Black Powder for Grandpa’s Cannon

[Russ-T]

This 4th of July, I will be celebrating by firing the canon my grandfather cast in 1982.

Any body have suggestions on the best powder for this thing? FFg? FFFg? Or anything else?

I’m an avid reloader, but have no experience with black powders.

Thanks!

Russ

 

[Justin87]

Well that puts my plans to shame

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

I can't tell how big it is from the pictures-- there's no size reference there.
What bore diameter is it?

 

[Russ-T]

It’s pretty small, but still weighs a ton. Bore diameter at muzzle is .615”.

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

I think cannons use 1FG (fine grain)
or 2F grade black powder.

Shotguns might use 2FG.).

3fG (Triple fine grain) is or small bore rifles and pistols
and

4fG is just a priming charge.

 

[Plinker66]

Call this feller and ask him what he used. 1:30 is the exciting part

 

[DanKATL]

This 4th of July, I will be celebrating by firing the canon my grandfather cast in 1982.

Any body have suggestions on the best powder for this thing? FFg? FFFg? Or anything else?

I’m an avid reloader, but have no experience with black powders.

Thanks!

Russ

Was it cast to fire, or cast for display?

Growing up I worked for a guy that had several small cannons he fired on the 4th. No recommendations on the charge, but he made premeasured loads a few days ahead of time. He had a short brass jig tube that was a slightly smaller diameter than the bore to make the paper loads with. Made for rapid, safe and consistent loads. For some he'd mix things with the powder for color or spark effects.

 

[Kahrnut]

I can't tell how big it is from the pictures-- there's no size reference there.

 

[K79540]

Throw some smokeless in there and quit fooling around

 

[BIKER13]

.615 try about 100 grains of 2F. 58 cal Rifles use that much and more. Old timers say put the ball in your hand and cover with Blackpowder.