Caps # 10 vs # 11??

[carey]

Just bought a new nipple (for my TC Hawkin 45 Cal)  which is smaller than my old nipple. Now # 10 fits whereas # 11 fit my older nipple. I want to stay with the newer nipple unless there is a disadvantage. Please advise.
Newbe - "Itchy Twitch"
What is the reliability in missfires for the #10 vs # 11??
Maybe I didnot explain very well. I just bought a used TC Hawkin 45 cal and the nipple that was on the gun would not allow me to load the gun in the half cock position an it was a nipple for #10 caps. Hmm. I bought the replacement nipple from (Wolf as recommended) which is short enough to allow me to cap the nipple in the half cock position NOW. "Which I Like" Only problem is that  the new nipple is  also for a #10 cap which fits very well. Buttt - In the old TC Hawkin book they say use a #11 Cap.
Is the #10 cap the same physical size as the #11??
Is there a power difference??
Can I use the #10 caps without a problem??

[Kermit]

Nope.

[sse]

I'm not sure I understand the question.  If you could run that by us again, I may be able to comment on whether Kermit is right (which could go either way...lol)...??!!   :!:

[Bigsmoke]

All I have ever seen different between #10' and #11's is the 10's are a bit smaller in diameter.  And this is talking about comparing the same brand of cap.
I have used them both on the same rifle and never noticed a performance difference.
What could make a difference though, is the nipple you replaced your original with.
Also, if for the sake of arguement, you were using RWS 1075 caps on your original nipple and now for the #10's you are using CCI's, the CCI's are a milder cap than the RWS.  In that case, there will be a slight difference.  The chronograph might give you a few FPS varriance, but the real difference will be reliability.  I don't think the CCI's are nearly as hot as the RWS.
One of the golden rules is to only change one thing at a time.
Hope this helps somewhat.
John

[Swamp]

I'm thinking you got the wrong nipple! I think all TC rifles used a nipple for #11 caps. I always thought the #10's were for BP revolvers. I'm wondering if you got the nipple for the TC Seneca rifle? These are a tad smaller that the normal TC nipple, I know, I have one.

Where did you get this new nipple? If I were you, I'd buy a new one for your TC Hawken. Thread size is 1/4 - 28. Make sure you get one for the Hawken, and not the Seneca rifle.

For rifles, I would only use the #11 cap.

[Kermit]

I was answering his last question. Confusing, I know, cause what I was TRYING to say was that, nope, there isn't a problem. Gotta learn to proofread before submitting!  

[Bigsmoke]

Swamp,
I don't think the Seneca/Patriot nipple woulld install very good.  It is #12 threads of I forget what pitch.  A little small in a 1/4-28 hole.

I think you will find the stock T/C nipple will work pretty good.  Their version of the Hot Shot nipple is a bit of an improvement.  The MSM nipple is real good.  I would steer clear of the Treso nipple and anything made in Italy, Spain or China.

[Fletcher]

I had a Seneca for a while and #10 fit and shot fine.  I thought it was the normal TC 1/4 x 28 thread, but I could be wrong.  It was definitely smaller than the nipples on my Renegade and Hawkens.

[Swamp]

Now that I think of it, John is correct!  

[snake eyes]

I have always thought it was the size of the nipple that determined
the cap size. I even replaced the nipple of one of my Investarms
.50cal with a musket nipple.Only thing I accomplished was paying
more for caps. Also although I had no problems with ignition,
I learned real quick to wear shooting glasses.Pieces of those caps
went everywhere.I assume because the caps were too large for
the hammer. Live & Learn!
snake-eyes

[Captchee]

the only diffrence is its a smaller cap .
 yes #10 is for revolver  pistols .
 #11 will work on a #10 nipple  but #10  caps are troublesome on a #11 nipple .

so you should be fine  your new nipple just has a slightly smaller neck

[Uncle Russ]

We have all had our own experiences with the caps mentioned.

Like several others, I have noticed no difference as both fit, both seem to fire the same, and I've personally never had a problem.

However, I had a chart once the gave "measured' sizes of all the caps available, and they are were all a bit different...as little as ten-thousandths, but still a wee bit different.....I do remember Remington being the largest on that chart.
(I thought I had posted that chart here, but I can't find it....not the one for nipple size, but the one for cap size.)

IMO, cap sizes have never really changed, while nipple sizes have varied just a little from manufacturer to manufacturer over the years. Of course that's just an observation and may have no validity.

I have always followed the rule that #10's were for pistol and #11's were for rifles...although I have fired #10's on a rifle, I never tried #11's on a pistol....don't know the reason for this, but I can't remember a single incident where I tried it.

And, like Snake eyes, even though a Top hat Musket cap is considered ten times hotter, other than cost I have never been astute enough to see any difference whatsoever.

My recommendation; if it works, if ya got 'em....then shoot 'em. But don't go buying 'em when #11's are available also.

Uncle Russ...

[carey]

Thanks to all of you for your input. With your information and some further checking it seems the several different caps that I have are not consistant in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. Also # 11 s have not been available where I been shopping.
Thanks

[Bigsmoke]

Carey,
And the problem with ordering them from a business and having them shipped to you is that you have to pay HazMat charges on them.  What is that now, $23 or so?  That means that if you do buy them on line or catalog, you better buy a bunch to make it worth while.
Another idea is if you cannot get caps to fit the nipple well, then make the nipple fit the caps.  Put in a drill and while spinning it, file down the nipple to fit the caps.
John

[Trois Castors]

Another idea is if you cannot get caps to fit the nipple well, then make the nipple fit the caps.  Put in a drill and while spinning it, file down the nipple to fit the caps.

You can do this in a lathe if you have access to one. I have had to do this.