Author Topic: 24 lb. Coehorn mortar projectiles... (Read 1569 times)

Jeff B. · « **on:** June 18, 2003, 02:49:31 AM »

I'm looking at buying a 24 lb. Coehorn mortar that has a bore diameter of 5.82". What commonly available items could be used as projectiles that have close to this diameter? I was thinking of paint cans or maybe even ABS or PVC tubing with the proper schedule. I was planning on using cement as opposed to lead, naturally.

Any ideas? I'm not about to plunk down mega bucks for one of these monsters if I can't feed it properly.

Thanks.

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2003, 06:38:33 AM »

Paulsen Bros has ammo for you. http://www.pbocorp.biz/ammosub1.htm

The link is listed above and in our Blackpowder mortar and cannon shooting resource list at the top of the forum.

Jeff B. · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2003, 06:57:40 AM »

Thanks for the link DD. I appreciate it. However, since I live in Atlantic Canada, ordering heavy projectiles from the US isn't very practical or economical.

I guess I'll have to do some homework on this first before I buy something that is next to being useless.

Double D · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2003, 07:32:24 AM »

Where in Canada do you live?

Jeff B. · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2003, 07:33:45 AM »

Nova Scotia.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2003, 07:53:08 AM »

Jeff -
This was a MAJOR consideration when I built my 4.55". I use 4" pvc pipe (which is 4.50" diameter) filled with concrete in lengths of 4.5 lb or 7.5 lb.

BUT, you may want to measure the couplings for the 4" pvc pipe - I think they'll work, even if they be a little short-ish.

Short of that you could easily make a cylindrical mould for concrete.

I've come to the conclusion that for metal projo's I'll make a tool to fit the lathe where I can cut the sphere myself - using cold rolled steel.

I tried to have some cast of zinc - which weighs about the same as iron, but it's tough to get them accurate enough.

Tim K