What size percussion cap is right?

Newby here. Have a problem with percussion cap staying on nipple on 1858 Pietta revolver. #10 seems too tight. How much pressure can a person put on cap when putting on nipple?
#11 to loose. They fall off.
Thoughts on this?

thanks

 

[Mr.Brooks]

First I would try different brands of caps, to see if the ones you have are a bad lot. Second I would look into a new nipple, I'm still the new guy on the block so I don't know what size or brand to recommend. As a last resort I might try buffing the nipple down with steel wool so the #10 would fit.

 

[denster]

Generally speaking Remington #10 caps fit best on Pietta nipples. They are not the same as CCI#10 but fall in between CCI #10 and #11.
In a pinch you can pinch CCI#11 a small amount and they will stay on.

 

[David W.]

You may try RWS 1075 caps and see how that works.

 

[cheyenne08]

I had the same problem, I was trying CCI # 10's, too small. Remington #11's- fell off.

Went to Remington #10's-problem solved, fit just right, just bought the Pietta new from Cabela's about 2 weeks ago, don't know if older pietta's have the same nipples, probably not.

So, you might give the Remington #10's a try, if you haven't already. :thumbsup:

 

[Norinco]

Too tight is fine if your mainspring is stiff and your hammer has a smooth travel.

My ASM (1974 or something like that) and Pietta (2010) Colt Navies both were too loose for RWS 1075 or other brand #11 caps, but they worked great with CCI #10's, which some people complain are too tight and take two hammer strikes.

 

[rafterob]

I use CCI # 10 on mine and they seem just right. Firm thumb pressure to seat, some use a short length of wooden dowel to seat them.

 

thanks for note - I just got some RMC stainless nipples that I have not tried yet. They look good am going to try that.

 

thanks -
Will try another brand cap. All I have used so far is CCI in 10 and 11.

 

thanks - My 1858 are both quite new. Going to give the Remington 10's a try as soon as I can get to the big city to buy some. Only have cci available here.

 

You might try a little "fine" emery cloth on the nipple cones. The CCI 10's might work with just a touch of polishing.
Mark