Why is my caplock louder than my flintlock?

I have 2 GPR 54's.1 a caplock and 1 a flintlock.I use the exact same load in both.I use ear muffs when I shoot but I notice a big difference in the level of noise between the two.I admitt I have shot both without earmuffs and the caplock really rings the ears where the flintlock does not.Why?

 

[musketman]

The flintlock vents a side blast out through the touchhole, this venting allows a slightly reduction in pressure, thus, lower noise being generated...

It can also be said that the exploding cap adds to the noise level whereas the powder in the pan just goes off with a "whoosh"...

 

[roundball]

Agree with that...when I recently used my caplocks after a few years of Flintlocsk only, I noticed that and slightly more felt recoil...identical TC Hawkens, identical loads, but one cap & one flint...definitely felt more punch in the caplock.

Another reason why my max/near-max hunting loads are fine in my Flintlocks...helps offset some of the pressure loss out of the large vents

 

Thanks for clearing that up guys.Always wondered why. :grin: