Musket Caps

[billythekidrock]

Any thoughts on musket caps, different brands or ability to go off when wet?

I know a couple people that swear by the CCI 0301's (For Reenactment Use) for both target shooting and hunting, but the clerk at Cabela's wouldn't sell me any when I told him I was planning on hunting with them. Oh, I am sure he would have, but he sure did his best to talk me out of them. As did the kid behind the gun counter when I was buying powder.  So I bought some at Wholesale Sports. I shot about 40 rounds with them (and Triple 7 powder) without any problems.

When I found some RWS 1081's I bought a couple tins. They definitely have a bit more oomph and I shot about 40 shots with them without any issues.

I heard that the RWS's were better in wet weather so I tried a little "worst case scenario" and dropped a couple of each in a bottle of water.

After a 5 minute soak I tried a CCI and it went off, sounding like the dry ones. The RWS failed to go off and it gummed up the nipple.

After a 10 minute soak I tried another CCI and again it went off, sounding just like the others. And again, the RWS failed to go off and it gummed up the nipple again.

If I were to go hunting in the rain I would have to go with the CCI's. Anyone try anything similar recently?
 

[Kowsrule30]

I use German made muskets... Have got them wet and they worked.... Never tried a soak though.... Good to know.....

[fishunt247]

I have used the CCI musket caps as well as the German ones. I haven't noticed any difference between the two besides the language on the container they come it. Both worked well. That's a great idea to do the soaking test. Then you just gotta wonder if your powder is dry (which I've never had a problem with, even in downpours).

[Whitelightning]

keep in mind that #11's fit the nipple much tighter and give a good seal to the powder in wet conditions. Good #11's work just fine I have used RWS 1075's for ten years or better never have had a misfire.

[billythekidrock]

keep in mind that #11's fit the nipple much tighter and give a good seal to the powder in wet conditions. Good #11's work just fine I have used RWS 1075's for ten years or better never have had a misfire.

I will be swapping nipples as soon as I pick up another #11 to sand down a bit. The #11's didn't stay that well before.

I am hoping to lessen the blowback as well. The musket caps end up with quite a hole in them.

[Whitelightning]

billythekidrock,
looks like you are piercing the primer. Are you using a hammer designed for 209 primers?

[Dan-o]

keep in mind that #11's fit the nipple much tighter and give a good seal to the powder in wet conditions. Good #11's work just fine I have used RWS 1075's for ten years or better never have had a misfire.

I will be swapping nipples as soon as I pick up another #11 to sand down a bit. The #11's didn't stay that well before.

I am hoping to lessen the blowback as well. The musket caps end up with quite a hole in them.

YIKES!

Mine don't get a hole in them!


I use the German caps, too.   Love 'em.  Never had a problem with them.

You know, the ones with the German name:   Verkapstebangumboomsterkaboomen , or something German and about that long.

[billythekidrock]

billythekidrock,
looks like you are piercing the primer. Are you using a hammer designed for 209 primers?

Yes. When I asked about converting it they (Knight) told me I only needed a new breach plug and nipples.

[The Gobble-stopper]

Personally I wouldnt use the reinactment caps. Dont know if it is humidity, moisture in general or not as much oooomph. Had 3 friends loose out on 3 different bulls last year, cause when it came to time to set em off they wouldnt pop, or wouldnt light the fire. They all ended up realizing what was going on and change back to regular musket caps. And 2 of them ended up with bulls.

[Jason]

BTKR did you ever find out what was causing the holes in the primers?

[billythekidrock]

No, I never heard back from Knight but I am sure it is due to the point on the hammer assembly.

I switched nipples/caps and am no longer using musket caps right now.

[usmc74]

I use the german muskets in my Knight with the pointed hammer, and have never had a misfire or pierced cap.  What powder and how much are you using?

Mine = 110gr T7, 300gr SST

[billythekidrock]

Triple 7, 80, 90 & 100 gr.

[Capt. Rob]

120 grns 777 ffg, 250 gr. tipped mz. or T/C bonded Shockwave. Cant go wrong

[Damnimissed]

keep in mind that #11's fit the nipple much tighter and give a good seal to the powder in wet conditions. Good #11's work just fine I have used RWS 1075's for ten years or better never have had a misfire.

  musket caps cost me a raghorn bull a couple years ago. I still got a good chunk of his meat though, because my buddy killed him opening morning of rifle season lol
I switched to #11s and haven't looked back.