Newb question

[Osborne Russell]

Hello folks,
First time poster here. I just bought my first ever muzzleloader - a Traditions Hawken caplock. I'm super excited to shoot it and, fingers crossed, take it elk hunting depending on how the CO draw goes. So, I'm having what I imagine is a common problem right now - I can't find #11 caps anywhere. My local pawn shop has Triple 7 209 primers, so I just want to be sure: I can't use those on my stock Hawken, correct? I assume I can't, bit haven't seen any concrete info out there. Anyway, like I said, a newb question. Very excited to enter the world of black powder, either way!

 

[brewer12345]

Not without modification. It might be easier to find musket caps and get a nipple that will accept them.

 

[2 shots]

hi, and welcome. 209 primers are shotgun primers also used in unmentionables. can not be used in your rifle without a 209 primer conversion if they are still available. it replaces the nipple with a devise made to use the 209 s . hope this helps. 2 shots

 

[Osborne Russell]

Thanks! That helps. I'll just keep looking for 11s and look into musket caps

 

[deermanok]

Welcome from Oklahoma. Most local dealers don't have # 11 caps in stock, or at least for very long.
Your best bet is too shop around online. You'll have to probably buy 1,000 per order. Shipping costs and hazmat fees aren't really too awful. Triple 7 will work but real black powder is best imo.
Good shooting.

 

[user 48679]

Short answer: No

Long answer: percussion caps seat on the outside of a (male) nipple; 209's seat in a (female) receptacle.

BTW: Your Hawken will not fire 209's w/o an alteration to the hammer so it will strike the center of the 209.

As stated above, if you can locate musket caps, you can simply exchange the issue nipple with this conversion nipple (provided the threads match your gun)

https://www.amazon.com/Thompson-Center-Accessories-54167252-Traditional/dp/B001MQM7ZC

 

[2 shots]

google up 209 primer conversion for percussion guns. no hammer mods needed. it looks like a p.i.t.a. to use but i will get you shooting for now if you cant find 11 s

 

[leadhoarder]

But one of those 209 adapters if you cannot find anything else. It would be kind of a pain but at least you can go make smoke. I have never used one but it looks like you have to place a primer and then screw on a cap (lid not percussion cap) that contains a pin that your hammer hits. You have to unscrew and then screw the cap back on for each shot.

 

[Dibbuk]

Welcome.

Where in Colorado? Check out Mountain Man store in Manitou Springs. While you are there, look into getting a nipple that takes musket caps.

Sportsmans Warehouse, in Colorado Springs, and Cabelas between Castle Rock and Denver, should also have some.

 

[Osborne Russell]

Oh I'm on the Western Slope. But yeah, I ordered a musket nipple and found some musket caps. Lovin' all the help I'm getting! Great community

 

[Old Hawkeye]

Seems the rules vary from state to state on whether 209 primers are legal to hunt with. Best to check Colorado regs before modifying a caplock for 209's.

 

[longcruise]

No problem with co registration on this question.

 

[ppg1949]

I bought a used cap lock many years ago that had the 209 primer conversion nipple on it. This was before inlines and I thought it kind of novel. But using it was a major pain in the rump. You had to unscrew the top half to place the 209 primer inside it then rescrew it closed. I swapped it out with a regular nipple the way God intended it to be.

 

[hanshi]

If you have rounded up some musket caps and a musket nipple then you're all set. The last #11 caps I bought were ordered (1000) but can't recall from where. It was years ago and I shoot mostly flintlocks anyway. I do recall spending $40 for the 1000 CCI mag primers.

 

[toot]

Welcome.