Are Percussion caps corrosive?

[cgg]

I have a full stock Hawken percussion rifle--.54 Getz barrel, L&R lock--that I have only shot targets with. My usual procedure at the range is to wipe the barrel dry with alcohol, fire a couple caps, load up and shoot.

If I hunt with this rifle will the same procedure be OK if I don't shoot it for a couple days? Or will popping a couple caps cause corrosion in my breech and barrel if I don't unload and clean that night? I shoot RWS caps, if it makes a difference.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JV Puleo]

Non corrosive caps were introduced in the 1930s. By Remington, I believe but I find it hard to imagine that anyone is still making them.

 

[Little Wattsy]

I have a full stock Hawken percussion rifle--.54 Getz barrel, L&R lock--that I have only shot targets with. My usual procedure at the range is to wipe the barrel dry with alcohol, fire a couple caps, load up and shoot.

If I hunt with this rifle will the same procedure be OK if I don't shoot it for a couple days? Or will popping a couple caps cause corrosion in my breech and barrel if I don't unload and clean that night? I shoot RWS caps, if it makes a difference.

Thanks for the help.

I follow that same procedure for hunting and I also use RWS caps...NEVER had a bit of problem...I usually go hunting for a week in the wet and the cold...

 

[necchi]

Don't know if you could call it corrosive, but the junk caps leave after fireing IS hygroscopic and WILL pick up moisture and start rust.

I always set up for a deer hunt with a clean, dry, nipple and fire channel. I wouldn't want to run the risk of some of that cap junk plugging the hole in the nipp. Heck it happens during a regular shoot/turniment,,that's why I carry a nipple pick. I just wouldn't want to have to use it as Mr.Whitetail is trotting away because of a miss-fire.

 

[hanshi]

Modern caps, like centerfire primers, are noncorrosive. Don't know about weird foreign caps (not German as they are fine) from third world countries but commercially available caps are not corrosive.

 

[cgg]

Thanks very much for the responses. I appreciate it.