Editing Cartridge (firearms) (section)

===Snap cap===
[[File:Snap caps.jpg|left|thumb|An assortment of snap caps of varying calibers]]
A [[snap cap]] is a device that is shaped like a standard cartridge but contains no primer, propellant, or projectile.  It is used to ensure that [[dry firing]] firearms of certain designs does not cause damage.  A small number of rimfire and centerfire firearms of older design should not be test-fired with the chamber empty, as this can lead to weakening or breakage of the firing pin and increased wear to other components in those firearms. In the instance of a rimfire weapon of primitive design, dry firing can also cause deformation of the chamber edge.  For this reason, some shooters use a snap cap in an attempt to cushion the weapon's firing pin as it moves forward.  Some snap caps contain a spring-dampened fake primer, or one made of plastic, or none at all; the springs or plastic absorb force from the firing pin, allowing the user to safely test the function of the [[firearm action]] without damaging its components.

Snap caps and action-proving dummy rounds also work as a training tool to replace live rounds for loading and unloading drills, as well as training for misfires or other malfunctions, as they function identically to a live "dud" round that has not ignited.  Usually, one snap-cap is usable for 300 to 400 clicks.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}  After that, due to the hole at the false primer, the firing pin does not reach it.