Percussion cap size question?

[PBSmith]

Today at a gun show I looked at an interesting percussion rifle, probably 58 caliber. Can't tell for sure if it's a repro or an original. In any event, I could be interested if I can shoot it.

The nipple/cap size had me puzzled. Seller had #11 caps on his table. They are definitely too small for the rifle.

Is there a next larger # size before you get into musket caps?

I didn't have a caliper or micrometer with me to measure the nipple size. What is the end diameter of a musket nipple?

Look forward to your responses.

[Rockingkj]

There is a no. 12 cap. My understanding used on foreign large Walker Colt revolvers. A .58 rifle would expect to use musket caps. Just measured a musket cap and get about .228 for the open end.

[LAGS]

Check the nipple to see if it might be Mushroomed over from people dry firing the lock.
But a lot of the .58's did use Musket Nipples.
If the nipple is Mushroomed over.
You can replace it , or chuck it in a drill and file it back to shape.

[PBSmith]

There is a no. 12 cap. My understanding used on foreign large Walker Colt revolvers. A .58 rifle would expect to use musket caps. Just measured a musket cap and get about .228 for the open end.

Thanks Rock. I need to get a measurement on the nipple - that should tell something. I have a .17" nipple and the one on the gun is larger than 0.17".

[PBSmith]

Check the nipple to see if it might be Mushroomed over from people dry firing the lock.
But a lot of the .58's did use Musket Nipples.
If the nipple is Mushroomed over.
You can replace it , or chuck it in a drill and file it back to shape.

LAGS - thank you for that reminder. I don't believe this one was muhroomed, but will look again if I get a second chance.

If this piece turns out to be of British origin, does that mean all bets are off as to nipple/cap size and threads on the nipple?

[LAGS]

I believe that Track of the Wolf has nipples to fit British models

[Hellgate]

The Remington 1863 rifled muskets from Navy Arms had a spare #11 size nipple imbedded in the wood of the stock in the patch box for those who wished to use the smaller caps. I believe you can send the nipple into either TOW or Dixie Gun Works to have them fit a replacement for whatever cap you desire (#11 or musket cap). Check with them first before sending in a nipple.