Muzzleloading Caps, Wads, & Patches
Percussion caps are the ignition source for cap-lock muzzleloaders, and Impact Guns stocks CCI and Walther RWS caps alongside complete muzzleloader kits and loading accessories. Traditions' Kentucky-pattern rifle and pistol kits give first-time black powder shooters a traditional cap-lock build with fixed sights, while a CVA adjustable powder measure takes the guesswork out of consistent charge weights. Whether you're loading an existing muzzleloader or building your first one, this category covers the basics.
Read our full Muzzleloading Caps & Loading Accessories Buying Guide ↓
What Percussion Caps Do and Why Size Matters
A percussion cap sits on the muzzleloader's nipple and ignites the main powder charge when struck by the hammer—the wrong size cap can seat loosely or fail to fire reliably, so matching cap size to your specific nipple isn't optional.
#10 and #11 Caps: Checking Your Nipple Size First
#10 and #11 are the two most common percussion cap sizes, and they are not interchangeable—check your muzzleloader's manual or the nipple itself before ordering caps, since a cap that's the wrong size for your nipple can cause misfires or fail to seat at all.
Traditions Kentucky Kits: A Traditional Cap-Lock Build
The Traditions Kentucky rifle and pistol kits offer a classic cap-lock design with fixed sights, aimed at shooters who want a traditional muzzleloading experience rather than a modern in-line design—check the specific listing for exact barrel length, stock material, and finish, since Traditions offers multiple configurations under the same kit name.
Why a Powder Measure Beats Eyeballing a Charge
A powder measure like the CVA adjustable model lets you set and repeat a consistent charge weight shot to shot—both for accuracy, since inconsistent charges spread your group, and for safety, since eyeballing a charge risks accidentally over-charging your muzzleloader.
Musket Caps vs. Standard Percussion Caps
Musket caps, like the Walther RWS musket caps stocked here, are sized and shaped differently from standard #10/#11 percussion caps and are built specifically for musket-pattern nipples—don't assume a musket cap will work in a rifle or pistol built around standard percussion cap sizing.
Basic Muzzleloader Loading Safety
Always confirm your muzzleloader is pointed in a safe direction and uncapped or unprimed before loading powder or a projectile, never load a second charge on top of one you're unsure was fired, and use a powder measure rather than estimating charge weight by eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size percussion cap my muzzleloader needs? Check your specific muzzleloader's manual or the nipple itself—#10 and #11 are the two common percussion cap sizes, and using the wrong size can result in a cap that doesn't seat properly or fires unreliably.
What's included in the Traditions Kentucky Rifle Kit? A complete cap-lock muzzleloader build in the traditional Kentucky pattern with fixed sights—check the specific listing for exact barrel length and finish, since Traditions offers multiple configurations.
Why use a powder measure instead of a pre-measured charge? A powder measure lets you set and repeat a consistent charge weight shot to shot, which matters for accuracy and safety—eyeballing a charge risks both inconsistent groups and over-charging.
See Also: Muzzleloaders • Muzzleloading Ammo