how much powder for 2.5# lead cannonball?

[CANNONMAN]

I finally am going to get it finished. It's my latest cannon. It is a 3" bore and I am casting 2.5lb balls. Does anybody got a starting idea? Cannon powder? 1,2,3,4f? If I figure out how to post pictures, I'll attach a few. Thanks, CANNONMAN

 

[rcmodel]

What are you casting them out of?

A 3" lead ball would weigh much closer to 5 3/4 pounds.

Anyway! here's a chart.

http://www.kennesawcannon.com/images1/Handbook.pdf

But you better get the projectile weight figured out first.

rc

 

[4v50 Gary]

Start with 6 ounces. You can probably go up to 1 lb (if the barrel is strong enough) but don't count on recovering your balls.

 

[Gambit88]

Well the service load for a 6 pounder is a pound and a quarter so Id guess a half to 3 quarters of a pound. This is based off an iron ball though

 

[Dudedog]

Had to check out the cannon pdf.

LOL at this
RULES:
All persons, pets, livestock or other living animals should be a minimum of 25 feet behind the cannon when firing, and wearing eye/ear protection.

I might buy a cannon but then it might be to hard to find hearing protectors for cows....

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Unless you are trying to reach out toward max distances you should opt for less than a service load. On a 60 yard range near me where they shoot the cannon from 2-pound gallopers to 6 pounders for accuracy, they often use only about 1/4 pound of 1 Fg, in the galloper, and actual cannon powder in anthing larger. No need to stress a barrel or waste money if you're only punching plywood at a relatively short distance.

LD

 

[CANNONMAN]

Thank all of you! Great chart RCModel! I wish I knew how to post a video or pics to show the results of all of your help. In the meanwhile... Thanks! Cannonman

 

[Gordon]

I used to shoot 8 .oz of 1fg in my 3" with lead fishing weight ball, and yes they said 5 pounds on them, they were undersize (2.85") requiring a flannel patching and under card wad tho. The steel liner cast barrel smoothbore was about a yard long and that was plenty boom for me! It would drive the wooden wheeled carriage back alot .

 

[CraigC]

...but then it might be to hard to find hearing protectors for cows....

Finding them might be easier than putting them on.

 

[Old No7]

"You can probably go up to 1 lb... but don't count on recovering your balls."

So that's ONE pound of BP for ONE shot

I think I'd plan on covering them for sure!

Old No7

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

I don't know but would love to see a video of it firing!!

 

[BowerR64]

I shoot a 3" ball out of mine and i only use 1/2 a teaspoon of calcium carbide and a 1/2 a cup of water.

 

[CANNONMAN]

Thanks all! Just gotta love this forum! Make you a deal CharlieDeltaJuliet, Teach me how to post a video and I'd love to show the cannon doing it's thing! Or, you are all welcome to come on down and visit. I get the BBQ going! CANNONMAN

 

[Pete D.]

book

Do yourself a favor and track down a copy of M.C. Switlik's "The Complete Cannoneer".
Amazon has the book.

Pete