I am in the market for a Lyman Great Plains Hunter, 50cal. I am making the switch from a TC Black Diamond XR mainly 'cause the thing is an ugly, complicated contraption. Also asthetics, simplicity, and tridation are important to me. But I'm not above taking advantage of what technology has to offer. Namely reliability. That said, who uses those Mag-Spark 209 nipples on a sidelock? Are they a worth while upgrade, or is a fellow just as well off with a regular cap? Lyman states on their web that they Do Not recommend musket nipples on their rifles. But they don't say why, hummmmm...? I wonder if they would frown on a Mag-Spark and why?

Aside from any advantages 209's may offer, I reload shotgun and have those things growing out my ears!! I do have a tin of caps... somewhere... get my drif? Anyway, drop you 2cents please!

[ 08-30-2003, 08:13: Message edited by: waldog ]

Hey, eldeguello... yeah, I'm talkin' to YOU!!

I use a Mag Spark on two sidelocks. They make possible the use of Pyrodex pellets in my guns, which have a "semi-patent" breech with a .32" hole in the breech plug from which the primer flash is directed into the center of the pellet, if you are so inclined. I generally use loose powder, but I note that with the Mag-Spark the 209 primer will blast a flash all the way out the muzzle, just like you get when popping a primer in an empty, primed modern HP rifle case.

Another advantage of the Mag-Spark, also characteristic of the no-longer available primer adapters like the Fusil-V, which used small rifle primers, is that they are sealed when the cap is screwed on, making them very water-resistant AND keeping powder fouling and cap flash crud off the breech area of your barrel and surrounding stock wood! I like this!!

waldog, I don't know if these things come with the right thread for a Lyman. Does your rifle have metric or English threads? My Mag-Sparks have 1/4X28 threads, and I recently bought one with a U.S. Musket thread, but haven't installed this one yet (it's for a Navy Arms .45 Hawken Hunter with 1/22" twist barrel so I can shoot .45/70 bullets in it!!)

I recommend you try one. You may like it. I do, but I suppose not every one will like them.

[ 09-05-2003, 03:18: Message edited by: eldeguello ]

Ahhh, terrific!! I was kinda thinking you might give them the ol' thumbs up for those reasons. Now, I have not bought the Lyman I'm after just yet, so I don't know the nipple threads, but I think they are metric. The barrels I know are of Italian make, sooo....

Anyway, where did you purchase the Mag-spark?

The Lymans have the 6X.75mm thread.I'm having mine rethreaded to 1/4X28 as thats what available locally.
Jeff

The only mods I have ever done to my Caplocks was to install an Uncle Mikes Hotshot Nipple and have never had ignition problems(Well except for forgetting the powder ),but then I only use real B/P. derf

Okay derf, you're gonna have to explain Uncle Mikey's system to me.... thanks!

It's simple enough even for this old fool to understand. It is a more less standard nipple made to top quality specs. The opening in the nipple is cone shaped on the inside so as to accentuate the primers flame as it enters the chamber. It's 1980's tecnology but still works quite well for us Trad. shooters. lol derf

Waldog, I bought two 1/4 X 28 threaded Mag-Sparks from October Country, and the one with U.S. Musket threads direct from the manufacturer.

The Hotshot nipples work very well, particularly with the CCI Mag. No. 11 caps!

[ 09-15-2003, 18:54: Message edited by: eldeguello ]