CCI #10 Percussion Caps

Whether you’re using a traditional flintlock or a modern “magnum” muzzleloader, the right primer is essential. CCI #10 percussion caps provide the reliable ignition blackpowder shooters demand, plus they’re easy to use!

Percussion caps are small cylinders of copper or brass with one end closed. Inside the cap is a small amount of an explosive compound called mercuric fulminate. When the cap is struck smartly by a hammer, this creates an intense flash of heat that ignites the powder charge in the barrel. When used with a fine granulation of black powder, a well-placed percussion cap can make the gun very accurate.

But, like many blackpowder tools, percussion caps are in short supply. In fact, I’ve contacted more than 40 stores nationwide that specialize in blackpowder supplies and not one of them has any in stock. Some claim they can order them but when I ask, they say they’ve been out for awhile. So what’s the deal? Why can’t we get more percussion caps and where do we find them percussion caps 10?

First, let’s define a few terms. Percussion cap:

a type of priming device used in the firing of flintlock guns that uses mercury (discovered in 1800) or other types of fulminate to detonate the main charge of blackpowder in the firearm. Percussion locks were preferred over flintlocks because they were less complicated, required less maintenance, and were very reliable.

The earliest percussion caps were made of iron, then pewter and finally copper. Joshua Shaw is credited with developing the first metallic percussion cap in 1814, but it wasn’t patented until 1821. After that, the process was refined until today’s reusable steel and disposable zinc alloy percussion caps are the norm.

While modern percussion caps are not as fragile as their early counterparts, they do require a certain level of care and attention. The most important thing is that they fit the nipple of the gun properly. They need to be tight enough to generate a good flame but not too tight that the nipple is blown away by excessive pressure. They also need to be seated and fired correctly in order to generate the proper amount of spark to ignite the main charge of blackpowder.

The nipples of some modern blackpowder firearms have an inner diameter that’s too large for standard percussion caps. This can cause the nipple to clog with powder residue, and it’s important to thoroughly clean the nipple after each use. Thorough cleaning can also help prevent the cap from exploding when shot without a powder charge or bullet. This is especially important when you’re using a muzzleloader that needs to be fired over and over again.