Snap Caps - how long do they last?

[alamo]

I haven't been able to get an answer to this question on some other forums, maybe there is a snap cap expert out there on TFL.

All of my snap caps get dented in the "primer" pretty quickly (20-40 snaps) and I am concerned that they are no longer providing the protection they are supposed to.
I have blue/red/red-orange snap caps in .32, 9MM, .357 and .45 made by 3-4 different manufacturers. Some of the companies are "pachmahr", "traditions" and "armsport".
The "primer" on all of these dents in pretty quickly and I am wondering if after 40 - 50 snaps if the firing pin is really making contact with the "primer" or if it is just striking in the indentation and no longer making contact.
Can anyone help?

[This message has been edited by alamo (edited July 24, 2000).]

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Alamo,
I just went and got the only snap caps I have. (.32ACP) You're right. There is a pretty good dent in the primer area. However, they seem to reset back each time I try them in my .32's, so I think I'm going to keep using them until they get a hole where the dent now is. (Or until someone comes on with a reason as to why I shouldn't.)

Will

------------------
Mendacity is the system we live in.

 

[Ledbetter]

When they wear out, the spring fails and the little brass dot in the middle where the firing pin strikes will fall out altogether.

Ledbetter