Thank you to all who responded to my last thread on Black Powder. Yes I did recently post a question on fuse placement. Mostly because I could not find a supply of rational answers in the arenas I had been searching within. This includes the resources some of you had suggested. I have been reloading for pistol and rifle for over 20 years. I read several sources for matching data, start low and work up. Loads are checked for much more than just speed and accuracy. Case deformation, deposits, percussion levels and barrel wear for example. Now with an interest in cannons, I have applied a similar approach to learning the art of "reloading" a cannon. The smaller cannons have been a great method of beta testing a lot of ballistics in relation to information gleaned from creditable source material. Agine, much of which came for many of you. However the Civil War reproduction model I made is well, kinda scary. However, in testing this weekend, the application of safe methodology really paid off! Loads were worked up with first "corks" and than re-worked with patched lead balls. 3# that I cast from my mold. It was amazing and could not have been more fun. I built every part of each of these cannons. I have never had an accident in the field or on my bench in some 20 years. Being able to shoot my own powder would be a thrill. I cannot tell you all how much I appreciate your interests and advice. I am probably the safest thrill seaker you would ever meet. thanks! CANNONMAN