Percussion cap fit

[Jerry V Lape]

I have just been to the range with a Connecticut Hawken .50cal percussion.  I shoot flintlock and have never bothered with percussion.  Well the rifle is borrowed and came with #11 caps which are clearly too large for the nipple.  I miked the nipple but they are tapered so as best I can tell it is about .167" at the point where the rim of the cap should grip the nipple.  I am fixining a couple other issues on the rifle and figure replacing the nipple isn't a major drill except I don't know what threads Connecticut used on these rifle or if I should just go get some #10 caps to see if they work.  Anyone with Connecticut Hawken experience able to help me here?  Read a couple length threads on another website which seem to say well maybe, sometimes and usually but the issue was left to the shooter to pinch the cap. 

[SCLoyalist]

Check Track's listings for nipples.  They list the guns they should fit, along with threads, cone dimensions, etc.  Cva apparently used a 6-1 metric thread.

It's always possible your gun has had to have the factory nipple replaced with an oversized one, so check that the replacement fits snug before firing.

[Jerry V Lape]

SCLoyalist,

Thanks for the help.  It sent me in the right direction and the correct part will be here in a couple days.

[retired fella]

I can't express strongly enough to be sure a nipple is installed correctly...and tight.  Early on I learned the hard way.  Shootin' at the club under a roof the nipple blew out right past my ear through the roof!!!  I had a flinching problem for the rest of the day.  Still don't hear well out of that ear.