Musket cap nipple hole size ??

[Ferryboatcaptain]

Bought a very nice Antonio Zoli .58 at a live auction over the weekend and noticed the nipple has a very large diameter hole compared to all the #11 cap nipples I’m used to seeing. Is this normal or has someone drilled it out to use as a reenactment rifle ? Thanks all . FBC

 

[64Springer]

Big hole on top of musket nipple is normal.

Tiny hole on bottom of musket nipple is normal.

Big hole on bottom of musket nipple is not normal.

And pics would help.

 

[chorizo]

My musket nipples from TOW (stainless steel) pin out at .027/.028 At .030 I monitor them. At .035 I replace.

My old Zoli all had overly large nipple holes, as was the style of the times.

Pin gauges are your friend.

https://www.amazon.com/Accusize-Too...ords=Pin+gauge+set&qid=1691173063&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[Ferryboatcaptain]

Big hole on top of musket nipple is normal.

Tiny hole on bottom of musket nipple is normal.

Big hole on bottom of musket nipple is not normal.

And pics would help.

Big hole on top AND bottom of nipple. I’m thinking replacing it before shooting would be the safe bet . Thanks for the help.

 

[SDSmlf]

Have seen most percussion and musket cap nipples start out with that small hole in the .028” to .032” range. I will replace them when they open up to .035”. I use gauge pins to measure them, but if you have a set of numbered drills (figure #70 to #65), they will work.

Nipples are cheap. $5 to $8.

 

[64Springer]

Big hole on top AND bottom of nipple. I’m thinking replacing it before shooting would be the safe bet . Thanks for the help.

I'm a huge fan of TOW musket nipples.

They work perfectly with my Schuetzen musket caps.

 

[Ferryboatcaptain]

Picked up the .58 and a .54 Thompson center renegade flintlock. Both in great condition.