Sealed caps

[pargent]

Like I said it was an old practice in military units carried over from the flint days, it realy has no application for todays shooters but in its time it was the best thing available for troops who had to do patroling in wet weather for extended periods of time in enemy country. The normal routine of clearing weapons would have given away their positions etc..The cap prime material was very hydroscopic more so than todays compositions.

 

[Many Klatch]

I have heard of hunters sealing the cap on their percussion rifles with fingernail polish when loading before going out to hunt.

Back in the day I don't know why they couldn't have used a dab of oil paint around the nipples to seal the load on the pistols. This would be a back in camp thing and not something done in the field. After shooting I would expect that all paint residue would be burned off.

Many Klatch

 

[1911nutjob]

I tried using primer sealant on my revolver, almost identical to nail polish. It killed the compound in my caps and took up to two refires to finally touch off some of the chambers. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm glad I found out about it at the range and not elsewhere.

 

[pargent]

Issued bullet grease is what they had at hand,why is this such an issue ?

 

[pargent]

Ok sorry about getting a bit stroppy , the documented details can be found in British Ordenance records .The British had an enormous amout of trouble with paper cartridges issued to the tropics ( India ,Africa ,WestIndies, Australia). The paper would fall apart, the bullet grease would melt and degrade the powder,the same grease when used to seal around the capped nipples would melt . They tried tin foil cartridges,different papers, different bullet greases . The problem solved itself when they started using brass cartridges. There are volumes of reports , complaints to amunition suppliers etc. . I can only suppose that untill the 1890s the USA did not field large bodies of troops into the tropics that this cap sealing thingy is unknown to a large number of US . fourm members,never the less it was sop for the Brits..

 

[crockett]

Thanks. It looks like beeswax in a rare instance and for more common use grease.

 

[majg1234]

i read somewhere that Mr Hickock (Wild Bill) sealed his revolvers wih candlewax.....I'm a looking for it to post

 

[aeatwood]

George Nonte use to recommend softening beeswax in your fingers, and smearing it around the base of a seated cap, IIRC.

I would be afraid any oil-based sealer would wick up under the cap and kill the priming.