Brand/Type Powder for Cannon

nutmik

nutmik

Regular
Rating - 100%
247   0   0
Location
East Kootenays
Hi folks,
Just getting into cannons ( cannoning ? ) and I'm wondering what's the best brand and type of black powder for my new golf ball cannon ?
I thought I'd just go to my local gun store and get some, turns out that due to shipping costs, the closest places to get black powder are 300 and 400 km's away.
Cabela's wanted an extra $127.50 to ship me 2 lbs. :eek: So it looks like a road trip is in my future.
After doing a bit of research, there seems to be some confussion ( on my part ) eg. real black powder vs pyrodex vs Goex vs all the other brands... some folks say this and that aren't "real" black powder, " 100 grains of this brand doesn't equal 100 grains of that brand " and so on.
Also what grade would be best to use ? I have some mini cannons and am using Pyrodex P ( fffg equivelant), seems to work fine. But I see many different grades and just want to use the one that's best for my purpose.
The cannon has a 16 1/2" barrel and I'm told 60 grains of black powder works well.
And the last question, since it's a golf ball cannon and it isn't going to be used for anything more than a fun, loud, cool toy...do I care what powder to use ? Should I just experiment with the cheapest stuff starting with a light load and moving up until desired results are reached ?
Thanks for your thoughts folks
 
goex 1f would be good for something with that sized bore

and yes pyrodex and 777 are not blackpowder but BP substitutes both are more powerful then real blackpowder and both are a little worse then blackpowder for rust and 777 is a smokeless really

id just order real BP idk where your at but there should be some in your area
 
Pyrodex would work. 2f for a light weight golf ball is fine. All black powder and the substitutes, triple7 included give about 50% energy, the rest is fouling and smoke. They all are measured by volume, not weight. Pyrodex is more dense than BP and gets more shots per pound. $127 shipping is nuts. Plus $32 I think they want for it. It is getting scarce everywhere because of the explosive nature of it. Most places will only sell minimum of 25 lbs so clubs go in on it with members. It's big in Europe though where old style muskets and hunting rifles are very popular. Don't forget that with 3f and triple7 the charge must be reduced by 15%, 25% if triple7 in 3f is used.
 
nutmik said:
since it's a golf ball cannon and it isn't going to be used for anything more than a fun, loud, cool toy...do I care what powder to use ? Should I just experiment with the cheapest stuff
Click to expand...

I think you have the answer right there......

And it's "cannoneering" you're getting into.....:D
 
You're not that far away from Caroline supplies near Rocky Mountain House in AB. they sell goex BP. If you can get a group buy together for 25 pounds, I think the price drops to something like 18 bucks a pound so it's worth it. they sell fuse too.
 
There should be a dealer in Revelstoke that could supply you. I would suggest ffg and probably no more than 75 grains-any more and it is burning well beyond the muzzle. The only name I have for the dealer is Leprechaun Larry from the Heffly rendezvous-perhaps another member can fill in more detail. Cheers
 
What's wrong with burning a iittle beyound the muzzle? Adds to the smoke and fireworks.... :D

I was going to say 2f or even just 1f. But a golf ball is light enough that it's going to exit pretty quickly. So 3fg is likely a better option..... unless you LIKE the idea of some flame and sparks to add to the show :D

Pyrodex P (for Pistol) is the equivalent to fffg. Loose Pyrodex RS is more around a ffg grind size. For what you're doing honest BP would be nice as you get the proper smoke and smell. But Pyrodex does OK for the smoke at least.

Any chance of pictures of your golf ball cannon? A golf ball caliber cannon is high on my To Do list once my machine shop is back up and running.
 
Here's some pic's, I didn't make this, it was purchased from a board member.
I'm in the process of making one, just waiting for the steel company to have a short enough piece of pipe to sell me ( I don't need 18' at $600.00)

007_zpsa4cb4ac6.jpg



010_zps27cbcb26.jpg
 
I've recently acquired a black powder rifle and noticed Goex makes a "Cannon" powder, for what its worth.

ht tp://www.goexpowder.com/goex-black-powder.html
 
120 grains of Pyrodex and a golf ball that I can never find ( or even see )
Crappy video from my phone, next time I'll take my Gopro and get some better, longer videos, also get some of the 1" bore cannon destroying things (took out a 2x6 like it wasnt even there) note: you need to turn up the volume, sound is crappy too, sorry.
[youtube]U6N78k1vSKQ[/youtube]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom