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Posted: 5/13/2013 6:02:16 AM EDT
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Had a friend question me on the use of his cannon. Apparently he has a buddy who makes cannons (and made this one) and proofed/recommended using 3.5 grams of pyrodex (54 grains) or 80 grains of blackpowder.
He uses this as a noisemaker on his antique boat, and had been having his buddy make a small envelope of loose powder, and he sends it down the bore along with toilet paper wadding. He was looking for something more compact and easier to handle, so I suggested a 50cal pyrodex pellet followed by the toilet paper wadding. The charge is lit by a fuse. Do you guys see any issue with this? |
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A. Pyrodex is formulated to be an exact replacement, grain for grain for the Holy Black. I don't understand the difference in loads.
B. If this small of a load is too much trouble for him he should probabaly get one of the Winchester 10 gauge blank cannons. C. You did not state what caliber it is but I wouldn't use a Pyrodex pellet in anything largrt than the caliber it is designed for.(Well "I" wouldnt use a pyrodex pellet period ymmv) |
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A. Pyrodex is actually more corrosive than Holy Black.
B. Pyrodex is harder to ignite than Holy Black, especially in a flintlock. C. Pyrodex isn't Holy Black! D. Pyrodex isn't Holy Black! I just don't like Pyrodex because it's not black powder. It's like ethanol blend gas compared to real gas. I understand Pyrodex is easier to find, like ethanol blend. Once you figure out the difference you will seek out the real stuff...... 1 Pyrodex pellet in a 1" bore isnt going to make much bang. They are 50 grain in .50 caliber, tubular in construction as they are designed to be ignited from the inside in an inline type muzzleloader. They make a .54 caliber, 60 grain that is a bit bigger and may work for him. I would make a paper tube with the powder charge but not nitrated like a paper cartridge. Tear the end off, pour the powder charge in, wad up the paper for the wad and tamp it down. I woild also look at a cannon lock from Dixie Gunworks and use musket caps. http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_106_666&products_id=1642 |
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