Guys,

I took this information off the CCI web site. It looks like they are now making four wing caps specifically for reenactors. From the photo, it looks like they are made of copper. I used their six wing caps for years, until they became an issue in the Hobby. I still use them for live firing. It's nice to have another source for caps.    


Four Wing Musket Caps

This year CCI® introduces musket caps designed with reenactors in mind. These specially-designed caps are fitted with an explosive charge optimized for replica muskets. They also feature a tough, four wing design to further performance.

FEATURES & BENEFITS
• Optimized charge for replica muskets
• Tough four wing design
• Great for reenactors

MODEL DEscrïptION
Part No. 301 Four wing musket caps

The originals I have are made of copper. I'd guess the softer metal would be less likely to break? And, provide better ignition?

I wonder next, what the cost is?

Grumpy,

Here's my take on the copper versus brass issue. I did a very unscientific test years ago. A took a pair of pliers and bent the wings on copper CCI caps and brass caps from a couple of suppliers. (What ever was in my ammo cabinet) I found you could bend the copper wing two or three times before it would break off. The wing on the brass caps usually broke on the first bend.

I used the CCI six wing caps for years, before they became an issue in the Hobby. I still use them for live firing. I have never had a problem. They will often deform, but they don't break. They are hotter than the standard four wing cap.

On the other hand, brass is much harder than copper. A misaligned hammer may ride over a brass cap, but also may cut  through the more malleable copper.

It's my guess CCI has reduced the power of these four wing caps. (See the discrïption from their web site. The CCI six wing caps were always more expensive than the four wing caps. I don't know how these new caps will be priced.

I'd guess that any cap is subject to breaking. I've been hit with cap fragments and I doubt I'm unique on that score!  

BTW. In regard to hot caps. The originals would blow out a candle three feet away from the muzzle of a rifle-musket. Now that's a hot cap!  

I've also used the CCI 6-wing caps without any problem, until they were essentially banned for re-enacting. My experience was that so long as the hammer was properly aligned with the cone, I never had an issue with fragments breaking off.
I have been hit with fragments of 4-wing caps, so suspect Bill is correct in his observation that the brass 4-wings are more tolerant of misaligned hammers, the problem being that misaligned hammers can cause fragments to fly no matter what type of cap is used.
IMHO, the real issue is re-enactors who simply don't know or don't care about keeping their weapons in a safe condition, compounded by safety inspectors who either don't check hammer alignment or won't fail a weapon for a misaligned hammer.