Pyrodex Pellets

[acoop101]

I am planing on building a 50 caliber cannon, I was wondering if anyone has tried using pyrodex pellets in cannons, They come in 30 grain and 50 grain charges. How would these work for blanks or would they be better for shooting projectiles. I know pyrodex isn't as good as black powder but it is all I can get without ordering it on-line. Currently I am using the pellets to build 50 caliber rockets. Any opinions would be apriciated.
Thanks in advice
Acoop101

[GGaskill]

I imagine they would just fizz if used for blanks.  Even crushed, I think you will be disappointed.  Try to get some real BP.  3F would be OK for a .50 cal.

[Cat Whisperer]

For a .50 caliber cannon you might be successful - if you mirror the features of a .50 rifle with which you are successfully using Pyrodex.

Pyrodex takes a bunch to get it to burn correctly - lots of resistance to push against.  That's why it really fails with golf balls.

We generally try to eliminate too much resistance to keep pressure low (and safer).  With a small bore (.50 cal) you will build up a bit of pressure as the products of combustion pile up waiting their turn to get out the end of the barrel.  With big bores, 1" and up, you NEED windage (clearance all the way around the projectile) to limit pressure and keep the barrel in one piece.

For example, you will find that blanks sound right-much loud EVEN IF there's only powder with no packing nor projo.  It's tougher to do with larger bores.