Found this site from a Gray-Star link--glad I clicked it up. Been searching (until now with little success) for a forum about BP cannons and mortars. Have looked over the most recent several pages of posts and have already picked up loads of info and enjoyed some pics of really neat cannons.
I have recently finished construction of two small bronze cannons--one from 1 1/4" the other 1 1/2" stock. The former is 10" and the latter is 13" long. Both are bored 1/2". They both have somewhat generic field mounts. Upon learning how, pictures will be posted.
My lathe is small (7 x 20) so the 13" is tops for barrel length, and with that length I have to get it bored at a machine ship. I am also into high power rocketry and the lathe was bought for that several years ago, had I known I would get into cannon construction--I would have opted for a good bit bigger lathe. So for bigger cannons I must buy the barrels.
My first barrel purchase was made last week--a 1/3 scale 6-pounder from Gray-Star. Wish I had found this forum prior to purchase I would have gone for the seamless insert!! However, the info from them about the difference (besides cost) was pretty much along the lines of the previous post here covering seamed vs seamless. Having less than endless discretionary income (and several rather expensive avocations), and not having yet discovered this forum, I settled for the more affordable choice. Oh Well--live and learn--I'll just have to settle for smaller charges and careful cleaning!!
