Help Please.

[GHGBoy]

This was a freebee. By Loose Cannon Gun Works of Ft. Wayne Ind. Now defunct. Main bore: 1.685"dia x 4" deep. Powder chamber: 1"dia x 1.25"deep. Fuse hole; .132"dia. Major bbl ring dia 3.5". Main bbl dia 3". Wt; 12.8#. Material: turned steel. Minor surface rust with no pitting inside or out. Probably a golf ball mortar. No paperwork can be had at this time. Still looking.

I figure its safe to shoot (?) but I could use some advice on powder, charge, wads, etc..... I have several Winchester signal cannons so if this is a bust I'll simply trash it out. Comments please.

 

[CuNosecap]

First off, welcome to the forum. I know nothing about cannons so others here will chime in with good info. But I think that is a good something-or-other; please don't "trash it". Someone here will put it to good use.

 

[GHGBoy]

THNX Cu. Won't trash it unless research finds it's unsafe. That's why I'm hoping to find out something about the manufacturer. If they have a history of problems then - IMHO - removal from the public domain is the best policy.

Best guess for mow is 1oz Cannon to FFg blackpowder, probably use Goex, and a flour packed bore for a test bang flash.

 

[Captndan]

I'm concerned about the lack of secure attachment of the barrel to the base. And the size of the base seems a little skimpy. Conclusion; Tie it down put some powder in it and a projectile and light the fuse. Take all the normal safety requirements.

 

[Commodore Swab]

That much mass, unlikely to move. Start with a capful (old goex metal can), loose pour and drop the ball in. It may provide better ignition by inserting the fuse first. By not using any wadding if there is a problem it can be dumped out.

 

[GHGBoy]

Again THNX.

Captn - I like the idea of securing the trunions. A couple pipe straps should work for testing. I also agree the base is kind of light/flimsey. I have a small but well tooled wood shop plus an older Bridgeport knee mill so I'm pretty sure I can make a beefier one. Wouldn't mind an adjustable elevation stop.

Comm - Fuse in first is a good tip. Probably just use a light wax paper wad a couple of times before I pack in the flour or try launching a golf egg.

 

[Captndan]

Right track. Have fun!

 

[JeffG]

Nice mortar. Looks like a steel barrel vs cast iron. Butcher paper makes a good wad too.

 

[hawkeye2]

90 grains of 2 or 3 f is a good load for a golf ball mortar.

 

[waksupi]

It appears to have a powder chamber already to show you the proper load.

 

[Rich44]

I see nothing wrong with using this mortar. Looks real nice. The wood base looks good to me also, I would take some 3/16 steel strap and have it extend 2 inches beyond trunnions and attach to base. Since you say it is made of steel and has a small chamber it sounds good with 90 grs and should give a nice bang. By the way what is the overall length and maybe some other measurement. I might make one someday. Thanks

 

[Edm]

Fill the chamber with 2F, pack it with bread and try it out. Then you can move to balls.

 

[fubar22]

This was a freebee. By Loose Cannon Gun Works of Ft. Wayne Ind. Now defunct. Main bore: 1.685"dia x 4" deep. Powder chamber: 1"dia x 1.25"deep. Fuse hole; .132"dia. Major bbl ring dia 3.5". Main bbl dia 3". Wt; 12.8#. Material: turned steel. Minor surface rust with no pitting inside or out. Probably a golf ball mortar. No paperwork can be had at this time. Still looking.

I figure its safe to shoot (?) but I could use some advice on powder, charge, wads, etc..... I have several Winchester signal cannons so if this is a bust I'll simply trash it out. Comments please.

As it happens, the diameter of a regulation golf ball is 1.68". Yell 'FORE' before you fire.