Do snap caps have a "service life"?

SPUSCG · January 5, 2010, 10:41 AM

I was wondering how long i can keep using mine (.22lr and 12. ga.) I hear conflicting information from that they will always be good to info saying you need to replace them every (x) rounds.

ZeSpectre · January 5, 2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Do snap caps have a "service life"?

My experience has been a definite YES.
Eventually rims get hammered down or "primers" give out and so forth.

A-Zoom snap caps seem to last quite a bit longer than others I've used but even they eventually give out.

I used Tipton snap caps for my shotgun when I used to practice for Cowboy Action Shooting. The brass "primer" with a recoil spring worked very well but the plastic caps didn't take being dropped on a bare floor too well so I had to move to a carpeted area <grin>.

berettaprofessor · January 5, 2010, 11:34 AM

I'm thinking they have to, but based on my experience, it's the chambering and unchambering that makes them eventually tossable; dings, etc from the extractor/ejector. Of course, after awhile, I don't know how much the rubber is protecting the firing pin.

Just wish the manufacturer would put expiration recommendations on the box.

Casimer · January 5, 2010, 12:20 PM

The A-Zoom have a longer life in my experience, but will eventually need to be replaced. This is due to a.) the rubber 'primer' developing a permanent hole, b.) the rim deforming and eventually breaking off c.) the nose impacting into the case which shortens the OAL and leaves a rough edge surrounding the nose.

r.w. schrack · January 5, 2010, 07:43 PM

Am not sure of internal workings, would think the spring would eventualy wear out.

riggins_83 · January 5, 2010, 08:10 PM

No matter what they're made of, yes they have a service life. I had a snap cap for a shotgun which lasted about 6 years, eventually the rim broke. Each time you fire a larger indent is created (especially with snap caps not using a steel "primer" with a spring).

The gun itself changes the life a lot too. AR15s will eat those snap caps while a bolt action rifle will be less hard on them.

skeeter · January 7, 2010, 04:56 AM

r.w. schrack -- I would think the hammer spring would give out the same time the snap cap spring gives out.

SPUSCG · January 7, 2010, 09:52 AM

My shotgun caps will last forever......i just use them to drop the hammer after cleaning.

My .22 snap caps......i may want to go set some more.

January 5, 2010, 10:41 AM	#1
SPUSCG Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2008 Posts: 3,004	Do snap caps have a "service life"? I was wondering how long i can keep using mine (.22lr and 12. ga.) I hear conflicting information from that they will always be good to info saying you need to replace them every (x) rounds.

January 5, 2010, 08:10 PM	#6
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,515	No matter what they're made of, yes they have a service life. I had a snap cap for a shotgun which lasted about 6 years, eventually the rim broke. Each time you fire a larger indent is created (especially with snap caps not using a steel "primer" with a spring). The gun itself changes the life a lot too. AR15s will eat those snap caps while a bolt action rifle will be less hard on them. __________________ l've heard police work is dangerous. Yes, that's why l carry a big gun. Couldn't it go off accidentally? l used to have that problem. What did you do about it? l just think about baseball. -Leslie Nielsen

January 5, 2010, 11:34 AM	#3
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,103	I'm thinking they have to, but based on my experience, it's the chambering and unchambering that makes them eventually tossable; dings, etc from the extractor/ejector. Of course, after awhile, I don't know how much the rubber is protecting the firing pin. Just wish the manufacturer would put expiration recommendations on the box.

January 5, 2010, 12:20 PM	#4
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	The A-Zoom have a longer life in my experience, but will eventually need to be replaced. This is due to a.) the rubber 'primer' developing a permanent hole, b.) the rim deforming and eventually breaking off c.) the nose impacting into the case which shortens the OAL and leaves a rough edge surrounding the nose.

January 5, 2010, 07:43 PM	#5
r.w. schrack Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2005 Location: Delaware Posts: 327	Am not sure of internal workings, would think the spring would eventualy wear out.

January 7, 2010, 04:56 AM	#7
skeeter Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Posts: 883	r.w. schrack -- I would think the hammer spring would give out the same time the snap cap spring gives out.

January 7, 2010, 09:52 AM	#8
SPUSCG Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2008 Posts: 3,004	My shotgun caps will last forever......i just use them to drop the hammer after cleaning. My .22 snap caps......i may want to go set some more.