is it legal to use #209 primers for elk and deer in washington state?
thanks!

DJY, im not positive but i think you can they just have to be open to the elements.

thanks kirkl. I didn't find anything about it in the game regs but wanted to make sure.
thanks again.

Heres what is says in the WAC code.

ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock, flintlock, or percussion using original style percussion caps that fit on the nipple and are exposed to the elements.

It has to be a #11 or Musket cap, and it has to be opened to the elements. That means no 209 primers and no Knight Disc rifles or others that shield off the nipple from the elements. I read it somewhere last season when I went muzzleloader for deer and elk. I thought it was in the regs under muzzleloader equipment, but I could be wrong. If all else fails, call Olympia and talk to somebody in the Enforcement office. I forget the guy's name that I always ask for, but they would be the ones to ask, NOT the license or general info number. They don't know their butts from a hole in the ground when it comes to game regs. And get the person's name when you call. Another good place to call for muzzleloader info is Muzzleloader Supply down on River Rd in Puyallup. That is their business, so he's definitely up on the rules.

Slee, i think your right, everyting i read says original style percussion caps which must be the #11 style.
DJY, id call the game dept up to verify.

Alot of the new muzzleloaders come with three different breach plugs, for 209, #11 and the last one. the CVA that I just bought has them.

Robb's right. Most in-lines nowadays comes with a choice of breech plugs. The main thing to pay attention to is how the nipple is protected from the elements. It has to be completely exposed. There are many that have a shield over the nipple when it is cocked.

if you have to use a original style cap Id use a musket cap they seem to be hotter then a #11 in my opinion they are more reliable especially when open to the elements.

Slee's right....no 209 during the muzzleloader season, now if you choose to use a ML during a modern rifle season with a modern tag, you CAN use the 209 but that's the only time. As far as the three breech plugs, I talked to my FFL and he said that in WA the Manufacturer has to send all three due to our law? That's what I've heard.Muskets work pretty good as far as igniton especially on the Pyrodex or 777 pellets. But I've found that they are pretty loose on the nipple and can fall off pretty easy. #11 stay on better but are a little less on the igniton and I've been told by ML dealers that they recomend the musket caps when it comes to the pellets.