knowledge and BP supplies

[drachenboot]

We recently bought an older, italian made colt navy cal. 44
we got some supplies from Imbert and Smithers in san Carlo. are ther any other stores in the San Jose area that carry supplies.

i understand the percussion caps come in different sizes, no. 10 and 11 for instance. within a cylinder are the nipples interchangeable? do they have the same size (metric?) threat, or is the revolver with the size 10 nipple fixed on that size?
Also within the .44 caliber there seem to be differences in the sizes in the ball diameter?

We have a number of questions and would like to find out whether any of the forum members would be willing to answer some Newbies questions. Bodo

[Darto]

.454 is the best size for almost all 44 cap and ball revolvers.

I don't use CCI, don't like them, but use Remingons in 10 and 11 and RWS 1055 (RWS 1055 is the smallest size 10 that can be bought).

The #10 fit on smaller (less wide) nipples than # 11.

Reply number 20 on the links shows a chart. Notice Rem 11 and 10 are the same diameter, but the Rem #10 is longer and therefore it fits down further on the nipple (where the nipple is wider) and therefore fits tighter than the Rem #11 on any nipple whatsoever.

The Remingtons are not smooth on the bottoms but have serrated protrusions. These seem to allow them to squeeze better and fit more sizes than CCI (which I don't like).

The RWS #1055 is the smallest nipple you can buy. It is both longer and narrower than any other cap, and for both those reasons it fits tighter than any other cap.

I have a tiny Philadelphia derringer that only the RWS 1055 will fit, the others are too large and the hammer will not explode them like they will the 1055 every time.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,35696.0.html

[Darto]

You can buy a single can of caps from Dixie Gun Works or Recobs online but the Hazmat fees are enormous for small orders. But since they won't take caps back, a large order may get you a boat load of cheaper caps that won't fit.

So a local dealer is the answer, but hard to find, I don't have a local dealer myself. Dixie used to sell RWS.

[Eljay]

I buy black powder stuff sometimes at the Bass Pro in Manteca. If you head out that way, drop in, it's all in its own little black powder ghetto with caps/balls/substitute powder all together. They almost always have a couple of brands of caps. I don't know that I'd drive out there not knowing what they have but it's on the way to a lot of places.

re: nipples - different brands have different thread pitches. You can often interchange nipples between guns from the same maker (Pietta as an example). If you check a site like Track of the Wolf that sells aftermarket nipples they lay it all out. It's well worth getting some - they'll fit #11 nipples (or Remington #10, same diameter, just longer) very well. The factory nipples have a taper so any size cap will sort of work but not very well. Sometimes you can pinch them to get them to stay on.

If you buy aftermarket nipples you can feel confident that you can buy a ton of caps online in quantity and they'll work on all your guns.

[kendog4570]

Last time I was there the Gun Exchange in San Jose had caps. Real black powder is tough to find in stores. The best way to get some is to shoot with a club and get in on a group buy, or win some at a blanket shoot.
Check out Santa Cruz Muzzle Loaders. Just down the coast from you a little ways and VERY active club with lots of knowledgeable and friendly folks. They shoot twice a month in Scotts Valley (1 rifle match and 1 pistol) and also have a few local mini rendezvous. Shoot with them and you will be hooked up in short order.
PM me and I can get you a contact person.

[Darto]

If you want to add grease over the ball, a cookie decorator plunger works very well. An all brass one are on Ebay used from time to time cheap.

[Sousuke]

We recently bought an older, italian made colt navy cal. 44
we got some supplies from Imbert and Smithers in san Carlo. are ther any other stores in the San Jose area that carry supplies.

i understand the percussion caps come in different sizes, no. 10 and 11 for instance. within a cylinder are the nipples interchangeable? do they have the same size (metric?) threat, or is the revolver with the size 10 nipple fixed on that size?
Also within the .44 caliber there seem to be differences in the sizes in the ball diameter?

We have a number of questions and would like to find out whether any of the forum members would be willing to answer some Newbies questions. Bodo

I've had no issues with no. 10 caps on my cap and ball guns. No. 11 need a pinch to stay on (FYI, don't pinch your caps - it can lead to a chain fire). Nipples do come in different thread sizes depending on the model.

If you go to Chabot gun range on the second sunday of the month you can get help and also buy supplies. range 5.

[Electric Factory]

Reviving this thread for a moment and forgive me if this question has been answered elsewhere, but can anyone suggest an on-line source for #11 caps for an 1860 Army ?
I can't find them in stock a-n-y-w-h-e-r-e.. and by the way why is this ??

[Enfield47]

Try Dixie Gun Works, it looks like they have the No. 11 caps in stock.