Cap quality

[Kermit]

What's the current conventional wisdom on which brand of caps constitutes the pinnacle of ignition reliability? Where do YOU get them?

I'm back in the cap end of this game, and am out of touch with this info...

[Bigsmoke]

Well, Kermit, I have always subscribed to the thought that RWS was the very best cap available.

Next best would probably be CCI Magnum.  

I have been having pretty good luck with the CCI Musket Caps lately.  Few if any misfires.

I have never been much of a fan of the regular CCI caps, too many misfires for me.  Others think they are pretty good, though.

After that, whatever.  I tend to stay away from any cap made in Italy, if they are still making them there.  Been a while since I paid any attention.

I have been getting my caps at a gun shop in Atascadero.  That probably won't do you much good, though.  Thought that comes to mind is next weekend at the Monroe Show.  Someone should have some caps for sale there.

Don't forget that UPS charges HazMat fees on percussion caps.

[sse]

I've used regular CCI and for the times I had a FTF, it wasn't the cap's fault.  I tried the RWS once, and noticed it fit a little too loose on the nipple, until a few shots were fire off.

[Riley/MN]

I like the RWS, never seemed to loose to me. Might be a QC issue? If I can't get the RWS, I try to get CCI, as they have worked great for me too.

I have been using some tins of Remingtons at the Scout camp and had some issues, but I half suspect a Scout & a snowbank had something to do with it...

[Shadow Hawk]

I’m right there with Bigsmoke.
 I’ve preferred rws since the mid 80's.
And I am able to get them local for about 9 bucks

[Trois Castors]

I have been using Remington caps lately,they fit good for me but they are inconsistant in their internal colouring.....why is this?Some are lime green inside and the rest are very dark green.

[Gordon H.Kemp]

I"ve always found the Remington gave me the most consistent ignition , and except for a rare few have fit the nipples quite well. I would have to point my finger at the CVA caps for the most problems , but that was a few years ago.
      I don"t know , but suspect that CVA buys the caps frrom another Mfg. and just put their Logo on the tins . I have on hand CCI , RWS ,  Remington , and at least one other brand . It appears that the Dynomit Nobel? has the strongest ignition blast of any I"ve tried .
         I try to use real BP as opposed to the Subs , and I think that is another reason I have less problem with ignition then those that use the Subs . The Subs. require all the heat and power possible . I"m slowly but surely doing away from any cap problem by going to all flint locks  
                                 

[Three Hawks]

I've found that keeping the snail area or the drum clean and ensuring the nipple is clear is more important than which cap one chooses.  Of late, I've been using home made caps in a Forster "Tap-O-Cap" tool.  In the last 30 years I've not had one misfire due to caps.   The commercial caps I've used are Remington and CCI.  Now I suppose the next time I attempt a shot, the Gods of brimstone and fulminate will see to it that I am thoroughly humbled.  As I'm a married man, that will take some doing, the Gods of home and hearth with the loving ministrations of my bride have seen to that well enough already.

I also read somewhere, can't remember where, that in the day the mildest caps were prized as the most consistent and reliable.  How exactly that was arrived at, I've no clue, but considering the users were sometimes up against hostile adversaries, both two and four legged, who "hunted back", I'd tend to give considerable weight to their opinions.

Three Hawks

[snake eyes]

Kermit,
          I have used all the most talked about caps..Remington,RWS and CCI and CCI mags.Currently the only #11 caps I have are
CCI mags. For the price,and the results I get,I am very satisfied.
Although I have tried musket caps,don't,unless on a musket.No
advantage to a regular percussion rifle...IMHO
John

[Trois Castors]

My boy has a T/C Hawken .54.......The hammer on it will sometimes  hold a spent cap or cap fragments after firing.If you don't notice, it will provide a cushion effect that won't allow the next caps to work.(just another variable to throw at ya )

[Shadow Hawk]

i have a tc renagade and mine will also hold spent caps.
ive yet to have a miss fire from it but if i don't pay attention to it it will.

[Riley/MN]

Do those T/C hammers have the V-notch in them? If not, I would file one in there.....

[Trois Castors]

There is one Renegade here with a V in it and three hawkens without.I went to look in a case right now and found finish running off legitimate antiques and rusted barrels and butt plates.......I think I am going to be sick.....

[Gordon H.Kemp]

Thats really bad news , I know its off topic but keep us posted as to the cause of the rust . the information might save others from this problem ?

[shootrj2003]

Sorry to hear that,Trois Castors,I have give the top spot to RWS also.