Agree with the above and stainless nipples are cheap to try. I replace mine every few years. I did go to a musket cap nipple and it does definatly have a better fire. If you like the #11 caps then try a new nipple first. I really prefer the musket caps but they are not the easiest to find. I bought several tins when Wally world had them marked down to $1 a tin. I have kept caps and #11's for years and they still work fine. Don't think that is your problem.