Making a snap cap?

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Hi, I put this in reloading, because it seems like making a snap cap would be the same physical action as reloading. For the record, no, I don't reload, although I have considered it. I don't have any equipment.

Caliber in question: 7.65 x 53 Argentine, used with a 1891 Mauser (Ludwig Loewe Berlin on the receiver).

I have PPU ammo, and despite not reloading, I have saved the brass for that.

Azoom and Tipton's does not make snap caps for this; or if they do I can't find it.

I want to make 2-3 (or so), for safe dry-firing and cycling of the magazine.
I've read up enough online to see it isn't a big deal to reload this round (use .311 bullets), but my question comes to the primer. Some people say that a piece of rubber or pencil eraser works fine, others say no to that.

Any suggestion/input?
 
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I've used silicon caulk to make snap caps/practice reloading rounds for a 12 gage shotgun. No reason this would not work for your rifle. Most snap caps are not a reliable method of testing function. I suggest you acquire a bullet and seat it to the proper depth in a used cartridge. Since you don't reload, you may be able to remove the existing primer with a punch long enough to dislodge it. Then use silicon to fill the pocket. Seat a bullet, which you can carefully pull from a live cartridge. Bevel the base of the bullet with a file or grinder and seat it in the empty cartridge. Sealing with super glue is a good idea. Mark the cartridge (s) carefully, maybe with red paint so you don't mix them with live rounds. Check the silicon regularly and replace as needed.
 
Synthetic cork from inexpensive wine. Cut slices from the cork, use a hole/leather punch to "cut" out the correct size and glue in pocket. I have also used the barrel (straight cylinder) shaped ear plugs that are connected with the plastic string between them. Cut string to length and feed it thru barrel. Pull it 'til the one plug is wedged in chamber. If the string protrudes from the barrel, it serves as an indicator of the safe (to dry fire) condition.







 
For a bolt action rifle with their strong firing pin strikes, I would use silicone sealant to glue real rubber into the primer pocket. Trim with a razor after it dries for a full day. If it's a little high above the case, that's OK. Silicone sealant by itself is too soft IMO.

Mark the headstamp with bright fingernail polish to identify the snap cap for safety.
 
Last edited:
I'd use those little mechanical pencil white erasers if I needed something to cushion the firing pin blow. But for most uses a dummy round with a "dead" (used) primer would work too...
 
The TIPTON brand is the BEST! Don't waste your money on the rest. Been there- done that!!!! Watch the comparison of different brands.


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV0XAAmpGeQ[/ame]
 
AlHunt said:
What is the reason for seating a bullet in the homemade snap cap?
Click to expand...

I would think that it would help in loading (in a semi auto) and "action proving", that is, will this bullet shape work/feed in my gun. I'm sure there are several other reasons.
Just try to feed an empty case into most SA guns...you'll see.
It even makes loading into revolver cylinders easier.
 
I made all of my own snap caps using regular reloading materials minus the powder and primer.

Use REAL silicone to fill in the primer pocket using a generous amount, take a straight blade and pack the silicone down in there so it flows into the hole to act like an anchor when cured, then slide across the top to get a nice flush surface. When dry, take an exacto knife and cut around the primer pocket circle and peel the rest away. It won't come out because of the anchor point, and real silicone is nice and sturdy to absorb firing pin shock.

I have never had one wear out yet. Purpose of seating a bullet is for ease of loading, or even cycling if used in a semi.
 
Real silicone?
Like this:
Z_xIF0kcpEx_.JPG
 
TAROMAN said:
Real silicone?
Click to expand...

Well, I should have said 100% silicone. Some of the cheap stuff is a mix of silicone and other stuff. So as long as you use the pure silicone, I imagine any brand would work.
 
Thanks for the replies, looks like silicone (100%) will be the way to go. It's surprising to me that there aren't any commercial options available for this caliber.

Question (note-this is for a snap-cap/dummy round use only!):

I do have a bullet pulled from a 7.62 x 54R, would this be okay to seat into the empty 7.65 x 53 case? The purpose would be for ease of chambering, moving from the magazine (in other words, I want to work the bolt action).
 
While silicone is a good filler, GOOP or Shoe Goo is far superior. It dries as a hard rubber that will last for many fires. When I was a Cobbler I used Shoe Goo on pitchers toes and they were able to get a full season on one application. I also use it to this day for my work shoes toe caps. Take a spent primer, gut it and install it upside down, like we don't know how to do that. Take a tooth pick and fill the primer with the GOOP and let it sit for at least 24-36 hours. Shoe Goo you can get at a good shoe repair or Red Wing store or Amazon and GOOP you can get at Lowes or Home Depot.....same stuff.
 
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