Percussion Caps

Charlie Skinner
9 min readJun 18, 2024

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Are you in search of the best percussion caps to enhance your shooting experience? Look no further as we present to you our top picks, meticulously handpicked to ensure exceptional performance, reliability, and durability. From budget-friendly options to premium choices, this roundup has got you covered.

The Top 6 Best Percussion Caps

  1. Legends of The Wild West Roll Caps for Kids — Bring the Wild West to life with Legends 2400 Shots Roll Caps, providing kids with endless fun and engaging their senses during playtime.
  2. Reliable Percussion Caps for Non-Mercuric Priming Mix — Experience the perfect blend of modern technology and traditional quality with the CCI 311 #11 Percussion Caps, featuring a non-corrosive, non-mercuric priming mix, reliable ignition, and easy-to-match standard nipple dimensions.
  3. Portable Brass & Steel Percussion Cap Cocker Tool — The Thunder Cloud Brass & Steel Capper Tool holds multiple #11 percussion caps and is perfect for shooters on the go.
  4. Black Plastic Octivator Tube Caps for Boomwhackers — Experience enhanced rhythms and versatile musical possibilities with the Rhythm Band Boomwhacker Octivator Tube Caps — an 8-pack of high-quality, made-in-China products designed to take your boomwhacker musical experience to the next level.
  5. Non-Slip Yellow Drumming Percussion Caps for Luminous Shine — Illuminate your drumming performances with the Luminous Non-Slip Drum Stick Cover, featuring a captivating glow-in-the-dark visual effect in a vibrant yellow color, for a standout, unique stage presence.
  6. Solid Brass Thompson Center In-Line Capper for Percussion Caps — Thompson Center In-Line Capper, an American-made solid brass capper with steel jaws, holds 17 #11 Percussion Caps, simplifying the loading process with a lockable compressed plunger spring design.

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Reviews

Legends of The Wild West Roll Caps for Kids

Using these Legends 2400 Shots Roll Caps in my little cowboy’s cap gun, I have found that they do live up to the hype. The sound and feel of the caps going off have fueled my child’s imagination, and the roll caps themselves are easy to load! I’ve noticed that other roll caps from China tend to have duds on every roll, but this product stands out with a consistently loud bang when they do go off.

What I appreciate most about these caps is how they transport young people into the Old West lifestyle through playtime. However, while the product is entertaining and stimulates multiple senses in the mind of a growing child, the roll cap itself can sometimes get lost in the chamber of the gun. This inconvenience can ruin the fun experience for a little one.

In conclusion, the Legends 2400 Shots Roll Caps have captured the Old West essence, but their inconsistent performance in the cap gun may leave a bit to be desired. Overall, they provide my child with hours of fun, and for that, I highly recommend them.

Reliable Percussion Caps for Non-Mercuric Priming Mix

I recently discovered these CCI 311 #11 Percussion Caps, and they’ve been a game-changer in my daily routine. Their modern non-corrosive, non-mercuric priming mix makes them reliable and long-lasting. The ribbed copper cups are assembled just like the originals, giving them an authentic feel. The standard nipple dimensions ensure they fit perfectly in my revolver, making them a dream to use.

One of the standout features is their clean-burning and reliable ignition. I’ve fired thousands of rounds with these caps, and they’ve never failed me. They’re easy to use, and their traditional 100-count tins make storing them a breeze. However, I do wish they were more readily available, as they seem to be in limited supply.

Overall, I’m thrilled with these CCI 311 #11 Percussion Caps. They’re reliable, easy to use, and have made a significant difference in my shooting experience. Although they can be a little hard to find, I highly recommend giving them a try if you’re in the market for some high-quality percussion caps.

Portable Brass & Steel Percussion Cap Cocker Tool

As a seasoned shooter, I recently stumbled upon the Thunder Cloud Brass & Steel Capper Tool, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. This little instrument, made of solid brass, not only looks sharp but also feels sturdy in my hands. Its steel jaws make sure the percussion caps stay secure and safe, avoiding any potential accidents.

Plus, the whole thing is incredibly portable — I can just slip it in my backpack and forget about it until I need it. The only caveat is that it might feel a bit fragile to some, but overall, it’s a reliable and efficient tool for any shooter on the go.

Black Plastic Octivator Tube Caps for Boomwhackers

I recently added the Rhythm Band Boomwhacker Octivator Tube Caps to my boomwhacker set, and let me tell you, they’re a game-changer. These caps slip right onto one end of my boomwhackers, lowering the pitch by an octave. Trust me, it’s a sound that’ll have you dancing along!

The set comes with eight capsules which means more fun times for me while practicing my rhythm. Plus, I don’t need any extra tools to fix them onto the boomwhackers. That’s a big plus!

The capsules allow me to play in a wide three-octave range. Now, I can have bass tones and higher octave notes at my fingertips. They even work for playing the tubes vertically and tapping them on the floor as a stamping tube!

Yes, these capsules are made in China, but I don’t find that a major drawback. The materials they’ve used are high-quality and the craftsmanship is top-notch. I’ve been using them daily and they’ve been holding up just fine!

Overall, I’d highly recommend these to anyone else working with boomwhackers. They’re an excellent addition to my rhythm practice. The only downside is I wish they came in more colors, but hey, can’t have it all!

Non-Slip Yellow Drumming Percussion Caps for Luminous Shine

These non-slip drumstick covers provide a unique twist to your drumming experience, with a luminous shine that adds captivating visual effects. The high-quality yellow covers have dimensions of 1.50x1.50x0.60cm, making them perfect for drumming percussion enthusiasts. They offer a comfortable grip that ensures your drumsticks stay secure during your performances.

While some might find the sizing a bit smaller than expected, the overall design is impressive and highly appreciated by many drummers looking to elevate their performance. The fact that it’s easy to replace the covers is also a major advantage, ensuring long-lasting and effective use for all drum enthusiasts.

Solid Brass Thompson Center In-Line Capper for Percussion Caps

The Thompson Center In-Line Capper is a handy tool for those who want to efficiently load their #11 Percussion Caps. Made from solid brass with steel jaws, it holds 17 caps for ease of use. Its unique design allows the plunger spring to be locked in a compressed position, making loading a breeze.

Despite its American craftsmanship, there have been a few issues reported with the quality and fitting of the caps. Overall, this capper is a great option for competition shooters and black powder enthusiasts, but it may need some adjustments to function optimally.

Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, understanding the importance of percussion caps in your firearm can make all the difference in terms of performance and reliability. In this section, we will explore the essential features, considerations, and advice that will help guide you through the process of selecting the right percussion caps for your needs.

Understanding Percussion Caps

Percussion caps are essentially a small container that holds gunpowder. They are designed to be ignited by a small hammer, called the percussion cap hammer, to generate a fire powerful enough to ignite the main charge in your firearm. By understanding the basics of percussion caps, you can make informed decisions when choosing the right ones for your firearm.

Important Features to Consider

When shopping for percussion caps, consider the following features to ensure you’re getting the best product for your needs. 1. Compatibility: Check that the percussion caps are compatible with the specific firearm and size for which they are intended. 2. Quality: Look for high-quality percussion caps that will provide reliable ignition and withstand repeated usage.

Common Considerations

Before making a purchase, consider the following factors to help you make the best decision. 1. Price: Compare the cost of the percussion caps with other brands and models to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. 2. Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the overall performance and reliability of the product.

Expert Advice

To get the most out of your percussion caps, follow these general tips. 1. Proper Storage: Store your percussion caps in a cool, dry place to ensure they remain in good condition. 2. Periodic Inspections: Regularly inspect your percussion caps for signs of wear and replace them as needed to ensure optimal performance.

FAQ

What are percussion caps?

Percusion caps, also known as snap caps or percussion primers, are small metal objects used as a single-use ignition source in percussion firearms and other firearms systems. They generate a small amount of black powder to ignite the main powder charge when the hammer hits the firing pin. Percussion caps are available in various sizes and materials to suit different firearms.

Percusion caps have been around since the early 19th century and have played a significant role in the evolution of firearms technology. Today, they are still widely used in single-shot firearms, muzzleloaders, and some black powder pistol shooting leagues as reliable and efficient ignition sources.

What are the different types of percussion caps?

There are several types of percussion caps available, each with its unique features and intended use. Some of the most common types include brass, copper, bronze, and plastic percussion caps. Brass percussion caps are generally the most common and widely used due to their durability and affordability. They are suitable for various firearms and can be found in various sizes to accommodate different caliber firearms.

Bronze percussion caps are often considered a premium option, as they are more resistant to corrosion and erosion than brass percussion caps. They are typically used in high-performance, long-term applications, such as in muzzleloader or black powder shooting competitions. Copper and plastic percussion caps are also available but are less common in comparison.

How do I choose the right percussion cap for my firearm?

When selecting a percussion cap for your firearm, consider the following factors to ensure proper fit and performance:

  1. Size: Choose a percussion cap with a size that matches the bore (caliber) of your firearm. 2) Material: Select a material that best suits your intended use and environmental conditions. Brass percussion caps are generally a good all-around choice for most firearms and applications.
  2. Brand: Research and choose a reputable brand or manufacturer to ensure consistent quality and performance. 4) Safety: Always use percussion caps in a safe and responsible manner, following manufacturer guidelines and recommendations. Avoid using percussion caps that show signs of damage or wear, as they may compromise safety and performance.

What is the difference between percussion caps and other ignition systems?

Percusion caps are a type of ignition system that generate a small amount of black powder to ignite the main powder charge in a firearm. They are primarily used in percussion firearms and other firearms systems that are designed to utilize percussion caps. Other ignition systems include flintlocks, rifled muskets, and modern firearms with conventional firing mechanisms.

Flintlocks are an older ignition system that relies on rubbing a piece of flint against a piece of steel to create sparks, which then ignite the main powder charge. Rifled muskets are a type of firearm that use a combination of a flintlock and a rifled barrel to increase accuracy and range. Modern firearms with conventional firing mechanisms, such as semi-automatic or bolt-action firearms, typically use cartridges or factory-made ammunition as their ignition source.

What safety precautions should I take when handling percussion caps?

Handling percussion caps should be done with caution and care to ensure safety. Always wear eye and ear protection when working with firearms or explosives, including percussion caps. Keep the area around your work area clean and free of debris to minimize the risk of accidental ignition. Treat all percussion caps with respect as if they were live ammunition.

Store percussion caps in a secure, dry, and cool environment away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent degradation and potential accidents. Always store percussion caps in their original packaging or a suitable container designed for storage. Do not mix percussion caps with other firearms components, such as bullets or powder, as this can lead to unsafe conditions and accidents.

Why do percussion caps malfunction sometimes?

Percusion caps can malfunction for various reasons, such as improper storage, exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures, or mechanical issues with the firearm itself. When a percussion cap fails to ignite, it can result in a misfire or failure to fire. To minimize the risk of percussion cap malfunctions, follow proper storage and handling guidelines and ensure your firearm is in good working condition.

If you experience repeat malfunctions with a particular percussion cap brand or size, consider switching to a different brand or type of percussion cap. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper use and maintenance of your percussion caps for best results and safety. Regularly inspect your percussion caps for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as necessary to maintain optimal performance and safety.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ we may earn from qualifying purchases!

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