canon ball source and info

[buzz]

pretty new to cannons but not black powder smooth bore and rifled guns
my cannon has a bore of 1" or roughly 1/4 size so i like ask the following
any source for balls
do you patch like in a rifle/fowler
lube the bore while you load
suggested load size for live and salute
any comments or pointers to be safe
thanks in advance

 

[TheDoubleD]

You need to make a precise measurement of your bore and allow for windage. Windage rule of thumb is 1/40 of bore. So for bore that measures 1 inch windage is .025. For a bore that measures 1.00 you need a ball of .975.

Going the other way if you have balls that are 1.00 inch then the bore would need to be 1.025.

Do not patch cannon bores. The larger bore diameters have a greater surface area between patch and barrel it is more difficult to properly seat the ball. Also when you fire because of the greater friction, pressure will be increased.

If you can find a copy of Matthew Switlik's The More Complete Cannoner, there is a load chart in the back of the book for cannons from .50 cal to 2 inch. 1 inch bore maximum load is 190 grains of Fg on Switlik's chart.

His book also covers safe firing of cannons.

 

[Eterry]

Buzz, at one time Dixie Gun Works sold HUGE sinker molds which were/could be modified for cannon balls. I'm not sure if they still have them but a check of their website should answer that question.
Hope that helps,
Eterry

 

[flintlock75]

Look at Walmart in the fishing department, they may have "Cannon Ball" Sinkers, just twist of the brass loop and instant cannon balls.look at the 6oz size it might fit your bore size. Also fishing supply stores/catalogs will have moulds available.

 

[Many Klatch]

Jeff Tanner in England sells custom molds for cannons. http://www.jt-bullet-moulds.co.uk/

They usually ship within the week. Good people to work with.

Many Klatch

 

[mazo kid]

I second Many Klatch's recommendation for Jeff Tanner: I have 5 of his molds. Good quality and brass, no sprue cutter. Also try Cannon Mike: http://www.users.qwest.net/~cannonmike/

 

[cowpoke1955]

Check eBay. They have a lot of cannon ball molds for down riggers. They also have lead listed. Just a thought :v