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Ammo Field Carry Idea: The Percussion Revolver

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Guys Altoid mint tins have a cult following in the bushcraft community for all kinds of uses. I’ve been looking for a way to carry a spare reload for my percussion revolvers in the field. I got some what called a “Dixie’s Tubes” sold off Dixie Gun Works. It’s a yellow rubber thing that holds a charge of powder, a ball, and a wad. Works great. Don’t have to carry a bulky flask, ball bag, etc. etc. and much more durable and water resistant than a paper cartridge.

I stuck 6 in an Altoid tin this afternoon along with a nipple’s prick, a small rag, and 10 percussion caps wrapped in a piece of alum. foil:

EFC20-D12-0211-4-D63-914-D-E16-DFF4982-FF.jpg


Slips in the back pocket like it’s not even there. If you’re looking to carry a reload in the field guys, try this. Hope this helps guys,

-Smokey
 
I like your idea of wrapping caps in aluminum foil. I hadn't thought of that before. I may steal it.
Thanks. :D

I didn’t really have anything else handy, but it seems to work very well.

I’m getting an Uberti made Pocket Navy soon so will also get some .36 cal Dixie Tubes. Hopefully I can fit 12 of the smaller tubes in the tin, we’ll see! :)
 
Guys Altoid mint tins have a cult following in the bushcraft community for all kinds of uses. I’ve been looking for a way to carry a spare reload for my percussion revolvers in the field. I got some what called a “Dixie’s Tubes” sold off Dixie Gun Works. It’s a yellow rubber thing that holds a charge of powder, a ball, and a wad. Works great. Don’t have to carry a bulky flask, ball bag, etc. etc. and much more durable and water resistant than a paper cartridge.

I stuck 6 in an Altoid tin this afternoon along with a nipple’s prick, a small rag, and 10 percussion caps wrapped in a piece of alum. foil:

EFC20-D12-0211-4-D63-914-D-E16-DFF4982-FF.jpg


Slips in the back pocket like it’s not even there. If you’re looking to carry a reload in the field guys, try this. Hope this helps guys,

-Smokey

those rubber tubes are made by the Cap-Plug company, if memory serves. We use them where I work as bolt thread protectors. They are available in many different sizes. We buy them I bulk.
 
I save small cigar (~4x32-38) tins for this, but I figured I’d make paper cartridges again for that. Hadn’t thought about including the caps too.

I have rubber tubes that look just like that that I got from Winchester Sutler (?). I found that they have static or something as some of the powder sticks to the walls. I was told by someone to run a drier sheet to fix this or to wash them, which I haven’t done.
 
How many times would you say the vinyl tubes can be reused?

I don’t think there could be a limit. I forgot how many tubes that I got out of a roll but it was a lot. So if you happen lose one it’s not a big deal.

If anything, the vinyl tubing would probably be easier to use over time as it gets stretched.

To be clear about this, I think the Polish
capper is second to none for rifles, single shot pistols and revolvers.

If it were me I would get the Polish capper and keep it in a shirt or coat pocket while afield.

The vinyl tubing speed capper is cheaper but not any better than the Polish product.

You can carry 6 caps (3 tubes) plus a few extra in the Altoids can and still be good to go.
 
That was kind of my point. I'd hate to loose even a little piece of vinyl out in the woods. Enough littering of non-biodegradeable stuff going on. But at the range it really shouldn't matter.
 
That was kind of my point. I'd hate to loose even a little piece of vinyl out in the woods. Enough littering of non-biodegradeable stuff going on. But at the range it really shouldn't matter.

When I'm at the range, I toss the empty tubes in a bucket or coffee can that I use for the thread protectors for the pre-measured charges.

BTW, here is where I get my thread protectors: http://www.argonmasking.com/

You have to call their number to place and order. Here is the link for the rubber caps that you want to get. http://www.argonmasking.com/color_coded_vinyl_caps.php

For the .44 caliber revolver, I get part number VC437-1500. It's 1.5 inches long and that might seem excessive. If you want to put a wad in with the ball then the 1 inch long cap may be too short, especially if you are shooting a Walker or Dragoon which uses heavier charges.

For the .36 caliber revolver you will want part number VC355-1500BL.

DGW has a good price if you only want a few of them but I take these to the range and shoot all day. If you have different revolvers with different requirements for powder charges just divide the bulk order you get among your collection of revolvers. They also make great stocking-stuffer for your SWMBO for her cap & ball revolvers.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: AFTER RECEIVING YOUR VINYL CAPS OR THREAD PROTECTORS PUT THEM IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE ON HOT AND WASH THEM. IF YOU HAVE A CASE DRYER FOR METALLIC CARTRIDGES THEY CAN WITHSTAND THE TEMPERATURE. THEY ARE MADE OF SILICONE AND USED IN HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS. MINE ARE DRIED IN THE CASE DRYER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS.

THE REASON YOU WANT TO WASH THEM IS TO GET RID OF ANY OILS OR RELEASING AGENT INSIDE THE CAP. THAT OIL OR RELEASING AGENT IS LEFT THERE AFTER THE MOLDING PROCESS WHEN THE CAP IS MADE. THE OIL OR RELEASING AGENT WILL MIGRATE TO THE POWDER AND PREVENT OR INHIBIT IGNITION.

I WASH MY CAPS AFTER EVERY USE. THAT'S BECAUSE I GET BULLET LUBE ON MY HANDS AND I DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES OF IT MIGRATING INSIDE THE TUBE LATER ONE BEFORE I LOAD THEM AGAIN.
 
I carry 2 loaded uncapped cylinders in a black nylon 2 pouch hand grenade pouch with snap adjustable strap.
 
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