Hobbies And Interests
No. 11 Caps
The No. 11 cap has an inside diameter of approximately 0.17 inch and fits a greater variety of black powder guns than any other cap. It is the standard cap for muzzle-loading pistols, rifles and shotguns. For this reason, ammunition factories produce more No.11s than any other percussion cap.
No. 10 Caps
No. 10 percussion caps are slightly smaller than No. 11 caps, and are the proper size for black powder cap-and-ball revolvers. The difference in diameter is minimal, and revolver owners often successfully use No. 11 caps because of their greater availability. The shooter who has problems with caps falling off the nipples must purchase the less-common No. 10 caps, or replace the nipples with a larger size that will work with the No. 11 caps.
No. 12 Caps
No. 12 percussion caps are slightly larger than No. 11 caps. They are all but obsolete because current mass production methods make it easier for manufacturers to hold close tolerances on small parts such as muzzle-loader nipples. The owner of an antique gun which requires No. 12 caps would be better served by replacing the nipples with new ones that will accept No. 11 caps than by attempting to find a supply of No. 12 caps.
Musket Caps
As the name implies, musket or "top hat" caps fit large-bore military muskets. First used on British muskets, the larger 0.24-inch diameter percussion caps were also chosen for American muskets when percussion ignition replaced the flintlock. These large caps have a flanged base for an improved seal against the elements, as well as producing a more powerful flame to reliably ignite the powder charge in military guns.