Want info on firing cannon

speedoflight

Hi: I have now retired from the fire dept and I want to learn about cannons. I will need to build one first, but I thought I should find out what can and can't be done with cannons, so I can build one that is "cheap to keep". For instance I was told tomato sauce cans full of concrete make cheap plinkers, true or false. This could be one of those areas where what U don't know can bite U in the a-- if U know what I mean. Any knowledge shared is appreciated. Tom at l87kmps@hotmail.com

BlueTic

Hey Henry - that looks like my cannon[:D][:D]
Speedoflight - I love cannons and have made a few for golfballs and a 1" bore. The one pictured I made specifically for poolballs. I'm a certified welder, which does not mean a great deal, but you do have to make sure that your breach is welded overkill. I had the poolball cannon magnafluxed to make sure there were no cracks in the breach or the trunions even though I'm not using any extreme charges.
Rule of thumb on charges is 500 grains BLACK POWDER (ONLY) for each 1" of bore when you are shooting wadding only - 1/2 of that when using a cannon ball.
I have a max load of 1125 grains for mine using that rule and since the poolballs only weigh about an 1/8 of a cannonball that size (or just a little over what I'd use for wadding) I only use 1000 grains (1/4 cup) of cannon grade Black Powder.
If you plan on the can of concrete (which I haven't done - YET) it is cheap and also plaster-o-paris, but weigh your projectile and you have to find out what a ball of iron for that bore would weigh so you can compare for your charges..
Bluetic42@comcast.net

Henry already listed some good sights - google cannon loads..

11b6r

FWIW- check around your area for Civil War re-enactors. Several of the groups have an artillery unit that have done serious research in the care of feeding of cannon- and are usually pretty friendly folks (other than the bumper stickers that say "I'd rather be shooting Yankees") Depending on the bore, cans may be good ammo. There are procedures to follow for swabbing, loading, priming, etc that can help prevent premature firing- which can be pretty darned catastrophic. And remember- when cannon are outlawed, only outlaws will have cannon![:p]

perry shooter

Try try the NSSA north south skirmish association. they have cannon matches I think the re-enactors do not use a projectial

allen griggs

I got into one of those NSSA reenactments in Gray, Ga.
They had cannons firing blanks. I ran forward with the rest of the Yankees and our officer told us to hit the ground. I did, and the guy next to me yelled, "For God's sake, move over! Don't lay on those wires!"
I saw some wires like are used for priming caps running along the ground, and they were buried right next to me. Just then I saw the ground explode about 100 feet away. The crazy bas***** had buried dynamite sticks at various spots, and now and they they blew one to simulate a cannonball explosion.
I moved quickly, and after that was very careful about where I hit the dirt.
It didn't matter much, in a minute the Lieutenant ordered me to pretend to "go chicken,", and I had to run away from the combat as a deserter, so he could shoot me in the back with his Colt.

Bill DeShivs

For what it's worth, the cannon "experts" say you should never use a cannon with a welded breech plug. The barrel should be cast or turned from solid stock. Supposedly, after firing, the corrosive residue is forced into the weld pores, and can cause corrosion and weakening later on. I would suggest a screw-in breech.
I have a few smaller cannon, but don't get to shoot them anymore.
Bill

v35

While I haven't any hands on experience, I'd be wary of a barrel having an interior joint that could possibly house a glowing cinder. For that reason a bored, one piece barrel sounds better to me.
There was a video a while back of a Napoleon going off during ramming.
The rammer lost at least a hand.
Thorough swabbing has to be a priority.

kris

drop me an email...i serve on a confederate gun crew and have built and fired cannon and mortar's for years..one think i reccomend is getting certified as a trained gun crew member...re-enactments will not allow untrained or uncertifed gun's or crew on any field of battle..the training will give you the safety insight 1st!! then proceed with your dream of building a gun...welded breech..not a good idea...welds crack...never use cast iron unless steel lined with a sleeve...i xray and ultrasonic and penetrant insp every one i make before i fire it off...many premade tubes out there for sale as a build your own item...fun hobby as long as you take the proper steps 1st[:D]