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Thread: Guide to making percussion caps

  1. #1
    Boolit Master

    Idz's Avatar
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    Guide to making percussion caps

    I compiled the methods folks used to make their own percussion caps into a guide of how I do it. You may find this pdf useful.
    Attached Files Attached Files

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy ofitg's Avatar
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    Very nice drawings, IDZ!

    Do you have any interest in making/selling the cap-forming tool?
    "Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto."

    - Thomas Jefferson


  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy
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    I looked at it. I find it all perfect as to what is done to make good working percussion caps. Well done.
    n.h.schmidt

  4. #4
    Boolit Master

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    Thanks for sharing.
    NRA Benefactor Member NRA Golden Eagle

  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy waarp8nt's Avatar
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    Looks like a perfect project for the old South Bend 9" lathe. I got too many irons in the fire to start right now, but a good project for those days when work cannot be done outside. Thanks for the post!

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    Very nice and in "The Library". Thanks

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy Theditchman's Avatar
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    Very nice indeed...There was a chap on here making sets but I cant find the link..I would like a set myself

  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Very nice indeed! Thanks for sharing. I may just make up a set to try out. I don't shoot much BP anymore but it never hurts to be self sufficient where you can be. Plus it is satisfying to make your own "stuff".

    Longbow

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

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    MannyCA makes a version like the Tap-O-Cap but its not press mounted. I prefer press mounted forming tools since my hands get arthritic with too much hammer pounding.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    Very nice, thank you for sharing.

  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy
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    Press mounted is the better way to go. The production rate is better by far and easy on the hands. It is possible to Jam it up though. Incomplete strokes and partial cut outs. Clearing the jams is easy if you stop in time. I have probably made a couple of lifetimes worth of cups in the last year.
    n.n.schmidt

  12. #12
    Boolit Bub
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    Quote Originally Posted by Idz View Post
    I compiled the methods folks used to make their own percussion caps into a guide of how I do it. You may find this pdf useful.
    Idz,

    If you set get your cap hulls flush in the paint stick holder, you can make a sliding cover that matches the holes in your holder. When offset from the holes that hold the caps, the slide can be quickly filled with powder, excess powder brushed off, and the slider pushed forward to align with the caps, dropping the individual powder charges into the caps. Controlling the thickness of the slide will allow you to control the volume of the powder charges.

    Wicket

  13. #13
    Boolit Master
    Texantothecore's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Idz View Post
    I compiled the methods folks used to make their own percussion caps into a guide of how I do it. You may find this pdf useful.
    An excellent write up. Thanks.


    You might want to download this one it is very good.

  14. #14
    Boolit Buddy
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    Absolutely ingenious! I am impressed.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    great way to make them.

  16. #16
    Boolit Master

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    Musket capmaker
    here are my drawings of a musket capmaker.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    I increased the loading to 1/2 gr of 4Fg powder and punched the rollcaps with a 1/4" paper punch with the sensitive dot off center so it gets impacted by the hammer.

  17. #17
    Boolit Master
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    .22reloader.com not hard to operate it on a single stage.
    QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES?

  18. #18
    Boolit Mold
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    Where do you guys find the German caps these days? I see that the "Legends" are German - are there others? It appears Walmart is all out and nothing much is coming up on searches except for $50 clumps. One $3 pack would last me years.

  19. #19
    Boolit Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by WinchesterColt View Post
    Where do you guys find the German caps these days? I see that the "Legends" are German - are there others? It appears Walmart is all out and nothing much is coming up on searches except for $50 clumps. One $3 pack would last me years.
    If you are close to where I live I have some extras I will give you , just let me know what you are looking for .
    send me a pm

  20. #20
    Boolit Mold
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    Flint - Thank you for the offer! I don't know if you'd call Hillsboro close, but it is closer than a lot of other places. And I do make it out your way now and then.

    I'm just getting into BP and finding every step of the way a challenge. Caps are scarce so I've got a cap maker coming. Now I find the roll caps aren't readily available either. Aargh

    I think I'll have everything so I can shoot, except for a powder flask and measure. But those don't seem to be a problem. I just haven't figured out yet which is the best.

    Anyway, if you've got a roll or two I'm happy to pay you for them.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check