I started out using No 11 caps on my Hawkins and Kentucky Long rifle but after a few misfires and hang fires I switched to musket caps. I didn't have any problems after that until now. I have had 7 musket caps not ignite the load recently. Tonight I watched my deer bounce away after the charge failed to go. The caps dis sound a little weak. I bought new caps tonight and after cleaning the gun shot a few caps through it the old ones were not near as hot as the new ones. Does any one know what breed of nipple is the best as far as getting the fire to the charge? I came across a nipple that is for 209 primers on the side locks. Has anyone had any experience with these? I love to use the side locks but want them to be as reliable as possible.

I use stainless nipples on my repro Civil War muskets, for reenacting and shooting, but can't recall the make right now. I'll see if I can find them again and pass it on. I've had very little problems with musket caps and what I have had was due to firing LOTS of blank charges, fouling the flash hole. I use a small drill bit to clean the hole now.

I think this is what I've got, the Spitfires.

www.dixiegunworks.com/...ts_id=5870

When I was shooting my Great Plains Rifle I always used Hot Shot #11 nipples and never had a problem.
A slight delay sometimes when damp but never had a real reason to switch to musket caps.

I kept a needle in my hat to clear the nipple after firing.
When I was done I would first use #13 to clean the bore and nipple (removed) then gave it a good cleaning with non-detergent soap and hot water, rinse, dry, and apply some oil.
A bore mop on the cleaning rod works great for pushing water out under pressure through the flash hole giving it a good cleaning.

chambered221 wrote:

I kept a needle in my hat to clear the nipple after firing

Ever stick yerself in the head putting it back in the hat during the heat of battle Mr. No-blunder Wonder-fingers?

I think the old caps deteriorated for what ever reason. The new one are much hotter/louder.

stovepipe wrote:

chambered221 wrote: I kept a needle in my hat to clear the nipple after firing Ever stick yerself in the head putting it back in the hat during the heat of battle Mr. No-blunder Wonder-fingers?

Nope !!! Always took my hat off to stick it back in. Me smart........sometimes !!!

wiersy111 wrote:

I think the old caps deteriorated for what ever reason. The new one are much hotter/louder.

Bought new ones every year and learned quickly not to buy the Remingtons !!!

My granny used to keep a pin in her hat....

Well good for Granny.......I’m betting hers held a flower or something like that !!!

Mine held a Arkansas toothpick.......hell of a conversation piece !!!

I wouldn't worry about the pin that tooth pick could cause a slight problem.

You must be the only one that has any idea what it is !!!

Just so ya know........I'm not from Arkansas.

I can't believe I'm the only one that picked on the Arkansas Toothpick. I just aint that bright.

I have a nice 11 inch Arkansas Toothpick that I like to take out once in a while and polish.

TMI!