Author Topic: Mountain Howitzer  (Read 1226 times)

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Offline NitroSteel

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Mountain Howitzer
« on: December 12, 2009, 01:27:35 PM »
I'm in the process of aquiring a mountain howitser from Armorer77 (supposed to arrive on Wednesday) that is roughly 1/2 scale with a 2.25" bore.  I've been told that billiard balls are a great projectile, but I was wondering if there was anything else that was commonly found that could be used.  I'm thinking that billiard balls will get expensive over time.

I've found on the Barlow's tackle site that a 2 Lb cannonball sinker mold would produce projectiles 2.1 inches in diameter, but didn't know if this would be too loose.  What do ya'll think?

Also, since this is approximately half scale (as is my Parrot Field Rifle).  I was wonder if the same carriage (with a differently placed elevation screw) would be an acceptable (proper) carriage.  I'd like to build a more authentic carriage (with dished wheels and all of the proper hardware) for the field rifle and just use the existing carriage for the Howitser - but I'm up for suggestions - - that's why I'm asking.

Thank you again for your help.

NitroSteel

Offline RocklockI

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2009, 02:11:43 PM »
Do you happen to shoot pool ? Or know an owner of a pool hall ?

This should become part of some sticky DD .
Pool balls get chips and worn out .

Ask the owner if he will give you the old balls .

The 8's dont work too good or the cue ball ,as they are slighty oversize so they can return it he ball return .
in the quarter tables .
 
I have a south bend mortar 18 balls will proly last a darn long time as I can recover them .

You will need a burm to recover your balls .

Gary
"I've seen too much not to stay in touch , With a world full of love and luck, I got a big suspicion 'bout ammunition I never forget to duck" J.B.

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2009, 04:12:38 PM »
The mountain howitzer had three different carriages.  The pack carriage is completely different from the No. 1 which has separate cheeks and a longer trail.  It may work (although I don't think the trunnions would fit right) but it would look odd to the initiated.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline Double D

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2009, 04:37:10 PM »
Sticky for what?

We have Barlow sinkers mould dimensions in Tim's reference section.

 We don't have any links in the Link list to any fishing sinker moulds and I am not sure why...did we have a discussion about fishing sinkers balls poor roundness.  I know at about 1 inch and above  caution is advised when using any lead projectile because of it's high mass.  Loads have to be reduced substantially and performance falls off.   The sinker balls need to be properly gauged before use to assure they will pass down the bore.  The greater mass also calls for extreme care to prevent damage during handling.   Ask me how I know!

I'll get the dimensions of a pool ball added to the referfence section.  

Offline Double D

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2009, 04:47:56 PM »

I'll get the dimensions of a pool ball added to the referfence section.  

Done!

Offline Ex 49'er

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2009, 06:58:11 PM »
Just my 3 cents worth. If you're going to shoot a 2"+ lead ball over time it will bang the heck out of your carriage. Not to mention the extra powder you would use. Better to find a steel mold and cast zinc balls instead. Ask Armorer77 about getting a mold.
When you're walking on eggs; don't hop!!

Offline Victor3

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2009, 10:34:53 PM »
 NS,

 I remember seeing pics of your carriage build. I wouldn't recommend shooting a 2# lead ball out of a barrel mounted on it.

 Some of the small energy and coffee drink cans are ~2.25" dia.
"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly, one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."

Sherlock Holmes

Offline NitroSteel

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2009, 01:26:52 AM »
12 ounce RedBull cans are an exact fit, but I don't drink the stuff...  Also, I've found an ebay source for 48 billiard balls (3 complete new sets) shipped for $55.00.  Roughly just over $1.00 each and reusable.  Not really bad considering tomato paste cans are $.59 and are not reusable.

Offline Soot

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Re: Mountain Howitzer
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2009, 02:34:01 AM »
How about here: Fox Industries attn: Ken