We've mentioned the benifits of using "Snap Caps" on this forumnumerous times-for those of you willing to invest a little time and effort,here is a way to make your own.
1)Decap and resize your cases as you would normally do when reloading.
2)Clean out the primer pocket.
3)Take an eraser(I use the mechanical pencil eraser refills available at most office supply stores.They come in a couple of different diameters) and fit itso it fits tightly in the primer pocket leaving 1/16 to 1/8"sticking out.You may need to trim down the diameter a bit with a razer blade knife to get it to fit.
4)Glue the eraser into the primer pocket with super glue.
5)When dry,trim flush with the case using a razor blade knife.Make sure you have a smooth flat surface left.You may need to sand across it lightly on sandpaper lying on a flat surface.
6)Use a marker tocolor the eraser.I use red.
7)Now load a bullet into the case as you normally would-NO POWDER PLEASE!!
8)Next lie the cartridge horizonally in front of you,bullet facing to your right.Mark one or two spots next to each other to drill holes.Make sure you'll clear the bullet.
9)Lightly center punch the places you you want the holes.Hold the cartridge by the rim with a pair of pliers(it gets HOT!)and drill all the way through both walls.A 1/8" drill works well.Be very careful not to deform the cartridge as this will cause headaches if it gets stuck in your gun's chamber.I recomend testing them by hand first.
10)Now deburr completly with a fine file and emery cloth.
11)Hand test for fit in your gun's chamber.
There you have it...your own "Snap Caps" at a fraction of the cost...
__________________
Do not fear the night.
Fear what's in the night. Mike
Last edited by Huey Rider; 03-13-2010 at 12:28 AM.
I have made them ,drilling out the primerpocket(berdan primed brass) and threading the hole 1/4-20 with a tap.Go to Lowes and find yourself a nylon rod of proper diameter to thread 1/4-20 the entire length leaveing it long enough that it sticks out the end of the brass where the bullet would be a slot cut on the end for a screwdriver to adjust as it wears from beeing battered so it can be cut off and adjusted flat and good as new and will last a long time.The other ideas work but I(personally) would rather a piece of nylon rod sticking out than a bullet.
Homemade snap caps 
