Would an empty shotgun shell double as a snapcap or would it be too hollow?

Question

Seeing as its 10 dollars for a snap cap, I was wondering if i could have a cheaper solution

Answer 1

If your weapon is relatively modern, feel free to dry fire it all you want. It's a lot safer than using snapcaps in the long run.

A spent hull has no primer spring to it to allow it to work as a snapcap. Dents don't tend to absorb energy.

You could, if you wanted to go to the trouble, deprime a spent hull and reprime it with a short length of polyurethane rod. Trim it even with the base and you have a decent snapcap.

Answer 2

I use empties as a snap cap, but I save a few and replace them every few snaps, but I'm probably being a little more cautious than necessary.

Answer 3

Knock the primer out and replace it with rubber from an eraser, or a dollop of silicon caulk. These will cushion the firing pin blow. A fired primer won't.

BTW, I'd suggest you get new unfired hulls to make your snap caps, that way, you won't have any chambering problems due to expanded case heads.

Answer 4

A spent shell can serve as a snap cap in a pinch.

H

Answer 5

I use empty shells as snap caps and pack them tight with paper then trim the edges so I can practice my speed loading and dry firing drills.

Answer 6

I use mine all the time with no problems...