Getting started with Cannon...

R

ReloaderNS

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I've always been fascinated by black powder cannon and want to get a real one to shoot.

I've reviewed a lot of websites and have a general idea about prices and types of cannon available. Now I'm looking for advice from knowledgeable cannoneers on how to get started and possible suppliers in Canada and the U.S. who are good to deal with.

Also, if anyone has an old cannon or mortar laying around that they are willing to part I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks.
 
Surf these websites...

http://greystarcannontech.homestead.com/star.html

http://www.specialtymile.com/southbendreplicas/

I purchased a Grey Star barrel and built the carriage myself.

Cannonwithfuse.jpg


It was alot of fun and the finished product looks nice in my den.

Good luck and please post some pics if you get one.
 
Steppenwolf,

With the exchange from US to Canadian currency, shipping and customs charges the barrel came to approximately $350.

Grey Star was the cheapest I could find. He makes two kinds of barrels, one with a seamless sleeve and one with a seam. The seamless is significantly more expensive. I purchased a seamed barrel and chased the bore with a bi-metal hole saw to clean up the weld and make sure the it was concentric.

If I was to do it again, I would get a seamless sleeved barrel with a larger bore, maybe even a machined bore like the South Bend replicas.
 
Grey-Star Barrels

I was considering getting a Grey-Star barrel but I've read there are some concerns about their quality control.

Here's a link to some pictures showing a Grey-Star barrel where the liner "wondered" off-centre.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=60501&highlight=greystar

How straight is your bore?

I've also been reading up on Hern Ironworks barrels. A little more expensive but there quality control seems to be better.
 
ReloaderNS,

My barrel had no problems with the axis of the bore lining up with the bore of the body. I can't imagine that the barrel with the crooked bore would not get replaced. The cannon firing community is a small one and word would get around fast if he did not make his customers happy.

I did spend some time on the barrel with a grinder cleaning up the mold seams and the muzzle but it all finished up well and is a great performer for the cost.

My main concern was cost and Grey Star was the cheapest I could find.

If you find one with higher tolerances and lower cost please let me know. I have some friends looking to build one for themselves and they have no problem spending a little more.

Good luck...and please post some pictures if you get one.
 
Get hold of CGN alflipo he is a Qualicum Cannon Builder .He and some others in Parksville have regular cannon shoots(Precision Cannon is What they refer to it as)lots of smoke noise and bullsh**.Graham
 
There was a cannon club at one time in Trochu, Alberta. I am not sure if they are still around. I saw a magazine article on them, a long time ago. Most of them had homemade cannon and motars, usually made from oilfield piping and vessels.
 
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