Musket nipple question

[mkabe]

Hey guys, that includes gals as well, what purpose is the small hole in the cone of my musket nipple, picture included. Some have them others don’t. I can guess but would prefer to get a right answer from someone who knows.
Thanks

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

No picture attached in your question, but Butler Creek sells what they call a "Hot Shot" nipple that indeed has a hole up on the tapered side, see photo of a #11 type (standard size, not musket) nipple. The intent of the hole is to release gas from the ignition enough to split the standard percussion cap open - for easier removal, but sometimes they just drop off when fired or when the hammer is put to 1/2 cock.

But I wasn't aware they made a "Hot Shot" version for a musket size nipple, as that is a larger diameter nipple and where the cap has '4 wings' on them. Those come off or pull off easily due to the wings.

Perhaps what you have ... is a 'musket' arm with a #11 nipple installed that fits the thread of that percussion arm?

 

[Daveboone]

supposed to minimize back pressure, resulting in better ignition. Pretty commonly found in aftermarket nipples.

 

[mkabe]

No picture attached in your question, but Butler Creek sells what they call a "Hot Shot" nipple that indeed has a hole up on the tapered side, see photo of a #11 type (standard size, not musket) nipple. The intent of the hole is to release gas from the ignition enough to split the standard percussion cap open - for easier removal, but sometimes they just drop off when fired or when the hammer is put to 1/2 cock.

But I wasn't aware they made a "Hot Shot" version for a musket size nipple, as that is a larger diameter nipple and where the cap has '4 wings' on them. Those come off or pull off easily due to the wings.

Perhaps what you have ... is a 'musket' arm with a #11 nipple installed that fits the thread of that percussion arm?

View attachment 187919

What’s on my rifle (TC Gray Hawk) now is a 1/4X28 thread musket nipple I put on to go deer hunting. It came with a #11 nipple of course, and I had no ignition problems with that. But being obsessive compulsive I had to make it better and I tried a small rifle primer gizmo that was finger fumbling so I went to the musket nipple which I think I like as they are easy to handle. Thanks for your response and everyone’s as well!
Pic.