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Custom handgonne barrel

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thesethawa

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I've had a handgonne barrel CNC machined from steel. I'm gonna proof it myself. Small issue, though... It has a sub-caliber powder chamber (from .70-.50 cal) with a fixed volume. How should I proof that? I was thinking of filling the powder chamber with some hot ass substitute and like two balls, and setting it off with a cannon fuse to proof-test.

Issue number two... Should I give it an antique finish, or make it look brand new with unstained wood and blued steel? I'm thinking a plum brown finish with an ebony or other dark colored tiller handle would be nice.

Picture is photo provided by machinist.


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Just proof it with black. No need to overdo it, Th.

Finish as pleases you. they were not precise in the octagonal, or anything else.
I don't think the word "precision" had been invented yet!
What about two balls? The proof should be more pressure than the service load. I want to be sure it's strong
 
What kind of steel did you use? I have a 12” long piece of 1-1/8” diameter 4140 round stock I’m wanting to take to a machinist to have it drilled and bored to make a Handgonne in 75 caliber
 
What kind of steel did you use? I have a 12” long piece of 1-1/8” diameter 4140 round stock I’m wanting to take to a machinist to have it drilled and bored to make a Handgonne in 75 caliber
no.45 steel. Something akin to 1045.

Considering the originals were made from non-homogeneous, hand-made wrought iron and made with a forge welded seam up the length of the barrel, any modern steel will likely suffice. Take a look at the one this one is modeled after.
 

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I pretty much told the machinist to use whatever was cheapest. Almost literally any modern steel is stronger than the original anyway, and it clearly survived its own use
 
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The only caveat is that it was designed for a substantially weaker powder. I also saw a claim that artillery pieces with that type of sub chamber wouldn’t have it completely filled with powder. The extra space allowed the serpentine powder to be lifted by the initial part being ignited, which would further allow better ignition through it. Not sure if it would be the same with small guns.

Either way, you are right and modern steel is wayyyyyy stronger than variable quality iron or slaggy steel.
 
Proof in the Uk was at times carried out with a double charge of powder and a ball, or a reduced powder charge and two balls. sometimes both ways.
It is all rather complicated, but as long as you do not go too rashly, and use a nitro, all should be well.
The powder chamber was designed so serpentine would not be rammed tightly, as it will not burn well if compacted.
 
Proof in the Uk was at times carried out with a double charge of powder and a ball, or a reduced powder charge and two balls. sometimes both ways.
It is all rather complicated, but as long as you do not go too rashly, and use a nitro, all should be well.
The powder chamber was designed so serpentine would not be rammed tightly, as it will not burn well if compacted.
must be why the serpentine powder i put in that inline muzzleloader never went off lol

I made some serpentine powder once and put it in a cva wolf i got for $40 and 209s wont set it off
 
I proofed my custom H&P using a double charge of black powder and 2 balls.

I would not worry about the powder overfilling the patent chamber for the proof test.

Naturally you will want to do this proof in a remote manner and not be holding or near it during the test.
 
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