What about this idea for projectiles?

[threepdr]

I found some cheap polystyrine Christmas ornaments, round of course, that are just under bore size of my three pounder.  The plastic looks like it is chrome plated.  Bore is 2.75 and the balls are about 2.70.   I bought these for $1 for packages of 6.

I'm thinking of filling these with concrete to make projectiles.  After an appropriate curing time will these stay together when fired, or will they come to peices right out of the muzzle?

[Double D]

Got to www.google.com an search the follow terms.

ornamental iron balls
forged iron balls
iron spheres
ornamental alumimum balls
forged alumimum balls
alumimum spheres

Here is just one I found:

http://metals.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.wroughtironconcepts.com

When the sight comes up click on balls below the search engine and then look at page two.

[threepdr]

Double D, I'm very familiar with Google and its capabilities.  I think I've run about all those suggestions.  Most have no hits at all.  Paulson Brothers is the only source of iron balls the size that I need...and they are quite expensive.  That is why I asked the question about concrete, which placed in varisous containers, seems to be a popular component of projectiles that I've read about on this board.

By the way, a Beanie-Weanie can fits my bore perfectly.  However when I fire those filled with concrete I can't hit anthing even at about 100 yards.  I assume they tumble too much during flight.

[Lee1966]

Double D thanks for that link.  :grin:

[Soot Sucker]

I have purchased from both of these...

 http://www.kingmetals.com/Pages/Page10A-III.html

and

http://www.argentsteel.com/catalog/balls.asp

King Metals has cast iron shot... but I have been using Argent Steel lately they ship faster and are cheaper.

Hope this info helps someone.

Regards

[mtnman37879]

Trailer hitch balls. They come in three sizes, 1 7/8, 2, and 2 5/16. They require some cutting and finishing but they can be found for a dollar or less at flea markets.

[GGaskill]

I, too, have problems with heavy charges breaking up concrete filled shot.  My next trial will use the fiberglass reinforced concrete which hopefully will hang together better.

[Cat Whisperer]

When I use the concrete filled 4" pvc pipe they are good for 2 or 3 firings.  It is the pvc that will crack and sometimes fly off.  Once the round came down right next (RIGHT NEXT) to a tree and bark got stuck between the pvc and the concrete - so it was no longer round.  But the greatest loss was not being able to find them because they were WAY out there in the field or under ground.

[Double D]

Tim,

Didn't you notice one of the tools the mortar men carried when they went down range was a shovel!   :-D