Breech loading firecracker cannon-Test barrel

[lance]

 This is just a test barrel and breech block that i made from some scrap. I'm thinking something like this would make a nice French 75 firecracker cannon. With the barrel clamped in a vise and taken outside for testing, everything worked great. The charge was 10grains of FFFG GOEX, and the projectiles were firecrackers. The only thing that holds the breech in place is the side bolt handle. It's simple and easy to make, but is it safe?

[lance]

 Close up Picture:

[lance]

 back of breech pic:

[Cat Whisperer]

I'm lookin' forward to seeing the trunnions put on, mounted on a carriage and then pix of smoke and flame.

(I hope this isn't too much of a diversion from test firing the 1" bullets ....    )

[GGaskill]

Presumably you could stick the handle all the way through which would give you twice as much retaining strength.  I would consider hardening the back part of the "receiver" to strengthen the retaining lugs.

[lance]

 Thanks Guys, this is just a test barrel, i was thinking what would be the most simple and easy breech loader to make?
 

[GGaskill]

The outside shell looks pretty thin.  How thick is it?

[Victor3]

 That's neat!

 I'd consider maybe making the outer breech a little larger in diameter and using a modified (threads removed where it engages the slot) 5/16 socket head cap screw for the 'bolt handle.' Quality cap screws are very strong.

 The above is JMO if I were to build something similar. It looks strong enough for firecrackers as is really; I don't imagine a 'catastrophic failure' with 10 grains and a firecracker could do too much damage

[lance]

GGaskill, both the outside and breech block walls are 1/8" thick.
Victor3, Thanks for the input,and tips.
This was just an ideal i had for a simple breech loader and i wanted to know what you guys thought.
I guess the thing to do would be to make one with a stronger design. Thanks Again.

[dominick]

I'm with George on this one.  I think a cross pin retainer would keep it a simple method and it would be a double shear retainer.

[RocklockI]

That's neat!

 I'd consider maybe making the outer breech a little larger in diameter and using a modified (threads removed where it engages the slot) 5/16 socket head cap screw for the 'bolt handle.' Quality cap screws are very strong.

 The above is JMO if I were to build something similar. It looks strong enough for firecrackers as is really; I don't imagine a 'catastrophic failure' with 10 grains and a firecracker could do too much damage

Are you kiddin Vic3 ? Jeebus Johnny ! 10 grains ? . Like Val Kilmer said as  DOC in Tombstone ...."cover your ears darlin !..."



sorry