Percussion caps are small, yet crucial components for black powder firearms. Their reliability directly impacts the firearm's ability to fire consistently and safely. Choosing the right percussion cap is vital for both accuracy and safety. This guide reviews eleven of the best percussion caps available, highlighting their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We'll cover various cap types and brands, focusing on factors like reliability, consistency, and price.
Understanding Percussion Caps: A Quick Overview
Before diving into our top picks, let's quickly review the basics. Percussion caps contain a small amount of highly sensitive primary explosive, typically a mixture of mercury fulminate and other compounds. When struck by the hammer of a black powder firearm, the explosive detonates, igniting the main charge of black powder.
Key factors to consider when choosing percussion caps include:
- Reliability: The cap must reliably ignite the powder charge every time.
- Consistency: Consistent ignition ensures uniform shot-to-shot performance.
- Sensitivity: The cap needs to be sensitive enough to ignite with a standard hammer blow, but not so sensitive as to be prone to accidental detonation.
- Storage: Proper storage is essential to maintain cap quality and prevent premature deterioration.
Top 11 Percussion Caps: A Detailed Review
This list is not exhaustive, but represents a selection of highly-regarded and readily available brands and types. Remember to always consult your firearm's manual for specific cap recommendations.
1. CCI No. 11 Percussion Caps:
A classic and widely popular choice. CCI caps are known for their reliability and consistent ignition. They're a great all-around option for most black powder firearms.
Pros: Widely available, reliable, consistent ignition. Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than some other brands.
2. Remington No. 10 Percussion Caps:
Another widely available and trusted brand. Remington caps provide good performance at a competitive price point.
Pros: Reliable, good value for money. Cons: Some users report occasional misfires, though less frequently than with cheaper brands.
3. RWS Percussion Caps:
RWS caps are a popular choice among competitive shooters, known for their consistent ignition and precision. They're a higher-end option, reflecting in the price.
Pros: Exceptional consistency, suitable for competition. Cons: Higher price compared to other options.
4. Pietta Percussion Caps:
Pietta offers a good quality option often favoured for their compatibility with Pietta firearms. Their performance is usually reliable and consistent.
Pros: Reliable, good compatibility with Pietta firearms. Cons: Availability might be more limited depending on location.
5. Dixie Gun Works Percussion Caps:
Dixie Gun Works offers a range of caps at different price points. Their higher-end options generally perform well.
Pros: Offers various options to suit different budgets. Cons: Quality can vary slightly depending on the specific type chosen.
6. Traditions Percussion Caps:
Traditions often bundle caps with their firearms, making them a convenient option for new owners. Their performance is generally good.
Pros: Convenient if purchasing a Traditions firearm. Cons: Availability might be limited outside of Traditions retailers.
7. Lyman Percussion Caps:
Lyman is known for its high-quality reloading supplies, and their percussion caps generally maintain this standard.
Pros: High quality, reliable performance. Cons: May be more difficult to find than more common brands.
8. Cabela's Percussion Caps:
Cabela's offers a house-brand option that typically provides reliable performance at a competitive price.
Pros: Affordable, readily available at Cabela's stores. Cons: Quality may not match the consistency of premium brands.
9. Hornady Percussion Caps:
While not as widely known for percussion caps as their other products, Hornady generally offers reliable ignition.
Pros: Reliable performance from a trusted brand name. Cons: May not be as readily available as some other brands.
10. Blackhorn 209 Percussion Caps (For use with 209 systems only):
Designed specifically for black powder substitutes like Blackhorn 209, these offer a slightly different ignition process. Note that they are not interchangeable with standard percussion caps.
Pros: Reliable ignition for Blackhorn 209 systems. Cons: Not suitable for traditional percussion systems.
11. Goex Percussion Caps:
Goex, a well-known black powder manufacturer, also produces percussion caps, offering a complete system. Their caps are known for reliability.
Pros: Reliable performance from a trusted black powder brand. Cons: Availability can vary.
Choosing the Right Percussion Cap: Considerations Beyond Brand
While brand is important, several other factors contribute to selecting the correct percussion cap.
- Firearm Type: Different firearms may have specific cap requirements. Always check your firearm's manual.
- Climate: Extreme temperatures can affect cap performance.
- Storage: Properly store caps in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Fit
The "best" percussion cap ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. However, this guide provides a starting point for selecting high-quality, reliable caps for your black powder firearms. Remember to prioritize safety, always follow your firearm's instructions, and practice safe handling techniques.