What size caps for Pietta 1858 NMA?

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Vermonter

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I know this is around here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it right now. What size and brand of caps does a Pietta 1858 NMA like? How long can they be stored if I keep the tins sealed, or add a dessicant?

Edit:Ok, I found it's #11. Would CCI Magnum caps work ok? The place I'm looking to get powder from is out of stock of normal #11s in all brands.
 
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What size caps for 1858 nma

Think the link probably answered your question. This may help also, or someone else.
As far as percussion caps are concerned, I generally resize about all of them ( with the exception of
CCI # 10's) as I like a tight fit. Drilling out one of the holes of a cheap automotive wire stripper works well , and fine tune it with a needle file.
Let's you take the time to inspect the caps to make sure all the " stuff "
is in there that should be. Checking by Chronograph, Rem# 10 are the hottest
CCI #10 is next and CCI #11 is last ( I've never checked the RWS and
Rem# 11's ). The Rem caps are a bit thinner metal and are easier to install
that the CCI's after resizing. The Rem# 10's are a bit taller and have 4 rounded legs that tend to hang up in some cappers. Using your resizer holder and taking a couple of short strokes with the needle file solves the problem.
Caps vibrating around in the tin ( especially on horseback ) tends to sugar
out the " wompum" over time. All caps I've tried are quite reliable if dry.
( We've soaked some in water overnight of each brand and after being dried out a couple days were completely reliable.) In foul weather some beeswax
softened a bit with neatsfoot oil ( the same as we use as grip wax on skiis) stuffed aound the caps and nipples makes things about as reliable as it gets( we tested that in water as well). Adds to the cleanup though.
Some of the primer sealers marketed for the same purpose don't work. Our policy has been to do everything possible to make it go boom every time.
 
Thanks for the details OYE. When you say you checked them with a chrono, was that measuring with just the cap, or with a full charge including powder?
 
Thanks for the details OYE. When you say you checked them with a chrono, was that measuring with just the cap, or with a full charge including powder?
Our last test was earlier this spring. Powder was Pyrodex Pistol ( same batch for all tests) 30 grains ( measured by volume ) .454 cast roundball ( lee mold ). greased felt wad (ours) under the ball. Same day. Each test was 6 shots.

Rem # 10 caps Ave : 915 fps ES : 80 SD: 35

CCI # 10 caps Ave : 870 fps ES: 78 SD : 28

CCI # 11 caps Ave : 832 fps ES: 61 SD : 22

These have been running similar to this the last few tests.

Our test gun was a 1858 New Army ( Remington ) made by Pietta. This is our working gun several months out of the year ( when the 44 mag isn't needed ). Since we carry it on horseback a lot here in the high desert , we want the caps to be a very tight fit,since vibration is a constant issue. I might note on the 1858's, the mainspring adjustment screw ( on the front of grip frame) tends to loosen up often, even with just the hammer falling. A small amount of loctite works wonders on that screw as well as on the loading lever screw. We tend to prefer a heavy hammer fall on that gun as we want reliability
over all else. For the "what it's worth" department.
 
A+ for carrying a black powder load on horse back ..
I can shoot black powder on or around my horses and it doesn`t bother them at all ...
smokeless loads always spook them ......something about the sound waves from the smokeless .
when I shoot my black powder loads in the pasture my horses stand behind me and watch ...then walk with me to the target to check it .
1 shot of smokeless and they run to the far end of the pasture ..
I use 45`s loaded with black powder in my Peace maker while on horse back . Not a problem and plenty of power .

GOTC and others . have it right ..Pietta made 1858 Remington ...no cap works better than the Remington #10 ..they stay on no pinching needed ....I`ve owned 12 of the Pietta Remingtons with the same results on all of them with factory nipples .
The #10 Remington caps , make a Pietta Remington as dependable as it gets .
 
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