Percussion caps

[oakridge]

Since I don't shoot percussion, maybe someone out there does and could answer a question for me. I have some old tins of percussion caps, some marked No. 10 and some No. 12.  I know they are made to fit different size nipples, but are these rifle size or pistol size?
Thanks!

[Shovelbuck]

#10 caps are generally for revolvers.

[BJH]

It really depends on the nipples on the gun , antiques especially will vary. My Belgian double shot gun uses #10 caps. Most modern rifle nipples use #11s. Revolvers often use #10s. Your milage may vary.....

[Daryl]

For my nipply guns, I use about anything I can get for under $6.00 per tin- 10's or 11's. I don't see any 12's for sale around here.

[northmn]

10's are commonly used on the revolvers as they fit tighter.  12's I have never seen, but likely were made to accomodate some over sized nipples.

DP

[oakridge]

Thanks guys. That pretty much answers my question. These caps I have are old unopened tins by Eleys. I had seen an old ad listing cap sizes from No. 10 through No. 14. Just wasn't sure of the uses for all the different sizes.

[Collector]

#12's were generally used on military muskets or comparably sized nipples.  You probably already know that the tin (with or without caps) is a collectors item, of sorts, in the right circles.