Renegade - nipple conversion to musket cap

[358jdj]

I need to get my muzzle loader going again for a deer hunt scheduled for the fall of 2007.  I have a 54 caliber Renegade I put together as a kit about 25 years ago.  It has accounted for many deer and elk, but not recently.

Right now it is set up to ignite with #10 caps.  Would it be advisable to change the nipple to a system wherein I could use musket caps?  Pro and cons would be appreciated.  FWIW, I don't shoot heavy loads even when hunting elk.  I generally shoot a 90 to 100 grain equivalent of Pyrodex RS or Select behind a heavy conical.

[lonewolf5348]

I can say the only miss-fire I ever had was using a musket nipple and cap,I been in down pours of rain,sleet and snow and never had any problems with the hot shot nipple and RWS 1075+ caps.
I myself think a good tight number #11 will seal out any moisture that will get under the caps.

[thumbcocker]

I have used both. I got 7 f.p.s. more with a musket cap compared to a no.11. The only advantage with the musket cap to me was it was easier to get out of my shooting bag and on the nipple in a hurry.

[Landngroove]

If you are using real black powder, and not a substitute, in your Renegade, a #11 percussion cap should be all you need. Remember to wipe the bore of all oils, and snap off a few caps before first loading, to dry out the flash channel. I use # 11 caps in most of my muzzleloaders, but have used musket caps in the past, when I used Pyrodex. I have no ignition problems with # 11, and real black powder. True, as said in the above post, musket caps are easier to handle, if you carry them in your pocket, and need a quick reload in the field. If I had to use a substitute powder, I would give musket caps another look.