Finding correct nipple size

[SlowFuse]

A recent 1858 I've gotten has nipples that are too large for any caps I have. Are there any common caps that run larger than a CCI #11?

I've heard of turning the cones down or even filing but don't really trust my metal skills. I don't have any equipment that I would imagine could do the job correctly.

I pulled a set of factory Uberti nipples and they will start in the cylinder but get very tight about 3 turns in. Not comfortable forcing it. Is it possible for the average tinkerer to determine the thread pitch/size of an unknown value without specialized tools? I'm thinking I could just buy one each of multiple sizes and try them all, and eat the shipping/return cost then buy the full set of the correct one... its just a lot of back and forth that would be nice to avoid... Any input would be appreciated.

 

[arcticap]

A recent 1858 I've gotten has nipples that are too large for any caps I have. Are there any common caps that run larger than a CCI #11?

I've heard of turning the cones down or even filing but don't really trust my metal skills. I don't have any equipment that I would imagine could do the job correctly.

I pulled a set of factory Uberti nipples and they will start in the cylinder but get very tight about 3 turns in. Not comfortable forcing it. Is it possible for the average tinkerer to determine the thread pitch/size of an unknown value without specialized tools? I'm thinking I could just buy one each of multiple sizes and try them all, and eat the shipping/return cost then buy the full set of the correct one... its just a lot of back and forth that would be nice to avoid... Any input would be appreciated.

Any caps larger than CCI #11's are usually hard to find or expensive unless you really hunt at gun shows or online venues and get lucky.

1. It's not difficult to use fine sandpaper or emery cloth to adjust the nipples.
Don't use any machine or file and just turn it by hand using finger pressure and check it often.
Very fine black wet dry sandpaper should work very slowly.

2. Take the cylinder to a True Value hardware or big box store and try out some metric screws to see which one fits. Then note the size.
My local store has boxes of small screws that they buy in bulk and then sell by the single screw.

3. There are percussion caps larger than #11's but it's not easy find them, and not usually in enough quantity to continue shooting with them.
The old green and white tins of Remington #11 caps were oversized, almost like #12's.
And Remington also made #12's.
But they're hard to find and can be expensive due to some believing they're collectible.
It wasn't until Remington came out with their new hotter "green filled" caps that they were made properly sized.
Even their "Remington Golden" #10's fit like CCI #11's.

Also, Sellior & Bellot makes 2 cap sizes 4.0 and 4.7. The 4.7's are oversized but I don't think that you can find them in the US, at least not easily.

 

[J-Bar]

I'm lazy. I would just replace the nipples with ones that fit #10 and #11 caps. About $30 for a set of 6 new ones. A quick call to the nipple supplier with the name of the maker and the model of revolver should allow identification of the proper replacement nipple.

 

[expat_alaska]

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/list/Item.aspx/807/1

 

[SlowFuse]

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/list/Item.aspx/807/1

Thanks for the link, I was thinking track had a good selection.

The measurements they list will likely be helpful to figure out what I need.

When I removed these nipples we're discussing they don't exactly seem to fit well either, very tight in spots when backing them out. It does the 'loose then tight again' thing when unscrewing them that tells me they're likely not the right size. Time to get a caliper and do some measuring...

 

[expat_alaska]

You did not state if it was a new gun or a used one that had been fired before. BP is intrusive and may have fouled the nipple threads. If the cylinder threads are fouled that may explain why the nipples thread in in fits and starts. If they were the wrong thread size you would not be able to have the nipples enter the cylinder more than 1/2 turn before binding up.

Good luck with your endeavors.

Regards,

Jim

 

[grter]

A good question that I would like the answer to as well. Even some of the current more expensive cap and ball revolvers sold by well known dealers with good reputations don't come with any information that gives even a clue as to what size caps to use. I understand slix shot nipples came in both 10 and 11 sizes over a period of time. Do they still make one of these or both sizes these days.

I notice they are stingy when it comes to providing FULL DIMENSIONS in their specs and seem to leave out the most important and definitive specs.

I know cap tolerances are not the tightest and can vary even among the same size and brand but with these newer lighter hammer springs in current production guns as well as popular custom jobs the fit of caps are even more important. With a hard spring that makes the hammer smash caps of all sizes it may not be as big an issue.

Do they make nipple gauges?

 

[SlowFuse]

Track of the wolf had a fitment suggestion, I sent them an inquiry yesterday and had a reply this morning. 12-28 with a .285" cone length was the recommendation.

Thanks for pointing me that direction.

I may try my hand at turning these stock nipples down after I get ones that fit. Or maybe just leave them alone!

 

[Mike 56]

I have a #10 CCI nipple that fits a CVA cap lock rifle. If you want it I will send it to you. So you will have one that is the right size to compare.

 

[SlowFuse]

I have a #10 CCI nipple that fits a CVA cap lock rifle. If you want it I will send it to you. So you will have one that is the right size to compare.

I appreciate the offer, I will try these that I ordered first and go from there.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

My slixshots nipples fit remington 10s, remington 11s, and cci 11s without issue.

 

[SlowFuse]

My slixshots nipples fit remington 10s, remington 11s, and cci 11s without issue.

@TheOutlawKid Have you ever tried the Treso/Ampco type? I just had an Uberti worked on and had these installed on it. Haven't had a chance to try them out but on test fitting the Rem #10s fit great. CCI #11s required no pinching and fit pretty good too, just not as smooth as the Rem.

Even if nipple type is negligible concerning accuracy it will reduce the cap fitment issue I had with the factory nipples on that specific Uberti. To answer an earlier question this gun originally discussed has been fired, its an older model 1858 repro made by Witloe Precision.

 

[SlowFuse]

Finally got around to putting these in today.

Still a really tight fit but not bad enough to make it seem like I was messing up threads. Contacting Track was a better idea than the "ordering a bunch and seeing what fits" idea. Going by their description I may have been going a while before finding the correct size, invoice says these are for 31-36 cal pocket revolvers.

CCI 10's are too tight, Rem 10's fit great and CCI #11's aren't bad either. So everything is back to normal as far as i'm concerned! Thanks for the suggestion to use this vendor, Hopefully can get out to try them out this weekend.