snap caps/dummy ammo

[docwharden1881]

I know you shouldn't dry fire rim-fire b/c it might damage the firing pin, center-fire may be alright. From what I have read at least.
Most of my single-actions, both cartridge and percussion, are reproductions made by various companies but they are still valuable to me.
The one double i own is a new service circa 1917 (was handed down by a family member) btw
I like to practice but not always need to use live bullets in these drills.
Any particular brand(s) you use or would recommend?

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

The smaller plastic drywall inserts work well as cheap .22 rimfire snap caps.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I like A-Zoom snap caps which are machined from solid aluminum, with a rubbery insert in the primer pocket.

 

[.38 Special]

I also stick with A-Zooms - and yes, I would go ahead and protect that 1917. It may not need them, but they are cheap insurance.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

A-Zooms for me.

Apparently owned by Lyman now.

https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/a-zoom

 

[CajunBass]

I get mine off Ebay. Just do a search for (insert caliber here) "snap caps" or "Dummy rounds". I think most of mine have come from a guy called 82ndparachuterigger or something like that. They're basically just an inert cartridge with the primer pocket filled with a rubber type compound. They are about the same weight as a real cartridge. Bullets are color coded and the color helps to verify they are the dummy rounds. Red for 9mm, blue for 38/357, etc. They never seem to wear out. Work perfectly with speed loaders. I've got them in 38 and 357, 44 Special, 380, and 32 Long at least. Might be some others...Oh...45 acp. They're 8-10-12 bucks or so for a half dozen.

 

[Pat Riot]

I made my own snap caps. I got the idea from someone here on THR a few years back.
I took clean sized and deprimed cases and I thoroughly cleaned the primer pocket. I filled the primer pockets with glue from a hot glue gun. Once it cooled and hardened I took a razor blade and made the glue smooth and even with the case head. Then I inserted and crimped a bullet in the case and “WALLAH” a simulated live round with a material in the primer pocket that gives when the firing pin hits it.
I do not usually dry fire my guns but when I do I have these homemade snap caps to use for that purpose.

 

[barnfrog]

If you're a super cheapskate, you can use spent brass for the .22. Just rotate them after you go round the cylinder once, so the pin is hitting fresh brass each time. You can get half a dozen pulls out of each.

 

[Eugen]

A-Zoom makes decent snap caps. They make them in about every caliber and they are sold about everywhere. I have about eight sets of A-Zoom brand in different calibers. One of the problems with using aluminum alloy is that they are softer, than say brass, and can wear down from use. Note the photo of A-Zoom in 32 acp that are badly worn .
The best brand I found is B's that are made from chromed brass and appear to be very durable.
I have other brands that work reasonable well. In total I have about twelve sets from 25acp up to 30 06. I love snap caps for function testing on my shop bench.