Shooting the cannon

[Titus]

Ive gathered a lot of info on building a cannon since my previous post. Now the next question arises.

My plan is to build a scaled down model of a field cannon in .75 cal since I can get round steel projectiles of that size till it falls out my ears from a metallurgist friend of mine.

This is my question, when I shoot these out of the cannon, do I patch them? :hmm: My logic tells me that since you do not want steel on steel friction it wouldnt be a bad idea. please advise.

 

[andrellj]

Your bore is similar to a smoothbore musket. If you keep your charge under 110gr. then yes, patch as you would if you were shooting a musket. Larger bores (2" and up) should have a certain amount of space around the projectile called windage. Even my golf ball bore (1.75") I don't use patches. Less pressure build up. But the best advice I can give you is buy Matt Switlick's book "The More Complete Cannoneer" and South Bend Replica's catalogue "Antique/replica Ordnance". Simply the most informative literature I've ever found so far.

 

[robinghewitt]

The problem with iron in iron is what happens if it isn't perfectly round.

If a lead ball turns and jams in an iron bore, the lead distorts.

If an iron ball turns and jams in an iron bore, or tries to pass an incompressable obstruction, something else has to give.

Windage on the cannon should allow for the maximum out of round in the ball, plus a bit.

Shoot safe and have fun :thumbsup:

Squire Robin

 

[Titus]

better, stay with lead then... :hmm: :bow: Luckily I do have a .735 caliber mould which has been machined out a bit to .749 or something. works perfectly out of a .75 cal musket.

Cannonball, where can I get hold of the book your mentioned?

 

[shmrck1]

Titus,
Just a suggestion...You mite try running the titles thru Amazon at the bottom of this page.
Hope it helps. The first one is there...don't see
the second.
snake-eyes :hmm:

 

[Titus]

thanks snake eyes. searched the first one, and it is listed but out of stock and no indication whether it will come in again.

 

[Will Bison]

My concern with steel/iron/zinc shot is that it won't deform om impact and keeps going and going and going.

Soft lead will deform at the first impact and air friction will slow it down in short order.

Bill

 

[andrellj]

Go to member resources, muzzleloading links, cannon links, South bend replicas, its their catalogue. Costs like 11$ and its the best piece of literature Ive ever seen for so cheep.