I experienced were on new guns. I’ve broke one of those cheap Traditions wrenches on them.
I used a few different anti-seize greases but I’ve tried a little Ballistol and that seemed fine also. Nipples get pulled within a couple hours of use without any trouble.

 

[stephenprops1]

What would historically correct anti-seize be?

Probably bear grease or some animal fat.

 

[DuncNZ]

Guys I know who shoot long range muzzle loading with Parker Hale Whitworth's etc . Rifles which use long projectiles and large powder charges and generate high breach pressures often use a wrap of Teflon thread tape around the nipple threads

 

[Mad L]

when installing or replacing nipples should you put antisieze or similar on the threads

After a revolvers and a couple rifles folks had brought me to clean for them (they were 'reenactors' shooting smoke only); I learned Not to treat my firearms like they do. They did not Lube (or even oil) the nipples and rarely ever (if ever) remove them - I had a HECK OF A TIME getting them off!! One of the rifles I literally could not get off and told him to take it to a gunsmith as I did not want to be responsible.
Even when I first met my wife and went to clean her revolver (only fired twice, live rounds) I had a heck of a tim with a couple of them.

Two main problems I would say that cause 'Stuck Nipples':
1 - Over tightening
2- Poor cleaning habits
Toss in 'dry' threads and you too will have a HECK OF A TIME when you go to remove.

The thought on 'anti-sieze' grease over oil is that most oils either evaporate or turn hard/gooey with heat, Anti-sieze is designed to withstand high temps.
If one cleans regularly and does not over tighten then a good oil should be fine. Myself, I use an anti-sieze Chock Lube and have never had any trouble, I use it on my flintlock's touch liner as well...and Do Not Over Tighten.

**why when I typed 'stuck nipple' did auto correct try to change to 'stuck ball'?