What's the difference?

[PJ Hardtack]

I just bought two sets of Pietta nipples for my Remington .44's. I paid a premium price for one set, sold as "Target" nipples.

In looking at them, one set has a very tiny flash hole compared to the other. I'm in the habit of pricking the nipples on my guns after loading the chambers to ensure a clear opening. The vent pick I use will not pass through the "Target" nipple openings. It will on the standard set.

Anyone got any experience with these so called "Target" nipples?

[Blair]

PJ,

The idea behind very fine opening is suppose to concentrate the heat/flash of the cap when detonated.
Of course, if the cap is not very "hot" to begin with... well, it wont help a lot.
My best,
Blair

[Flint]

+1  The smaller flash hole also reduces the backpressure preventing the cap from blowing back into the action.  This allows a lighter mainspring as the hammer is less likely to be blown back.

I have mentioned the possibility of opening the flashholes enough to intentionally blow the hammer to full cock, so that holding the trigger back would give you full auto fire for the cylinder full....  I had a Zouave 58 rifle blow back to half cock with a heavy load, years ago.

[PJ Hardtack]

I keep my mainsprings pretty firm by preference. I do reshape them, however.  I don't have ignition problems,. The Remingtons mash their caps and they fly off on cocking.
I wouldn't entertain a gun that let the hammer rise on ignition. I want that sucker to go "Bang!"

I watch our guys with 'tuned' Colt 'wedgies' have all the problems associated with cap & ball guns. Bless 'em all! Nicely timed guns with light hammer falls.

Not for this Cowboy!

[Pettifogger]

The smaller hole is primarily to reduce back pressure.  If you look at a Treso nipple and a stock nipple the difference is significant.  As far as nipple picks, since 1962 when I shot my first C&B revolver I have used a nipple pick exactly once.  It was during a driving rain storm and one cap didn't go off and I was trying to get the damp priming compound out of the nipple.  It is one of those "must have" accessories that everyone buys but winds up at the bottom of the miscellaneous tools you don't use box.

Stock nipple on the left, Treso on the right.

[PJ Hardtack]

YOURS may wind up in that box, mine gets used - every time!

ONE ftf in a stage is too much.

[Blackpowder Burn]

PJ,

I understand your approach to clean nipples, and can't disagree.  However, I've been using Treso nipples on a pair of ROA's for 1-1/2 years.  I don't pick the nipples, and have had exactly ZERO failures to fire.  I make sure they're clean when cleaning after a shooting session, and then don't worry about them.  I've put a total of about 2,700 rounds through them in that time period, with no ftf's - that's enough to make me comfortable with their reliability.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Vive la differance!