e.estern
36 Cl.
I'm planning to get a spare nipple from TOW. It looks like they only sell Hotshots in the correct size for the Thompson Center lock on my rifle. Are these better or worse than OEM? Shoudl I try and find an original T?C nipple?
Why use a Hotshot nipple?
- Thread starter e.estern
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Johnny Tremain
Silversmith in training
They claim they are better. Ive used them before a long time ago.
Ive been checking out New Improved Black Powder Nipples | SliXshot Nipples
They seem better than the stock ones. Cure all, heck no, better than OEM, you betcha
Ive been checking out New Improved Black Powder Nipples | SliXshot Nipples
They seem better than the stock ones. Cure all, heck no, better than OEM, you betcha
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I have used the "Hot hot" nipples ever since they came out and dearly lovemthem! The "Slixshot"looks just like them?
e.estern
36 Cl.
The SliXshots look nice, but they don't sell them individually. I guess I'll get the Hotshot from TOW.
user 48679
54 Cal.
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The T/C breech has a complex flash channel path through the snail (breech). The cap needs to send a strong jet of flame and heat to the powder charge. As can be seen in the cutaway photo below, thanks to @QuinnTheEskimo for finding this picture, there are lots of places in the flash channel to be bridged by powder grains and fouling that will separate the main powder charge from the cap flash. Hot shot and other efficient flash directing nipples send a jet of flame that has a better chance of setting off the main charge.
Do pay attention to the model. I believe you may have a T/C Hawken rifle that takes 1/4-28 threads in the nipple.
Keep your flash channel clean!
Do pay attention to the model. I believe you may have a T/C Hawken rifle that takes 1/4-28 threads in the nipple.
Keep your flash channel clean!
I bought a couple of “red hot #11 nipples” from Muzzleloaders.com. It is tapered and I’ve found a any manufacturer cap seats easily and consistently. Would recommend all shooters give these a try.
e.estern
36 Cl.
Photo of the T/C breech is really interesting, explains a lot. But the rifle I’m needing a nipple for is different. It was made back in the 1970s by a builder in Portsmouth, NH. Green Mtn Barrel, T/C lock, but no hooked breech like a Hawken. Barrel is pinned to the stock. Takes a 1/4 28 nipple.
Hot Shot, Red Hot, Spitfire or others designed for use with the substitute black powders will deliver a hotter flash to the main charge regardless of the breech. In general, that will result in a more reliable ignition of the main charge whether using real black powder or the substitute powder. What's not to like? The vented cone may create cap fragments, but the cup in the hammer for the drum and design of the shield in the snail keep the cap fragments close to the nipple.
Last time I used Hot shot nipples was back in the 90's. Me and my buddy had nothing but misfires with them. Went back to standard and problems went away. Haven't tried them since so I don't know if they've changed. Use musket caps now to good effect.
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I have the Hot Shot on a Ozark Mountain Arms 50cal and one on an Ithaca 50cal. The only difference I have noticed is that the cap usually separates into several pieces. The T/C rifles that I have all have factory nipples and the caps seem to stay together on them. I guess when the caps separate they are easier to remove. They usually just fall out after firing. I do always check the hammers to make sure a small piece is not stuck up in it. But that has never been a real problem. I always use real BP and the Hot Shot may be a little faster, but not enough to make a difference to me.
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I have noticed that when my M.L. starts spliting caps my nipple is wearing out and needs replacing. I don't know if this is your problem or not but you could try a new nipple and see?
e.estern
36 Cl.
I followed the advice above and got some Treso nipples.
How have the Treso worked out?
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I use Treso and platinum lined cones only. If I’m using substitute powder I sometimes use musket nipples.
I tried the Hot Shot nipples [vented] in a TC Hawken usingT-7, 2f and and they were a complete bust. No ignition at all. Standard TC nipples worked pretty well. Best ignition came with Knight Red Hot nipples. I believe the vents were the culprit, with the Hot Shots, in getting enough flame to navigate the TC flash channel. I think they let pressure escape the nipple instead of forcing it into the channel. Just my experience. SW
BeardedGunsmith
40 Cal
I'm curious how the vents are supposed to contribute to better ignition. I would think that it would subtract from the flame and pressure having a direct path to the powder charge.
smoothshooter
50 Cal.
The cutaway shows why so many of us hate recessed breeches.
I know there are several variations, some better than others.
I will never buy another one unless it is an original that is so appealing otherwise that the better features outweigh the breech disadvantages.
