Maximum Power at the Nipple

[command_liner]

Over on the Gunsmithing forum I am explaining my build of a black
powder AR15-pattern blunderbus. It is an interesting project, and now
I am getting to the point where the powder needs to be ignited.

My plan is to use a nipple and hammer, somewhat similar to the one
on my Thompson Hawken. That way I can use commercial nipples.
Since the gun has a 1" bore and a 0.375" wall in the barrel, I need as
much power/flash/burn in the ignition system as possible. What should
I use?

The standard cap with the Hawken seems OK, but small.
What are "musket caps"? I see the ad in Midway for 'musket cap nipple'.
Similarly, what about the shotshell primer conversion? Of the three
common ignition systems, which gives the most ignition?

[Mikeb]

Have you ever checked out Dixie Gun Works?

http://www.dixiegun.com/

They are a good source for all things BlackPowder. and Offer a lot of information. I bought their catalog a while back and it was $5 well spent.
What material did you use for your barrel?
I got to fondle a couple of real antique blunderbusses... very cool. One was bronze octagon with a wedding bad transition to a very nice bell at the muzzle. The other was steel with an abrupt bell and was swivel mounted.
take care
Mike

[gunboat]

"four wing" musket caps are similar to pistol caps but are physically larger and have "four wings" . Size wise, about like a shotshell primer with wings but of course the priming compound is on the opposite side.
I do not know musket caps priming horsepower but it is adequate for rifles. I would consider any method that used shotshell primers as they are cheaper.
I do recall reading somewhere where shot shell primers had 10? times more priming compound than regular rifle primers. I believe it was a test by ken waters attempting to use shotshell primers for large blackpowder cartridges.
If you were local I would be glad to give you a few musket caps --
my ha-penny

[jaq]

Have you considered electric ignition? I am sure you are familiar with the CVA ARC Electronic Ignition BP rifle. I think that would be an excellent solution ;-)

[command_liner]

Looking around a bit I see CCI has a #11 Magnum primer. Perhaps that is
what I want.

The barrel is made of steel. The local metal mart had lots of 1" ID DOM
mild steel tube with 3/8" wall. There were also a few dozen pieces of
1 3/4" DOM 1/2" wall tube. Those made good golf ball cannons.

[butch952]

Check this place out they will be able to provide you with what you need.http://www.thegunworks.com/GunIndex.cfm