GGaskill, I would like shoot shot on occasion, but mainly the plan is to use it as a salute cannon for flag ceremonies. There is where I could use some expert advice on a good powder charge. When we test fire it we used 550g of FFG Pyrodex pellets rolled in foil, unfortunately not much of a bang unless we loaded a projectile. At a flag ceremony that would be a BIG NO NO. As far as the vent hole, I inserted the smooth end of a 5/36 drill bit, it moved freely without too much resistance, then did the same with a 5/32 drill bit and it was so snug I was not going to force it.
Now, all that being said, I am by no starch of the imagination a machinist, so if you need to correct my methods please do so.
THANKS
Cannoneer, your right I did measure the circumference around the breech where the vent hole is and around the breech ring. Everything you mentioned is right n the money. I also believe some parts were add as they do not use historically correct looking nuts, but overall it looks good and is one heavy piece, it must weigh 110 pounds.
THANKS
Intoodeep, It is the same cannon you saw on the auction sites. I live in Texas and made the 3 hour trip to pick it up in Oklahoma. It was being sold on consignment and the gun store on Jack Barrett was a great guy to do business with. He was just as excited as me to shoot the thing off so we did……….3 times man that was fun.
THANKS
I really appreciate the replies and the info. It is a great looking cannon and being a history buff will have to do some cleaning and paint the carriage the correct Liquid Olive color. I sent Tom at Gun and Cannon Smoke an email in hopes of getting some implements made and have ordered a couple of books. I also said it is mounted on a Pack carriage, after looking at the distance between the wheels it may actually be a NO.2 Prairie Carriage.
Any advice on a good Salute Load would be great help as I am not big fan of experimenting with black powder. I have read the charge chart from the North-South Skirmish Association and understand that the charge for the Howitzer is based on the Powder Chamber dimensions. My calculations show a 650gr charge of FFG would be less than the maximum.
THANKS Again and Have a Blessed Day