Nipple Vs Cap Size
As a newbie question, what is the difference between a #10 percussion cap and a #11 percussion cap? And also, what is the difference between a #209 cap and a Muzzle type of cap/nipple? I see such things for sale at places like Cabellas but there is never any explanation of what is what. I would appreciate any advice you might have.....
The difference is the diameter of the cap, 10's being smaller than 11's. Most of my cap-n-ball pistols (Piettas) use #10's. 209's are actually shotgun primers, usually used to provide hotter ignition to replacement type powders- Triple 7 for example. Another type of ignition is the musket cap, which has a much larger nipple and provides more fire.
The difference is the size, shape and amount of fire generated in each. Also the nipple size and shape is different and won't interchange. Not real sure, but I think #10s are slightly smaller than #11s. I believe 10s are generally pistol caps and 11s are rifle caps. Musket caps are larger than either 10s or 11s and require a larger nipple. All three fit over the outside of a slightly taper nipple and the disavantage is they sometime get knocked off. 209 primers fit inside a recessed nipple and are less prone to falling off. I've used #11s, musket caps, and #209 primers on different guns and my Knight Big Horn has nipples for all three. All work, but IMHO #209s are the most reliable.
