Cheap handgonnes, and smiths

[aapch1]

I think that would be an AWESOME investment! I decided to go with hexed steel for my barrel, so the filing will look more....authentic. my main concern is my first shot though.... for the sole reason, if the charge is too small, it'll never fire. but if it's too big, i dont have an arm. I think just filling the powder chamber would be significant for a blank shot.

 

[oldarmy]

20 to 30 grains of 3fff should be plenty to give you allot of smoke and flame.
Never shot one, so I don't really know what a decent load in one is :hmm:
Maybe someone with experience with one can give some advise.

 

[sc45-70]

Hi apatch45
I have a hand gonne like the one pictured in teleoceras post. I built it years ago with a left over piece of 54 cal. smooth bore barrel, 1 inch o.d. round. I use 30 grains of 3 f and a patched .530 round ball. There are a few things I would like to mention. Before you hand fire a barrel it must be proof tested! Use a powder charge equal to the weight of a bore size round ball.(example=if the ball weighs 150 grains use 150 grains of black powder)followed by 2 tightly patched round balls firmly seated on the powder.
Before loading strap the barrel (with the vent in a horazontal position) to a wood plank with steel straps (the straps plumbers use to hold up duct work).Screw a small board behind the breech to keep the barrel from fling off the plank. Then screw the plank to a pallet.
Once your barrel is firmly in place and loaded, tape a long piece of cannon fuse to the plank ending under the vent (use several feet of fuse).Put a small pile of black powder on the end of the fuse by the vent. If it's windy you may have to make a small cardboard box around the vent too keep the powder from blowing away.
MAKE SURE THERE IS NO CHANCE OF IGNITING THE POWDER WHILE LIGHTING THE FUSE! BE CAREFUL!
Get a safe distance away behind something safe!
After the barrel has fired inspect it inside and out for any sign of stress.
You said you want to use a 1/4 inch vent.
1/4 inch is way too big. The vent should be drilled with a #51 drill bit.
Good luck!
sc45-70