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Muzzleloader Safety for Percussion Caps (Video Included)

Wade's World Hunting: Percussion caps are little explosions waiting to happen. That’s their job, to detonate when struck and to ignite the powder, which propels the bullet, which strikes the target (hopefully) and results in a successful muzzleloader deer season.

However, because of their combustible nature, percussion caps should be handled with extra care. Granted, these caps aren’t so volatile that they’re dangerous. Still certain safety rules apply to prevent accidental ignition and possible injury. Following are tips for preventing accidental ignition and also to ensure the caps will ignite when the shooter intends.

• Keep caps in the original can until used. Don’t store in your capping device.  Return unused caps to the factory package. 
• Do not force caps onto the nipple. If there is resistance to seating a cap, stop and investigate.
• Store caps and powder separately.
• Don’t handle caps with oily or greasy hands. Oil contamination can affect ignitability.
• Store caps in a cool, dry place. High temperature causes them to deteriorate.
• Don’t ream or enlarge the flash hole in your muzzleloader. This can increase chamber pressure to potentially dangerous levels.

Remember, proper handling and use of percussion caps are crucial to muzzleloader success. Follow these tips, and you will eliminate any problems that caps might cause in the black powder process.