Greetings all,
I recently purchased a new CVA Elkhorn pro rifle. It has a 3-way interchangeable ignition system. I set it up for #11 caps. Took it out this weekend and it wouldn't fire a single one of my CCI caps.
I know the firing pin is hitting the cap because it leaves a big dimple. I then took the dimpled caps and put them on my Thompson/Center and they fired right off. Today I called CVA and they said not to use CCI caps and they advised using musket caps. They said the musket caps should fit right on the #11 nipple. I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this problem and whether using a hotter German cap might work. I don't think musket caps will fit my speedloaders. Advice please!

Don't know that rifle, but do they have a swap out replacement for the striker/firing pin? Do you change out the nipple? I like the Dynamit/Nobel caps (the ones you are looking for, but I'd use Musket caps if possible. All you need to do is get a Musket Cap capper.

Thanks Dog,

The nipple changes out. Seems like a nice balanced rifle, good glo sights, pistol grip, composite stock, "points" well. It's longer than my T/C carbines, but expect better range too. I'll try musket caps, wish I could find them in Seattle but expect I'll have to run down to the Puyallup.

Good Hunting!

I have had similar problems and it was due to the cap not sitting all the way down on the nipple. I would get a dent on the cap but it wouldn't go off. Try making sure the cap fits all the way down. Also, some different types of caps would fit the nipple and others wouldn't, so some experimentation may solve your problem. Musket caps are hotter, and may give you a better ignition, so using them is probably better even if you get your caps to work.

Moe,
I am currently going through the same problems with my elkhorn but with musket caps. I bought a new nipple and it fired twice and then I experienced the same problem. I contacted CVA and the tech. said to run a piece of emery cloth around the nipple and the try it. After using the emery cloth it fired the caps with no problem. I'm headed back to the range in the morning to try it again.
Good luck

Ive seen more than 1 nipple that was just a hair to large to let the cap seat.The emery cloth works but be careful not to take off too much or your cap will fit loosely and have a tendency to fall off the nipple.You usually wont notice the caps gone till you pull up on a critter and all you here is a click.That really sucks.I know from experience.

This muzzleloader talk is getting me even more excited, 3 more work days then

You can get the Dynamit caps at Sportsmans in Federal Way but persoanlly I would just stick with the TC even if it's shorter doesnt allways mean your range is shorter. My TC Firehawk is only a 22 inch barrel and I have killed animals out to 130 yards with a 310 grn knight sabot and 100 grains of powder. to me it's all about what you are confident in, you may think you have extended range but when the moment of truth comes extended range means nothing if it doesnt fire or accuracy may be comprmised if you are worrying about it.