Steel versus aluminum dummy loads

[brosky]

Has anyone tried using the steel snap caps or dummy loads that are available for the 22LR cartridge? I use a lot of the aluminum blanks with my M41 because they are only good for about 20 dry fires even when you rotate them. I ordered some steel units but they seem pretty hard and I don't want to damage the firing pin to save the breech face. Neither damage option is good so just trying to avoid an issue.

 

[H Richard]

I just collect a handful of empty cases from the range from time to time and keep on hand for those purposes.

 

[brosky]

I used to do that but they are sometimes too fat for the chamber. Obviously a much less expensive solution...

 

[mikerjf]

There's a certain size of drywall anchor that works, some do that... but I just use empties.

 

[kraynky]

I use the red plastic ones and just rotate them as they get chewed up. I wish they made them our of a harder more durable rubber. I'm trying to break in a new 351 PD, without breaking the bank with 22 WMR ammo, or using up my stash.

I hadn't thought of using empties for that, but I will when these hard plastic ones get all chewed up. I tried the yellow drywall anchors seem to go quickly too.

 

[625smith]

I have used empties in the past. I am currently very happy using Tipton .22 LR snap caps from Midway USA. Much tougher material than drywall anchors.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

I would use spent casings, aluminum snap caps, plastic snaps or drywall anchors before I used steel

 

[Trooper224]

I have a handful of steel cased .45acp dummy rounds, I bought at a California gun show over thirty years ago. I've used them for function testing for years without ill effect. The steel used in ammunition cases is nearly as soft as brass. It won't damage the gun. That being said, all my other snap caps or dummy rounds are aluminum or brass.

 

[Green Frog]

An alternative to snap caps that can be used on some semiautos is one of the heavy rubber bands like you find on some fresh produce. Simply stretch the rubber band around the whole barrel so it covers the breech face (and muzzle) and dry fire away. This hint was I parted to me by an old Navy gunsmith and competitor so I could dry fire my High Standards.

Froggie

 

[Echo40]

If I recall correctly, somebody was making .22LR snap caps out of some sort of rubber that were really resilient, but I can't remember who it was, only that they were in really bright colors like orange, yellow, and blue.

 

[brosky]

I'm going to try the rubber band trick tomorrow. Thanks for the tip!

 

[MJK-MOD-547]

I use the A-Zoom snap caps for cycle testing after cleaning.

I use one of them to relieve the firing pin that stays in the chamber.

For me, I see no need to dry fire a .22.

Since the ammo is cheap enough I practice with live a ammo at the range.

 

[brosky]

I have the A-Zoom blue and orange caps and they work OK, they just wear out quickly, which I suppose is what they are designed to do. Unfortunately I can't get to the range as often as I would like and to stay in shape for Bullseye I need to dry fire.