Lyle or lyle type cannons.

[Frank46]

Back when I worked for a living my company sent me to Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy to attend some classes. In one of the classrooms there was an origional Lyle lifesaving cannon. I realize that the gizmo that held the line was all that was ever fired from these cannons. I often wonder if these cannons could be safely fired with heavier charges and a zinc ball. Anyone have any info on doing just that?. Frank
P.S. they also had a nice 5" deck gun there and close up it was really huge. Sure would not fit into the trunk of my car so as far as I know its still there.

[intoodeep]

Frank46,

 That "gizmo" that held the line was actually 17lbs. So, a Lyle would have no problem firing a zinc ball that weighs 3-4lbs. Most people use Coors light beer cans filled with concrete as projectiles. These are a bit cheaper then the zinc balls. 

[rmagill]

Coors cans filled with mortar is my regular projectile with mine. For more distance I use a 3lb lead ball. Intoodeep are those Lyle bolts in the pictures yours ?
Bob

[intoodeep]

rmagill,

 No, those are not mine. I could not find the photos of mine so, I used some archived photos I have. I do have three of them laying around here somewhere. Unfortunately, they are not the Bronze C style.... 

[Frank46]

Thank you all for the info regarding the shooting round balls from the lyle cannon. Had no idea that these cannons could fire round balls. Never saw the projectle that these were intended to actually fire. Thanks again, Frank