i have a couple of these cva rifles, and you really do need a replacement nipple. the hot shot nipple offers two advantages (at least). first, it directs more fire into the powder charge, making ignition more reliable. second, it makes the caps split more easily upon firing so that they can be removed. when i got my first cva the percussion caps were sticking after each shot, which was a huge pain :cursing: . the nipples that come standard on them from the factory just arent very good. hot shot nipple solves the problem
i like musket caps, too. they are easier to handle, and they put a little more fire into the powder charge than a #11 cap. you can substitute a musket cap nipple on pretty much any rifle. its a little harder to come by musket caps, though.