this is the info i recieved with my cannon and mortar;
INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY WARNINGS:
NEVER USE “SMOKELESS POWDER” IN A MORTAR DESIGNED FOR USE OF BLACK POWDER.
NEVER GET IN FRONT OF THE BARREL, NOR LET ANYONE PASS IN FRONT DURING LOADING AND FIRING PROCEDURES. THIS INCLUDES ANY BODY PARTS. IE; ARMS, LEGS, EYES OR FACE ETC.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, EAR PROTECTION AND LEATHER GLOVES.
INSPECT MORTAR BEFORE USE. MAKE SURE ALL FASTENERS ARE TIGHT. MAKE SURE MORTAR IS IN GOOD FIRING CONDITION, CHECK FOR CRACKS IN THE BARREL, CHECK MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF THE MORTAR BASE.
USE GOOD QUALITY BLACK POWDER AND GOOD QUALITY SAFETY FUSE ONLY.
NEVER POUR POWDER INTO THE BARREL DIRECTLY FROM POWDER CONTAINER. SECURE LID TIGHTLY AFTER EACH USE.
RETREAT 25 FEET OR MORE TO THE REAR OF THE MORTAR AFTER LIGHTING FUSE. KEEP CLEAR OF VENT BLAST
WHEN USING PROJECTILES MAKE SURE YOUR AREA IS CLEAR FOR AT LEAST SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS (rocks metal etc). Black powder cannons and mortars have the same range and velocity as many firearms and should be treated with the same precautionary measures.
WAIT AT LEAST THREE (3) MINUTES BETWEEN RELOADING
SWAB OUT THE BORE WITH WET SWAB BETWEEN FIRING
USE GOOD COMMON SENSE. IF SOMETHING SEEMS WRONG STOP, THINK IT THROUGH AND ACT TO CORRECT IT. TRY TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN. WHEN IN DOUBT CALL FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
LOADING AND FIRING PROCEDURES
Though these mortars may appear like a toy, as with any firearm treat with the utmost of respect. ALWAYS check field of range prior to loading and firing for any person(s), animals or other objects to prevent accidental injury or damage.
EQUIPMENT LIST: Main bore damp sponge and dry sponge
Powder chamber damp sponge and dry sponge
Pipe cleaners
Rammer
Small mirror
Paper funnel
Leather gloves
Safety glasses
Earplugs or earmuffs
Powder measure
Bucket of water
Fire extinguisher
Cleaning tools
1.INSPECT THE BARREL
Inspect the barrel to insure it is clean and empty. If recently fired
wait several minutes before firing again. It is best to “swab” the bore
with a damp sponge. Use a damp pipe cleaner to clean the fuse vent hole (A barrel cleaning “mop” for shotguns, make a good swab for the powder chamber. [The powder chamber is the small bore at the base of the main bore.] You want to be 100% sure no live embers are in the barrel before loading it again.
4. WET SPONGE THE BORE
Sponge with a wet (but not sopping) tight-fitting sponge with a head of terry cloth towel or cloth over a wooden cylinder affixed to a shaft at least one foot longer than the bore. The end of the sponge head should conform to the shape or the breech plug (hemispherical or flat).
Seat the sponge against the breech with hand pressure and give two full rotations of the shaft. Withdraw the sponge half-length, twist, then reseat against the breech and give another two full rotations.
Remove the sponge. if any powder container remnants or unburned powder
comes out with the sponge, repeat the process.
Sponge the powder chamber and the bottom of the bore with a damp sponge using the same method as paragraph. B.and C. supra.
Clean the vent with a damp pipe cleaner.
5. DRY SPONGE THE BORE
After wet sponge the same procedure is used with the dry sponge. The dry
sponge is cleaned and dried off periodically with an absorbent towel-type rag. (The purpose or the dry sponge is to remove excess moisture from the
bore; if water is left in the bore, it may cause incomplete burning of the next powder charge, leaving dangerously glowing residue.) Check to see the bore is clean. If not, repeat from step 1. Dry the vent with a dry pipe cleaner.
6. INSERT FUSE
Insert a 6” piece of fuse all the way into the vent hole (at least 3” of fuse should be exposed).
When using fuse, hot debris is apt to be blown out of the vent on discharge. Crew members should be aware and stand clear of vent blast and spectators kept at a safe distance, and all ammunition containers closed whenever any gun is firing.
Caution: Fuse is often the source of misfires and ignition delay, which may provide opportunity for children, pets, photographers, or others to advance beyond the safety zone. Make sure the safety zone is kept clear at all times during loading and firing procedures.
7. MEASURE POWDER
Measure the correct amount of black powder to use, based on the bore diameter of your mortar (See enclosed chart). You can always use less powder. NEVER USE MORE THAN THE MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED LOAD. Use only Cannon grade FG or FFG grade black powder. Do not exceed the powder chamber with the powder charge.
If firing a projectile, start with an extremely light powder charge [approximately 50 grains or less] to determine the range.
SECURE LID ON POWDER CAN AFTER EACH USE. NO SMOKING !!!!
8. POUR IN POWDER.
Take a piece of 8 ½” x 11” paper and fold into a “v” to use as a pouring chute. Measure powder and pour onto paper. Tilt the barrel into the vertical position and pour the powder into the barrel from the paper. Move the barrel back and forth to shake the powder into the powder chamber. Use a small mirror, angled over the barrel to observe that the powder is in the chamber. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE BORE.
If you desire to fire the mortar for noise only [no projectile] a piece of wadded dry paper can be used. Make a ball and push it back against the powder charge with a wood dowel rammer. DO NOT use wet paper or any other type wadding.
9. LOAD PROJECTILE.
Carefully lower the projectile into the bore as far as possible and then drop it in. The projectile wants to be a loose slide fit so that in the event of a misfire, it can easily slide out by tilting the barrel forward. You can use duct tape to wrap metal cans with two bands [top and bottom] to adjust the air gap.
Never “double load” a barrel. Use only 1 powder charge, 1 piece of wadding or projectile
12. FIRE THE GUN
Check around the mortar area making certain it is clear. ANNOUNCE
that the mortar is to be fired.
Light the fuse and retreat. A 6” fuse give you about 10 seconds to get
away.
WAIT THREE MINUTES BEFORE REPEATING FIRING PROCEDURES
When finished with mortar, clean inside bore with black powder bore cleaner or hot soapy water and swab to scrub out the residue with a brush. Clean the powder chamber using the same method. A bottle brush works well for the powder chamber and a toilet brush for the main bore for cleaning. Dry thoroughly, and then lubricate with oil or gun lube.
MISFIRES
If the primer ignites, but the gun fails to fire:
A. Command: Do not advance, the primer has failed." Start stopwatch. Wait 3 minutes.
B. When 3 minutes has elapsed, position yourself so you will be out of vent blast should the gun discharge unexpectedly. Do not get in front of the muzzle at any time.
C. Wearing gloves, use a gimlet to clear the vent. Grasp by shaft only. Keep head away from vent. When vent is clear, refuse and fire.
D. If three attempts fail to fire the gun, flood bore and vent with water, tilt barrel forward and dump out contents. Restart loading procedure.
WARNIN
Loading and firing an antique or replica muzzle loading mortar is a highly dangerous activity, and can likely result in death, dismemberment or a serious injury if caution isn’t observed. Structural integrity of the barrel, powder charge preparation, premature discharge as a result of burning embers remaining in the barrel from previous mortar fire, reliance on others to follow proper procedures and other unforeseen and unanticipated conditions may contribute to accidents, serious injury and or death. The authors and publishers of these Procedures, Rules and Guidelines specifically recommend you do not engage in this activity unless you are thoroughly trained by competent instructors, and fully aware of the potential for injury or death.
DO NOT RELY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE DANGERS OF ENGAGING IN THE LOADING OR FIRING OF ARTILLERY. USE COMMON SENSE
POWDER CHART
TYPE MORTAR BORE SIZE MAXIMUN GRAINS VOLUME MEASUREMENT
MORTAR GOLFBALL 1.75” 140 GRAINS 1 ¾ TEASPOONS FFG OR FG
MORTAR SODA CAN 2.75” 250 GRAINS 1 ¼ TABLESPOONS FG OR CANNON
DO NOT FILL POWDER BEYOND POWDER CHAMBER IN MORTAR. USE LIGHT LOADS.
