Alternative to percussion caps?

Well let's see. I saw them in Walmart the other day, so I'd say they aren't that difficult to find unless you are living in some gun restricted foreign nation. (Or some anti-gun U.S. cities!) Of course in a pinch you might try converting to matchlock or flintlock firing systems. Do a search for each if you don't understand the terms.

I have to agree with everyone who said they're available at tons of places. They aren't expensive and I probably only go through 100 a year anyway.

(Oh! The idea that you could walk into a pharmacy and leave with everthing you need to make a percussion cap is just asinine.)

can't find any? what planet would that be..Here on earth every sporting goods has them..

I live near a Bass Pro and a Cabela's and a Dick's Sporting Goods and all have caps. So do most of the other sporting goods stores in my area. I am not trying to be a smart azz but did you look real good where you live?

I can find #10's and #11's as well as the 409 primers.

It's a damn shame you don't know anything about chemistry, or the fact that a pharmacy can be your best friend if you know what to ask for.

Based upon your cagey question, indicating you don't want to purchase online for whatever reason, I am disinclined to help you do anything illegal.

That being said, if you really are doing this for self-sufficiency reasons, then perhaps taking a chemistry class or, heaven forbid, looking up something like the US Army Book of Improvised Munitions would be a really good start.

You may find that alternative is closer than you ever imagined, if you only knew where to look.

you can get 209 nipples from a company in england Anvil conversion. just search it. i use them on my 1858's. then you can use 209 primers i prefer the remington klean bore.

Why not buy them online if that's your only option?