Author Topic: bowling ball mortar  (Read 1354 times)

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Offline stretch69

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bowling ball mortar
« on: March 31, 2007, 02:24:26 AM »
Hello:
This is my first post on this forum. I am starting construction of a bowling ball mortar and wanted to know what method is best to use for ignition a fuse or percussion cap. I saw a percussion cap igniter on a mortar  (see link) but i am not sure how it was attached to the valve end. It does not appear to be welded on. Would screwing it in to the valve hole be strong enough? Any info would be appreciated.
thanks
http://www.issmc.com/mortars/images/2006/BBMC-Dan/target47.html

Offline Double D

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2007, 05:56:07 AM »
The mortar linked to this post is out of topic on this board.  I have asked Stretch69 to clarify which style mortar he is bulding.  Until I hear from him this topic is locked.

Offline radio2

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2007, 02:37:03 PM »
Anyone build one of these? dosen't seem like much steel

Offline Cannonball

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2007, 02:47:07 PM »
An RPG has a small explosion go off in the barrel sending the grenade a short distance before the rocket ignites and carries the grenade the rest of the way to its target. A bowling ball mortar works different. The main charge in the barrel explodes sending the projectile on its way, there is no other propulsion, there is a much greater amount of pressure in that barrel when firing round shot than RPGs. those barrel walls are way too thin, this is a disaster waiting to happen and those look like alot of innocent onlookers! Dear God I hope you know what your doing!

Offline stretch69

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2007, 02:04:30 PM »
Hello:
Sorry for causing so much controversy on my first post, but I saw similar mortars discussed on this board. ( the Florida bowling ball mortar comes to mind. ) I have seen several web sites where people are shooting this type of mortar, ( this does not make it safe) that is why I am asking questions. Safety first!
Thanks, Stretch69

Offline radio2

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2007, 04:34:08 PM »
I have seen those video's too, But I would never want one! It's only amatter of time till something happens.

Offline Double D

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2007, 06:13:32 PM »
Hello:
Sorry for causing so much controversy on my first post, but I saw similar mortars discussed on this board. ( the Florida bowling ball mortar comes to mind. ) I have seen several web sites where people are shooting this type of mortar, ( this does not make it safe) that is why I am asking questions. Safety first!
Thanks, Stretch69

The Florida bowling ball mortar is a replica of a pre 1898 blackpowder mortar..  The mortar you posted a picture of is a replica of  the 1914 Stokes mortar and may be subject to licensing by ATF as a desctructive device.  You need to contact ATF for that determination.  The Blackpowder  Mortar and Cannon Forum on Graybeards only deals with those guns that would be defined as antiques under  GCA and NFA.  Should you provide the Moderators of BPMC with copy of the letter from ATF stating that the Stoke replica is exempt , at that time we will post the letter on the board and allow discussion of your Stokes Mortar.

Also should you decide to build your mortar as a replica of a mortar built prior to 1899, let me know and I will move your post back to  BPMC.

Offline Bob_VT

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #7 on: April 04, 2007, 01:18:26 PM »
I do a bit of black powder work and my advice is to be careful.

You can NEVER tell when a homemade mortar will fail.......  1st shot 19th 54th just can not predict it.

The energy of black powder also is a physics thing.  Think of a 50 cal muzzle loader with powder.  Think of the square inches the powder occupies and the energy involved.  Now consider a bowlong ball and how many square inches that tube has.  The power can be tremendous.

Just be safe.
My other passion is Boating!! http://forums.iboats.com/index.php?referrerid=1642 Find me there with the same ID.

Offline Matt

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Re: bowling ball mortar
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2007, 04:03:09 PM »
Anyone build one of these? dosen't seem like much steel

Looks to me like an old oxygen tank or similar type tank... The steel should be strong but not sure about its current state as cutting it makes it easier to separate at the seem in the tank now that it is open at one end... I would love to see it go off but would want to be miles away from it just in case.  JM2CW

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