How i make HOT percussion caps

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dipper said:
In my area the shortage of caps has been extreme enough to make me consider those plastic caps. I’ve picked up a few and will test them out in my 1851 Navy. Other members have said they are either unreliable or don’t work for them, so I’ll be experimenting to see if the exact issue can be figured out.
Click to expand...

Be aware of the warnings posted by others about using plastic ring caps.

Posted by skinny 1950: --->>> https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/percussion-cap-substitutes.586081/#post-7377183

"I gave up using the plastic toy caps when a loaded cylinder when off as I was capping it. I was loading my 1851 Navy and putting the cap on when it went off,I found a big chunk of lead on the bench but it didn't damage the gun as the ball when out the side.
I wasn't happy with the #11 caps as they jammed the cylinder more often than not,that is why I tried the plastic toy caps (plus they are a lot cheaper). I have to shoot at a range and decided that these caps are not safe enough when others are around. I was wondering what would happen if a cylinder fired without being aligned with the barrel...it scared the crap out of me. :eek::what:"

Posted by Busyhands94: --->>> https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/remington-percussion-cap-residue.605968/

"... i have also noticed that when i was using toy caps in my mini revolvers i could get my gun to fire more than 50 with no problems (probably because they are more sensitive) and i could just pour hot water through my barrel and it would dissolve the Triple Seven residue. however, i don't use toy caps due to them being too sensitive to safely use. i have to ease the cylinder back into the gun witch can take several minutes with toy caps if i am being careful, not to mention the sweat running down my brow worrying whether or not this thing is going to go off in my hands. i had my .22 LR equivalent go off when i was putting the cylinder in. it scared the heck out of me. and i was using toy caps instead of percussion caps."

Welcome to the THR black forum dipper!
 
dipper said:
In my area the shortage of caps has been extreme enough to make me consider those plastic caps. I’ve picked up a few and will test them out in my 1851 Navy. Other members have said they are either unreliable or don’t work for them, so I’ll be experimenting to see if the exact issue can be figured out.
Click to expand...

I purchased the toy caps in strip form and experimented with a few different combinations of Pyrodex and Armstrong's mix that is inside them. Placing a few granules on top of the white paper didn't result in ignition, neither did placing the granules directly into the Armstrong's mixture. I would say preliminarily that the mixture in the default amount does not generate sufficient thermal mass to ignite the Pyrodex. I will try increasing the amount of Amstrong's mixture by a factor of 3x, 4x, and 5x to see if the issue is indeed one of thermal mass. If those tests are also unsuccessful, then I would assume the mixture just doesn't get to a high enough temp to kickstart ignition. I will then investigate alternatives.
 
TheOutlawKid said:
A couple people have asked me how i make percussion caps so im putting together this small post.
Click to expand...

This entire thread is a certificate-level course in cap making. Appreciate the time & effort that went into developing this info.

Found this on nitrocellulose lacquer, it can be made from ping pong balls -

6 ping-pong balls
8 oz. acetone
Cut balls into strips and place in jar w/ lid
Add acetone and tighten lid
Let sit overnight or shake for 30 minutes until completely dissolved

http://web.archive.org/web/20071222...de.com/index.php?title=Nitrocellulose_lacquer
 
TheOutlawKid said:
Oh forgot to mention that if any of you have the prime-all mix (or H-48 mix) you can help stabilize it and extend its shelf life by adding 0.2 grains of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to every 3.0 grains of sulfur. This small amount of baking soda makes a huge difference in the mix and helps portect it from degrading and seriously improves shelf life. Im surpised the prime-all mix doesnt come with the baking soda already pre-mixed in...and you can also add 0.2 grains of fine aluminum powder to the same mix and help make a "hotter" cap...the aluminum dust shoots out of the nipple as burning hot particles and really helps alot to make a highly successful primer compound. So if you have the prime-all kit already and want to make the best of it then just add 0.2 grains of baking soda and 0.2 grains of fine pyrotechnic aluminum powder/dust (used for firework making) to every 3.0 grains of sulfur...mix it up really good with a mortar anf pestol and just follow the prime-all mix instructions. Believe me it makes a difference.
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I will have to give your roll caps a try, after using up all the remaining prime all mix I have, along with your idea of the aluminum dust. It seems I have to use more of the compound in my 1858 12" Bison .44 compared to my 1851 Navy .36! So no real consistency when I switch guns. Also notice a slight hang fire. But so far the testing phase has been very good, thanks for all the posting's on this. I almost ordered one of the cap makers 4 years ago, when I looked on their site at the .22 crimper. Have about 5000 .22 picked up cheap.
Thanks again
 
Just4FunOldGuns said:
I will have to give your roll caps a try, after using up all the remaining prime all mix I have, along with your idea of the aluminum dust. It seems I have to use more of the compound in my 1858 12" Bison .44 compared to my 1851 Navy .36! So no real consistency when I switch guns. Also notice a slight hang fire. But so far the testing phase has been very good, thanks for all the posting's on this. I almost ordered one of the cap makers 4 years ago, when I looked on their site at the .22 crimper. Have about 5000 .22 picked up cheap.
Thanks again
Click to expand...


Do you have the brass 1858 12" bison? I hear alot of people shunning the brassers but my 1851 44 has over 1500 rounds through her at 30 grains of goex each round. Ive neber had any problems with her and she locks up tight. Ive slicked her up and put slix shots on her and have never had any issues or misfires. In fact its one of the best grouping guns i have
 
Brass framed one with the shoulder stock and 2 extra cylinders. Also has the adjustable rear sight. She's 10 years old, and I barely have a 10th of what you have shot thru her. But at 25 yards I can consistently hit a bowling pin size flip target. Always seemed to be able to hit everything I aimed at with the longer barrel revolvers over 8" then with a shorter barrel, that's why I bought her. Even as a kid, with my cap gun revolvers that had the longer barrels I know I killed every bad guy I shot at!
 
My cap maker arrived today. Turn around time was 1 month and 3 days. Which was fine and also gave me ample time to hoard a few of the supplies ill need. Im impressed with the overall quality of the capmaker. Though im no machinist i have been in the manufacturing business most of my life and i know a quality made part when i see one. Ill update more after i use the cap maker. If anyone is hesitant about ordering one id say go for it. Sure you can buy them at the store... but look around you... One day you may wake up to a store trip being only a memory of a time past. God bless you all
-Blackpowderwarrior
 
Blackpowderwarrior said:
If anyone is hesitant about ordering one id say go for it. Sure you can buy them at the store... but look around you... One day you may wake up to a store trip being only a memory of a time past. God bless you all
-Blackpowderwarrior
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I agree. I purchase everything locally that I can. If we don’t in a few years we won’t be able to.
 
Lyle said:
I agree. I purchase everything locally that I can. If we don’t in a few years we won’t be able to.
Click to expand...

The beauty of Powder and caps is the longevity of the product. That can of goex and can of caps can sit 20 years and be just as viable in the future as it is today. Im of the mind set of purchase what you can while you can. Ive had one too many Shoulda, coulda, wouldas in my life and I dont want that to be one of them. Ive not yet endeavored into learning the ins and outs of making the holy black but i hope too soon. This is knowlege i pray the lord alows me to pass on to my son.
 
Heres my first try. I used brass sheeting .005,
Superbang german roll caps and Legends of the west german paper caps. Each cap got 3 super bang primer material and topped with one Legends paper cap. I also added 1 drop of duco cement and tamped it down while soaked in glue.
 

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So as I am not so patiently waiting for my Tap-O-Cap and Prime-All to arrive, I was browsing Thingiverse 3D print files for black powder items. I came across a file for some #11 snap caps to use with cap and ball revolvers. Neat-O! I printed off a couple, slipped one on and pulled the trigger. I was fully expecting it to shatter since PLA is not the most durable material. Surprisingly, it remained in one piece. I actually had to use a small flat tip to pry it off the nipple. That's when the light bulb flickered on. I found some German roll caps at Bass Pro and I already had the Duco delivered from an order last week. Loaded six caps, a drop of Duco, and smashed em down firmly. Waited 30 min for glue to dry, stuck one on the nipple and crack!!! Unfortunately it did blow the side out of the cap but it worked. Now I don't know if it will set off a charged chamber but I do not see any reason for it not too and the cap pieces did not jam up the revolvers workings. Further experimentation is warranted, so it seems :)
 
@Swampy 75 that's awesome man. I haven't bought the prime all yet. just got a 1/8 hole punch and the German caps paper and plastic red caps. It's easier to punch out the paper caps with a hole punch and load em.but its also very easyto cut the plastic caps and in my experience they have about triple the compound in them. I got these supplies to see if I could do it. I figured if SHTF itd be a good idea to have these items and since im pretty self sufficient in every other aspect of BP its a worthy investment to me. This has been a fun project though very tedious. I appreciate this thread and the brains who've made this thread what it is. Its no less than a GOLDEN NUGGET safely tucked away here in our corner of the Internet known as THR. This Knowledge is a true Gem
 
Swampy75 said:
So as I am not so patiently waiting for my Tap-O-Cap and Prime-All to arrive, I was browsing Thingiverse 3D print files for black powder items. I came across a file for some #11 snap caps to use with cap and ball revolvers. Neat-O! I printed off a couple, slipped one on and pulled the trigger. I was fully expecting it to shatter since PLA is not the most durable material. Surprisingly, it remained in one piece. I actually had to use a small flat tip to pry it off the nipple. That's when the light bulb flickered on. I found some German roll caps at Bass Pro and I already had the Duco delivered from an order last week. Loaded six caps, a drop of Duco, and smashed em down firmly. Waited 30 min for glue to dry, stuck one on the nipple and crack!!! Unfortunately it did blow the side out of the cap but it worked. Now I don't know if it will set off a charged chamber but I do not see any reason for it not too and the cap pieces did not jam up the revolvers workings. Further experimentation is warranted, so it seems :)
Click to expand...
Good thinking! Interesting that you are using such an incredibly modern tool to keep your 1860’s technology up and running...
 
My apology if I missed something, but did anybody try to make caps using annealed copper or brass, or anneal cups after forming, in order to prevent their shattering?
 
arcticap said:
In the past, folks have mentioned using the plastic ring caps and said that they worked.
Available at the dollar store for about $1 per 96 caps.
Case price for 48 cards X 96 caps each is $48 at Dollar Tree.--->>> https://www.dollartree.com/super-bang-ring-caps-96-shot-packs/141209
Or from Amazon, 572 ring caps for $6.29 delivered.--->>> https://www.amazon.com/8-shot-plastic-shots-sheets-Total/dp/B00WRJM4LK
For a little more than a penny each they could work as emergency caps, especially if a nipple is primed with black powder.
Use them with cap keepers made from aquarium tubing if needed.
I haven't used alternative caps yet but 1st want to try the small pistol primers held in place with the correct size plastic tubing.--->>> https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ol-primers-instead-of-percussion-caps.844697/
There are some other inexpensive options besides making your own.
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Sorry I know this post is old but I hope you don't mind... Is the plastic cap idea still viable? I know it won't be 100% effective but the hazmat fee's a real killer on small orders. I'm expecting the gun to arrive this week and I have 3 days to inspect it. I have everything needed except for the caps.
 
John570 said:
Sorry I know this post is old but I hope you don't mind... Is the plastic cap idea still viable? I know it won't be 100% effective but the hazmat fee's a real killer on small orders. I'm expecting the gun to arrive this week and I have 3 days to inspect it. I have everything needed except for the caps.
Click to expand...

As long as you realize all of the risks of using them which includes the increased potential for chainfire and for injury while seating them.
The back pressure from early ignition can split the thumb flesh open if a push stick isn't used to seat them.
Some ring caps may need to be coaxed onto the nipple because they may fit tight so extra care must be used due to increased sensitivity.
Also some brands of ring caps may work better than others.

It should be obvious that no one wants to recommend them so that all risk and liability are on the user.
Many Walmarts do carry ring caps and at least a gun can be test fired with empty chambers to see if it will set the caps off.
Kids generally don't get hurt simply loading ring caps onto their toy cap bombs using their fingers.
It's when the chamber is full of powder that the back pressure and chainfire can occur.
If you're capping a fully loaded gun while holding it in your palm and it chainfires then you're going to be in for a shock.
A person needs to be aware of the risks and control for them as much as possible.

Similar injuries and events have happened using regular percussion caps but it's very rare and uncommon.
Be aware that rings caps are corrosive and the cap residue needs to be promptly cleaned and neutralized.



 
Last edited:
arcticap said:
As long as you realize all of the risks of using them which includes the increased potential for chainfire and for injury while seating them.
The back pressure from early ignition can split the thumb flesh open if a push stick isn't used to seat them.
Some ring caps may need to be coaxed onto the nipple because they may fit tight so extra care must be used due to increased sensitivity.
Also some brands of ring caps may work better than others.

It should be obvious that no one wants to recommend them so that all risk and liability are on the user.
Many Walmarts do carry ring caps and at least a gun can be test fired with empty chambers to see if it will set the caps off.
Kids generally don't get hurt simply loading ring caps onto their toy cap bombs using their fingers.
It's when the chamber is full of powder that the back pressure and chainfire can occur.
If you're capping a fully loaded gun while holding it in your palm and it chainfires then you're going to be in for a shock.
A person needs to be aware of the risks and control for them as much as possible.

Similar injuries and events have happened using regular percussion caps but it's very rare and uncommon.
Be aware that rings caps are corrosive and the cap residue needs to be promptly cleaned and neutralized.



Click to expand...

You're a wealth of knowledge and it's appreciated even more so as a Newbie to BP. After speaking with you I decided to just wait for our trip this weekend to Gettysburg this weekend and hit the mom an pop shops. Just for the record I would have only done single cylinder loads. Just to be cautious my first few outings even with caps will be single cylinder loads till I'm comfortable.... Every gun I own or have owned has been cleaned whether its shot or not if it's picked up it's cleaned.
 
John570 said:
You're a wealth of knowledge and it's appreciated even more so as a Newbie to BP. After speaking with you I decided to just wait for our trip this weekend to Gettysburg this weekend and hit the mom an pop shops. Just for the record I would have only done single cylinder loads. Just to be cautious my first few outings even with caps will be single cylinder loads till I'm comfortable.... Every gun I own or have owned has been cleaned whether its shot or not if it's picked up it's cleaned.
Click to expand...

Homemade and ring caps can clog the nipple holes with particles, along with powder residue.
A nipple pick is an item that everyone needs to have.
A small paper clip, pin, needle or a piece of music wire can be used as one. and bring it to the range.
 
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