Nipple failure

[spadegrip]

I was shooting my p-53 hard band Enfield today with the original barrel which is in great shape, using 43.7 grains of 2F Swiss and the .580/510 Rapine mould, when after 20 shots I heard a weird report when I fired the musket. The hammer was at half cock and the nipple was missing!!! I found it about 10 feet behind me. After making sure the musket was clear, I checked the nipple threads which were normal and the bolster which was normal. I believe the threads in the nipple were not quite to spec. I did have another nipple I bought at the Fall nationals which I installed and fired another 20 rounds without incident. I have been skirmishing since 1971, and have never had this happen. Is there something I should be looking for so it won't happen again short of a new barrel.

Thanks

[Muley Gil]

I'm amazed you found the nipple.

Remind me to shoot on the other end of the line at the next National!

[spadegrip]

I'm amazed you found the nipple.

Remind me to shoot on the other end of the line at the next National!

Imagine how I felt!

[Ron/The Old Reb]

Did you mic the threads of the old and new nipple to see if they are the same diameter?

[spadegrip]

Did you mic the threads of the old and new nipple to see if they are the same diameter?
No I have not, buy I will. Thanks