50cal cannon build?

[Andrew Kormos]

Hello, new to the group and new to building. I have always had an interest in building a cannon and finally have taken an action. After reading various sites and getting ideas I wanted to do a run down and get some other opinions. I’m basing my build off the .50cal cannon kits, but going a little overkill. I have a piece of CRS 1.75” thick. Drilling a .5” bore 7.5” deep. The overall length will be 9”. I’m keeping the walls .75” thick for safety. I’m planning on using muzzleloader round balls for projectiles. I will be drilling a 1/8”(3mm) hole for 3mm cannon fuse. The cradle/base and wheels will be done after the barrel is complete. And yes I have the room and backstop to shoot this. We have a 13 acre camp with woods and a shooting backstop. I’m a certified welder and the guys helping me are certified machinest.
My question is/are:
1. Will the walls be thick enough? I’m planning on 50grains of 1-2F powder.
2. Should I use a patch like a flintlock would take?
3. Should I use anything between the ball and powder?
Any other questions or concerns you may have please let me know. I want to make something cool for camp.

 

[fleener]

you should have no problem. Your wall thickness is quite plenty. 50 grains is not much powder. Patch round ball is perfect and put it right on the powder. I think you will find that you are more after the noise and not hitting anything with the round ball. stuff some moist paper towels on top of the powder and you will get a big BANG no ball required. Moist paper towells help keep the fire issues down.

Fleener