Musket caps burning through and losing flanges

[doverpack12]

I’ve been working on a load and think I’m closing in, BUT, my musket caps are burning through the top so most have a hole when I remove them after a shot and some are even losing a flange. Is this too hot and I need to back off?

460 gr No Excuses
100 gr vol Scheutzen 2F, did it some with 90 gr as well but not as bad
RWS musket caps, I have the CCI reenactment I could try to see if it still happens
54 cal lubed wonder wad
50 cal Traditions Shedhorn muzzleloader

I have a scope on currently using the western precision globe/peep rail combo so I can be confident in my aim until I settle on a load.
Shot somewhere around 50-60 shots prior to the caps burning through so it hasn’t always done this.
I started at 70 and 80 gr Scheutzen and worked up

Lyman black powder book second edition doesn’t indicate this is too hot.

I can switch powders to Swiss 2F or 777 2F.

 

[ElDiablito]

Which nipple and what’s it look like? Fouled or is the flash hole eroded? Is the hammer really blowing back or going to half-cock?

Too hot? That doesn’t sound like a hot load to me. I shoot 600 gr bullets in one of my Whites with 100 gr of 777 (which is hotter than black).

Both of those alternative powders you mention are hotter than Scheutzen,

 

[mtnbound]

I’ve been working on a load and think I’m closing in, BUT, my musket caps are burning through the top so most have a hole when I remove them after a shot and some are even losing a flange. Is this too hot and I need to back off?

460 gr No Excuses
100 gr vol Scheutzen 2F, did it some with 90 gr as well but not as bad
RWS musket caps, I have the CCI reenactment I could try to see if it still happens
54 cal lubed wonder wad
50 cal Traditions Shedhorn muzzleloader

I have a scope on currently using the western precision globe/peep rail combo so I can be confident in my aim until I settle on a load.
Shot somewhere around 50-60 shots prior to the caps burning through so it hasn’t always done this.
I started at 70 and 80 gr Scheutzen and worked up

Lyman black powder book second edition doesn’t indicate this is too hot.

I can switch powders to Swiss 2F or 777 2F.

I would try the other caps and see what happens. I would not classify that load as hot. Have you pulled the nipple and looked for a blockage or restriction? Are you getting delayed powder ignition?

 

[87TT]

Your nipple sounds blown out and needs to be replaced. Heavy bullets with stout charges can burn out a nipple in just a few shots. They make platinum lined nipples that last longer but they are not cheap.

 

[Wrench]

I haven't had good luck with rws caps. I have had more fail to fires with rws than anything else. I would swap nipples and see if trouble follows.

 

[87TT]

Black powder target shooters will tell you a burnt out nipple will definitely affect accuracy too.

 

[doverpack12]

Thanks. I have some spare nipples. Will try a new one.

It’s the stock traditions nipple it came with.

No delay firing.

 

[longrangelead]

like others have said, burned out nipple.

 

[ElDiablito]

Thanks. I have some spare nipples. Will try a new one.

It’s the stock traditions nipple it came with.

No delay firing.

Pull it and measure it or post a pic of the flash hole. I’d be real curious.

 

[Del Gue]

I would switch to a Treso Ampco #11 nipple. I shoot heavy lead charges from my sidelocks. I used to think muskets were the best until I started using the Treso Ampco #11's. They last a lot longer than musket nipples as well.
I would suggest using the #11 CCI Magnum caps or RWS #11 caps.

 

[doverpack12]

Pull it and measure it or post a pic of the flash hole. I’d be real curious.

I swapped it out. Not sure I can measure the small hole, maybe with a drill bit.

The hammer was not blowing back at all, the cap was just burning a hole in the top, off center a little

 

[mtnbound]

I swapped it out. Not sure I can measure the small hole, maybe with a drill bit.

The hammer was not blowing back at all, the cap was just burning a hole in the top, off center a little

Visually could you see any difference between the two?

 

[doverpack12]

Visually could you see any difference between the two?

The small hole on the original appears much smaller when looking at a light background top down.
Bottom of the new nipple is flat, original has some radius leading into the hole.
Top edge on original appears more square/flat and new nipple is more gradual/round

 

[doverpack12]

No idea why the flange is wider on original, both traditions musket nipples. Original is darker

 

[mtnbound]

View attachment 997459

View attachment 997461

No idea why the flange is wider on original, both traditions musket nipples. Original is darker

I think at one point they had a MC that was described as hotter or directed the flame differently or something along those lines. Be sure to post if that’s the fix.

 

[ElDiablito]

I would switch to a Treso Ampco #11 nipple. I shoot heavy lead charges from my sidelocks

My fav as well but good luck finding them. I’m told Treso is out of business.

 

[doverpack12]

I wanted a musket cap for better ignition in inclement weather

 

[Del Gue]

My fav as well but good luck finding them. I’m told Treso is out of business.

I had no idea. Glad I bought a lifetime supply of them years ago.

I wanted a musket cap for better ignition in inclement weather

#11 caps are actually more water tight and better to use in inclement weather.

 

[ElDiablito]

I had no idea. Glad I bought a lifetime supply of them years ago.

#11 caps are actually more water tight and better to use in inclement weather.

I’ve got a bunch as well.

Absolutely, IME, there’s nothing more weather resistant than a tight/proper-fitting #11.

 

[ElDiablito]

I swapped it out. Not sure I can measure the small hole, maybe with a drill bit.

Easiest way to measure a flash hole is with a set of torch tip cleaners and caliper. I’d bet your old one is pretty eroded.