22 CB Caps in Antique Revolvers
I have several 1880s .22 short revolvers, very small guns with small cylinders. They are in excellent mechanical condition. I would like to shoot them a bit. I bought some powderless Colibri ammo, but they are loaded in .22 Long cases. CCI makes .22 Short CBs, but they are surprising powerful. Do you think the CBs are safe in these old revolvers?
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The Lord gave us two hands, two eyes and a brain. Is it worth it to tempt fate? Plus you would lose the value of the gun if it "failed" on you. Don't take the chance. Eddie 0 -
Only a qualified gunsmith with a hands-on inspection can give you the answer. 0 -
There is a TRUE BB cap. loaded in Germany by Nobel (acorn headstamp) Round 6mm ball, primer, no powder. Shorter than a short. I use them in my Baby Hammerless revolvers, which are .22 Short, but TINY little things. 0 -
The guns are in excellent mechanical condition. I don't know what more a gunsmith could say. They are made to shoot .22 shorts, I would think even black powder .22 shorts of the era had more pressure than a BB cap. 0 -
You specifically asked if CB caps are safe in your antique revolvers so you obviously have some concerns. Since you have the guns and we don't, I don't see how anyone here can tell you if they're safe to shoot or accept the responsibility if they aren't. That's why I recommended a qualified gunsmith. 0 -
just shoot the damn things with CB caps, i have a Stevens single shot that i shoot regular .22 shorts from, it is well over 100 y.o., it was my Grandfathers pistol, it is not nickle plated but looks just like the one below. 
this is NOT mine but looks just like it [:D]0 -
A gunsmith could tell you if it is safe to shoot mechanically, but beyond his opinion, not what pressure it could take. That said- You have 3 choices.
First you could probably shoot the short CB caps without issue. I have done so in a few guns of similar type to what you are describing. If you are concerned, call CCI and ask about the pressure the cartridge generates. My guess is given the lack of MODERN guns chambered for this round, they were made specifically with this application in mind. CCI could confirm this if true. These guns were originally designed for black powder. Most black powder guns are at home at under 10,000 psi for pressure. I'd GUESS- note GUESS that the .22 short black powder generated significantly less.
Second, you could pop for a box of RWS BB caps. Pricey but would be safe for sure if the gun is mechanically ok.
Finally, if you really had to, you could custom order a set of .22 short reloading dies. No one carries these as an off the shelf item, but if you had them you could pull the bullets with a .22 collet puller (I'd avoid the impact hammer for rimfire ammo), dump the powder, gently flare, load with FFFG or maybe FFFFG black powder, reseat the bullet and re-crimp. Not for the beginning reloader I'm sure. But probably possible in theory. Those would be safe pressure wise without doubt.0 -
Good idea. I think I will pull some short bullets, put in a little black powder, and push a .22 round lead ball on top. Don't see where that could be a problem. 0 -
Personally I would'nt shoot these little revolvers...But you have to make the decision on your own merit... 0 -
After all, these are guns designed to shoot bullets. If they are mechanically sound and not internally pitted I don't see the problem. I shoot antique trapdoor 45-70s with smokeless powder recommened by the loading manuals for trapdoor rifles. I shoot my antique Colts with blackpowder. They are guns, and if in sound condition I don't see why they can't do what they were designed to do. 0
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