I have two black powder revolvers, a stainless steel Remington 1858 by Uberti and a Rogers & Spencer by Euroarms. Both of course came with steel nipples on the cylinder.

My friends at the range all changed their cap nipples to either stainless steel or beryllium. I understand the change to stainless steel, but what is beryllium, why is it desireable?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium

It's hard, light and conducts heat well. But I can tell you from the aerospace world perspective you should never grind it do to its toxicity. To me it's kind of overkill on a blackpowder revolver. But I suppose it sounds cool for someone to tell their friends they have beryllium nipples.

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium

It's hard, light and conducts heat well. But I can tell you from the aerospace world perspective you should never grind it do to its toxicity. To me it's kind of overkill on a blackpowder revolver. But I suppose it sounds cool for someone to tell their friends they have beryllium nipples.

Thanks, now I even know how to spell it!

My curiosity into all things scientific led me of course to other reasons why these particular nipples get chosen. First, they apparently last longer because they better resist being continuously hammered. Who doesn't like the sound of that? The kind of phrase you can use in multiple settings. Also, the flash hole is smaller than the holes in the factory original nipples AND they don't enlarge as much in use. This apparently is good for precision shooting and for limiting blow back which can cause caps to come of the nipple and get into the action.

Be assured, I will never grind my nipples.

It's beryllium copper...used in several firearms as firing pins etc.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium_copper

The steel nipples are good for hundreds of rounds each as long as you don't dry fire the revolver. I never saw a reason to change them out.

Wink: I have used the Slixshot nipples with great satisfaction on cap and ball revolvers.
If you want to try a set, let me know if you have trouble getting them to France and I will help
Merry Christmas, and may peace be upon you and yours.
Bill

http://www.slixprings.com/cap-&-ball-nipples.html

Nipples and balls!

Work perfectly together!

Thanks for all the answers and suggestions. Happy New Year!

Some guys are really into nipples and like certain kinds while other guys like all types.
An obvious explanation.

I know, I know, say no more now back to business per the query; Go with the S/S above the C/U. They ALL corrode but S/S will give more longevity. I work in metals but it's still just my opinion.

My friend in Portland in some plumbing shop:

"I need 1/2" threaded nipples".

Answer:

"Sir, we can't use this word anymore"

Friends felt stupid because he didn't know "right name".

What the hell is going on in USA?

BTW "chinking" and "jigsaw" is forbidden too.

quote:

Originally posted by Jiri:
BTW "chinking" and "jigsaw" is forbidden too.

Is Black Powder racist too?

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:

quote:

Originally posted by Jiri:
BTW "chinking" and "jigsaw" is forbidden too.

Is Black Powder racist too?

Sure. It will be called "old style powder" soon.

BTW you know why is aspirin white? Because it works ;-)

I have stainless steel nipples in my Pietta 1860 Army. I swapped them out as soon as I received the revolver - for what I thought were obvious reasons.

I have never heard of beryllium nipples before now.

Do we have any empirical data that suggest beryllium is really that much better?