Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders #11 or Musket cap

You all got an opinion on which to use? I use a #11 percussion cap. But I'm thinking about trying a Musket cap.

Thanks

I've always heard that musket caps were better, but don't know of any head-to-head testing that's been done. I'd take some of each, dunk 'em in water for a few seconds, and see which one had the most misfires. If you get no misfires, dunk 'em a little longer and see what happens.

I'd be interested in the results, just out of curiosity.

I read a long time ago that the CCI Magnum cap was actually hotter than a musket cap, but don't recall where I saw it or what proof was offered, if any.

I used musket caps for a while on my Greyhawk, but had trouble with FTFs. After trying to figure it out for a while, I called TC and the tech told me to check the length of the nipple. Sure enough, it was too long, which changed the angle the hammer struck at and caused the FTFs. I never got around to buying another musket nipple, but just went back to #11s.

The main advantage of the musket caps is that they are much easier to handle. Thy do seem to be a bit scarce these days and all caps are pretty expensive; much higher than regular 209s bought by the 1000.

Yes, if you can find a source of #11 magnum CCI caps anywhere (in stock), let me know. I am currently using Winchester magnum caps, and they seem to be working well.

I use musket caps on my Thompson inline and have had good luck. I like that system better than a shotgun primer. I only use 100 gr of powder and the nipple has holes in the sides and end. Never had a misfire. miles

I haven't seen #11's or musket caps for sale in my neck of the woods in a long time. Back in the day, I noted that RWS #11's were a lot hotter than any other #11.

That being said, the musket caps I've used (Navy Arms, CCI, RWS) ALL put out more fire volume than any #11. it's just science, there's more burning material in the larger cap.

As far as I know, RWS musket caps are the only type that are still around anymore.

Lotsa CCI's locally-Muddy

musket or 11's?

Somewhere on [probably] this forum, I posted CCI temperature and gas production data for a great many caps. No need to guess.

I had a .54 Black Mountain Magnum when they first came out. Beautiful gun, terribly inaccurate...but it did shoot both type of caps and I never had a problem either way igniting the powder.

Could not find your post in a search... ???

I use a musket cap. I DO think it is hotter, but have not measured it - just observation. Was having some pyrodex ignition problems and it solved them. The main reason is they are a LOT easier for me to handle.

Pretty much my take. I have a capper, that I use when hunting, but do not really like. When I am just shooting I use a pair of Hemostats (I think that is the name) and grip an ear with them , and install. Works real good with a scope on. miles

I use musket caps when I'm lighting off large (130-200grs.) black powder charges in my .69 and .72 round ball hunting rifles. I have a few British style .451 target rifles that came from the factory with musket nipples but converted them back to #11. No need for them in those rifles as I'm only burning 70-90 grains of black powder. If I used any substitute powder like pyrodex or Triple 7 i would use the musket cap to ensure instant ignition because of the higher ignition temperatures.

I have a SXS shotgun that gives hang fires with #11 caps, but gives instant ignition with musket caps.

Musket caps all the way, all I use on all my sidelocks, I use the 'top hat' style and give em a little pinch around the top rim to keep em snug on the nipple while hunting.

That being said a good magnum cap will/is more weather/water proof, the musket caps are slitted along the sides and can let in moisture on rainy hunts, I have used a bit of boore butter around the circumference of the musket caps to keep moisture out while afield.

The ones from Nobel are not slitted...

10-4, I'll have to go out to the shop and look, think mine are RWS.

Are the musket caps and #11 caps interchangble on the same nipple, or do you need different size nipples?

Not even close. The musket caps are larger in every dimension. If possible, I recommend getting a replacement nipple from the maker of your rifle to avoid the problem I related earlier.

If you can find the caps, this is a pretty cheap modification, and makes your rifle a good bit more user- friendly afield. Plus, the musket caps just look cool.

I got 6 f.p.s faster with a musket cap over a number 11. The musket cap is handier in the field.

Musket caps, and never look back:

- much easier to handle
- hotter flame
- more flame volume

I made the switch 15 years ago and won't go back. I don't use 209's only because the musket caps work so well. I spent 7 or 8 years hunting New England winters so snow & rain, with no problems. That said there is less room for improvement with an inline than a side lock.

FYI I think the RWS caps are the best but I've never had a complaint about any make.

When they say hotter, looks like they mean it.