Safe Loads & Construction-NEW CANNON BUILDERS--DESIGN STANDARDS
Cannon Construction Recommendations
Below you will find the construction recommendations of the GBO Black Powder Mortar and Cannon forum. These are not universally accepted by all forum members; they were not established by a democratic process and voted upon by forum members. They are in fact the standards of two nationally recognized organizations. There are some parts of them that are confusing and contradictory, but they are what they are. There is no point in debating them.
People come to this forum looking for construction help or validation of previously constructed cannon. Our recommendations are our recommendations. We cannot engineer a different recommendation to fit materials and designs that are presented because we have no control over the materials or methods used by builders. We feel that our recommendations, while extremely conservative, have stood the test of time and we cannot in good conscience give advice beyond this.
The one exception to this is building scale models of professionally designed cannon, usually cannon designed in the 18th and 19th centuries using bronze or cast iron. If you build these designs in steel, you are OK as the material is much stronger than the original material. However, keep in mind that cannon of these designs were not used indefinitely; bronze guns were recycled after approximately 500 rounds and cast iron ones failed on average by 1500 rounds.
If you have the education and experience to engineer a design that is different, by all means do so. If you publish it, be sure to emphasize the requirements of following the design accurately in all particulars so as to not give a false impression that, for example, any old piece of scrap steel is appropriate for use. Also, if there are any limitations in use, such as retirement after firing 5000 rounds to prevent fatigue failure, be sure to state them.
One specific warning right now; DO NOT USE WATER PIPE for cannon barrels. A casual internet search on water pipe will reveal that only the smallest diameters are rated over 1000 psi (and not much over 1000 psi) and the larger sizes are rated less than 1000 psi. This is way too low. A cannon made from water pipe is a pipe bomb waiting to happen.
In the end, you will have to bear the responsibility for any cannon you build because you are the one who made the decisions. If you decide to build to some other standard, that is your choice; this also applies to the amount of powder you use in your gun. Keep in mind there are usually other people around when a cannon is fired; you are responsible for their safety as well as yours. And another point; cannon usually survive their makers, so don't make a substandard gun with the belief that you will only use "safe" charges. The next owner may not know that is a limitation of the gun.
GG
Warning and disclaimer Shooting cannons is not like shooting a big over sized muzzleloader. There is a completely different set of internal ballistics involved. Read up on cannon shooting before you acquire a cannon. Suggested reading is THE MORE COMPLETE CANNONEER By M.C. Switlik with selected excerpts from other artillery manuals
The book can be ordered from these two suppliers.
The Complete Cannoneer from Matt Switlik
and
South Bend Replica
Guidelines for Cannon Construction.
The North-South Skirmish Association and the American Artillery Association publish a set of minimum standards for construction of full size cannons and mortars for use in their competitions. It suggested in the interest of safety that these standards also be used as a minimum standard for construction of model cannons. Knowledgeable builders will recognize that there are safety margins built into these standards and some original guns may not meet these standards. These standards appear to have been written to extend the safety margins of the original designs. Excerpts from their standards follow. Please refer to the N-SSA and AAA websites for complete and current rules. NOTE: Any question about the definition or meaning of any of the standards listed below should directed to the N-SSA or AAA as appropriate. The standards are their standards and they should define them.
North-South Skirmish Association National Rules.
10.2 ELIGIBILITY
Actual or exact scale replicas of Civil War artillery pieces may be fired. The term “Civil War” applies to any artillery piece whose model antedates April 26, 1865. replicas of artillery pieces must duplicate original pieces. All reproduction barrels must be made of iron, steel or bronze. All reproduction barrels and those original failing inspection must be lined with a bore liner of extruded seamless steel tubing of a minimum ANSI standard and of a minimum 3/8-inch wall thickness.
Figure 10.1
The liner must be closed at the breech end with a steel plug, sweat-fitted into the liner and welded. The breech plug must have a radius of at least 25 percent of the bore radius and be at least 1 inch thick at its thinnest point. (See figure 10.1).
(N-SSA has advised us the term sweated means shrink fit.)
All reproduction barrels manufactured after March 1, 1986 must have pictures of the liner and breech plug before and after welding. No reproduction barrel shall be approved after March 1, 1986, that does not have one caliber’s thickness of metal surrounding the bore at the breech unless approved by Artillery Ordnance Officer. (See figure 10.2 for example.) Liner may be affixed by casting barrel around the liner or by other approved methods such as bonding with high strength adhesives. The method of locking the liner in the barrel shall be approved by the Artillery Ordnance Officer. The gun and its crew must pass the inspection specified in Section 18. A gun crew shall consist of a minimum of four members of the organization. Effective 1 February 1996, all artillery pieces must be originals or full-size, exact replicas to be approved.
National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery, as adapted by the American Artillery Association March 2000
These rules adapted by the American Artillery Association, March, 2000, from rules which were compiled by The Artilleryman magazine and reflect a consensus of safety procedures developed from historical records and practical experience of many present shooting organizations. They were written and edited by Matthew C. Switlik, author of The Complete Cannoneer; George McDonald III, Clark's Battery, N-SSA; Bernard Kurdt, 120th NYVI, N-SSA, Union and Confederate Volunteers, and American Artillery Association; and C.Peter Jorgenson, Artilleryman editor and publisher. These rules have been tested in our competitions, with our safety officers and procedures in place, and are not intended to be recommended in any other circumstance. The original version of the rules is available on the Civil War News website: http://www.civilwarnews.com/artillerysafety.htm.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The following safe shooting procedure presumes the crew is firing blank charges or projectiles with a muzzleloading artillery piece made (or altered) to modem safety standards. (If firing blanks skip Step VII and see Safety Rule 10.) The bore should be lined with seamless steel tubing with a minimum 3/8-inch wall thickness and a yield strength of 85,000 p.s.i. or greater. The breechplug should be threaded and pinned; welded and pinned breechplugs can be equally strong but require expert installation by competent manufacturers. Sand-cored bores are not recommended for shooting. The vent should be drilled in a threaded copper bolt similar to original cannon vent liners of the 1840-1865 period in order to provide an unbroken passage through the casting and the liner, into the bore.
Safe Loads
For guns smaller than 2 inches us this chart
THE MORE COMPLETE CANNONEER compiled Agreeably to the Regulations of the War Department as published in "Artillery Drill" by George Patten, 1861 and Containing Other Observations on Antique Cannon By M.C. Switlik with selected excerpts from other artillery manuals Appendix I has a load chart which is posted here by permission of the author.
![Slope Rectangle Plot Font Parallel]()
To see a large view of this chart click on this link: http://www.gunneyg.info/images/SwitlikLoadsTwo.jpg
This load chart is maximum load of a unpatched ball attached to a sabot.
For guns with bores larger than 2 inches use the following guidelines
National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery, as adapted by the American Artillery Association March 2000
1. Powder charges should not exceed 2 oz. of Fg or 3 oz. FFA or Cannon Grade Goex powder per inch of bore diameter. No excessive charges. Use black powder only.
2. Prepare powder charges in advance using heavy duty aluminum foil. Baggies may be used inside the foil, taking care not to allow excess air in the baggies and removing excess plastic where unnecessary.
North-South Skirmish Association National Rules.
10.8.1 CHARGES
Maximum powder charges for all cannon shall be limited to that amount permitted by the chart as published below in Table 10.1. Only commercially manufactured black powder of American standard Fg granulation (150,000 granules per pound/ or 220 granules per 10 gr. wt. (avdp.) sample), or a coarser granulation, may be used. Charges must be wrapped in a powder “bag” fabricated of at least one complete layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
For specific load for you bore refer to North-South Skirmish Association National Rules. Page 72 of 213 in the PDF file.
Addendum For mortars and howitzers the diameter of the powder chamber is the considered the bore diameter.
Both Associations recommend for safety reasons that larger caliber cannons not be loaded with loose powder, instead use foil wrapped cartridges. Some locales have safety regulations requiring the use of foil wrap cartridges. Mortars generally are still loaded with loose powder, but check your local regulations to be sure.
Click on this link to be taken to the post on loading cannon cartridges:
Loading Cannon Cartridges
For instructions on making blank cartridges click on this link. How to Make a blank load
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Below you will find the construction recommendations of the GBO Black Powder Mortar and Cannon forum. These are not universally accepted by all forum members; they were not established by a democratic process and voted upon by forum members. They are in fact the standards of two nationally recognized organizations. There are some parts of them that are confusing and contradictory, but they are what they are. There is no point in debating them.
People come to this forum looking for construction help or validation of previously constructed cannon. Our recommendations are our recommendations. We cannot engineer a different recommendation to fit materials and designs that are presented because we have no control over the materials or methods used by builders. We feel that our recommendations, while extremely conservative, have stood the test of time and we cannot in good conscience give advice beyond this.
The one exception to this is building scale models of professionally designed cannon, usually cannon designed in the 18th and 19th centuries using bronze or cast iron. If you build these designs in steel, you are OK as the material is much stronger than the original material. However, keep in mind that cannon of these designs were not used indefinitely; bronze guns were recycled after approximately 500 rounds and cast iron ones failed on average by 1500 rounds.
If you have the education and experience to engineer a design that is different, by all means do so. If you publish it, be sure to emphasize the requirements of following the design accurately in all particulars so as to not give a false impression that, for example, any old piece of scrap steel is appropriate for use. Also, if there are any limitations in use, such as retirement after firing 5000 rounds to prevent fatigue failure, be sure to state them.
One specific warning right now; DO NOT USE WATER PIPE for cannon barrels. A casual internet search on water pipe will reveal that only the smallest diameters are rated over 1000 psi (and not much over 1000 psi) and the larger sizes are rated less than 1000 psi. This is way too low. A cannon made from water pipe is a pipe bomb waiting to happen.
In the end, you will have to bear the responsibility for any cannon you build because you are the one who made the decisions. If you decide to build to some other standard, that is your choice; this also applies to the amount of powder you use in your gun. Keep in mind there are usually other people around when a cannon is fired; you are responsible for their safety as well as yours. And another point; cannon usually survive their makers, so don't make a substandard gun with the belief that you will only use "safe" charges. The next owner may not know that is a limitation of the gun.
GG
Warning and disclaimer Shooting cannons is not like shooting a big over sized muzzleloader. There is a completely different set of internal ballistics involved. Read up on cannon shooting before you acquire a cannon. Suggested reading is THE MORE COMPLETE CANNONEER By M.C. Switlik with selected excerpts from other artillery manuals
The book can be ordered from these two suppliers.
The Complete Cannoneer from Matt Switlik
and
South Bend Replica
Guidelines for Cannon Construction.
The North-South Skirmish Association and the American Artillery Association publish a set of minimum standards for construction of full size cannons and mortars for use in their competitions. It suggested in the interest of safety that these standards also be used as a minimum standard for construction of model cannons. Knowledgeable builders will recognize that there are safety margins built into these standards and some original guns may not meet these standards. These standards appear to have been written to extend the safety margins of the original designs. Excerpts from their standards follow. Please refer to the N-SSA and AAA websites for complete and current rules. NOTE: Any question about the definition or meaning of any of the standards listed below should directed to the N-SSA or AAA as appropriate. The standards are their standards and they should define them.
North-South Skirmish Association National Rules.
10.2 ELIGIBILITY
Actual or exact scale replicas of Civil War artillery pieces may be fired. The term “Civil War” applies to any artillery piece whose model antedates April 26, 1865. replicas of artillery pieces must duplicate original pieces. All reproduction barrels must be made of iron, steel or bronze. All reproduction barrels and those original failing inspection must be lined with a bore liner of extruded seamless steel tubing of a minimum ANSI standard and of a minimum 3/8-inch wall thickness.
Figure 10.1
The liner must be closed at the breech end with a steel plug, sweat-fitted into the liner and welded. The breech plug must have a radius of at least 25 percent of the bore radius and be at least 1 inch thick at its thinnest point. (See figure 10.1).
(N-SSA has advised us the term sweated means shrink fit.)
All reproduction barrels manufactured after March 1, 1986 must have pictures of the liner and breech plug before and after welding. No reproduction barrel shall be approved after March 1, 1986, that does not have one caliber’s thickness of metal surrounding the bore at the breech unless approved by Artillery Ordnance Officer. (See figure 10.2 for example.) Liner may be affixed by casting barrel around the liner or by other approved methods such as bonding with high strength adhesives. The method of locking the liner in the barrel shall be approved by the Artillery Ordnance Officer. The gun and its crew must pass the inspection specified in Section 18. A gun crew shall consist of a minimum of four members of the organization. Effective 1 February 1996, all artillery pieces must be originals or full-size, exact replicas to be approved.
National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery, as adapted by the American Artillery Association March 2000
These rules adapted by the American Artillery Association, March, 2000, from rules which were compiled by The Artilleryman magazine and reflect a consensus of safety procedures developed from historical records and practical experience of many present shooting organizations. They were written and edited by Matthew C. Switlik, author of The Complete Cannoneer; George McDonald III, Clark's Battery, N-SSA; Bernard Kurdt, 120th NYVI, N-SSA, Union and Confederate Volunteers, and American Artillery Association; and C.Peter Jorgenson, Artilleryman editor and publisher. These rules have been tested in our competitions, with our safety officers and procedures in place, and are not intended to be recommended in any other circumstance. The original version of the rules is available on the Civil War News website: http://www.civilwarnews.com/artillerysafety.htm.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The following safe shooting procedure presumes the crew is firing blank charges or projectiles with a muzzleloading artillery piece made (or altered) to modem safety standards. (If firing blanks skip Step VII and see Safety Rule 10.) The bore should be lined with seamless steel tubing with a minimum 3/8-inch wall thickness and a yield strength of 85,000 p.s.i. or greater. The breechplug should be threaded and pinned; welded and pinned breechplugs can be equally strong but require expert installation by competent manufacturers. Sand-cored bores are not recommended for shooting. The vent should be drilled in a threaded copper bolt similar to original cannon vent liners of the 1840-1865 period in order to provide an unbroken passage through the casting and the liner, into the bore.
Safe Loads
For guns smaller than 2 inches us this chart
THE MORE COMPLETE CANNONEER compiled Agreeably to the Regulations of the War Department as published in "Artillery Drill" by George Patten, 1861 and Containing Other Observations on Antique Cannon By M.C. Switlik with selected excerpts from other artillery manuals Appendix I has a load chart which is posted here by permission of the author.
To see a large view of this chart click on this link: http://www.gunneyg.info/images/SwitlikLoadsTwo.jpg
This load chart is maximum load of a unpatched ball attached to a sabot.
For guns with bores larger than 2 inches use the following guidelines
National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery, as adapted by the American Artillery Association March 2000
1. Powder charges should not exceed 2 oz. of Fg or 3 oz. FFA or Cannon Grade Goex powder per inch of bore diameter. No excessive charges. Use black powder only.
2. Prepare powder charges in advance using heavy duty aluminum foil. Baggies may be used inside the foil, taking care not to allow excess air in the baggies and removing excess plastic where unnecessary.
North-South Skirmish Association National Rules.
10.8.1 CHARGES
Maximum powder charges for all cannon shall be limited to that amount permitted by the chart as published below in Table 10.1. Only commercially manufactured black powder of American standard Fg granulation (150,000 granules per pound/ or 220 granules per 10 gr. wt. (avdp.) sample), or a coarser granulation, may be used. Charges must be wrapped in a powder “bag” fabricated of at least one complete layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
For specific load for you bore refer to North-South Skirmish Association National Rules. Page 72 of 213 in the PDF file.
Addendum For mortars and howitzers the diameter of the powder chamber is the considered the bore diameter.
Both Associations recommend for safety reasons that larger caliber cannons not be loaded with loose powder, instead use foil wrapped cartridges. Some locales have safety regulations requiring the use of foil wrap cartridges. Mortars generally are still loaded with loose powder, but check your local regulations to be sure.
Click on this link to be taken to the post on loading cannon cartridges:
Loading Cannon Cartridges
For instructions on making blank cartridges click on this link. How to Make a blank load
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Just found this on an old flash drive. It is the copy of there old web page. I also have the page for mortar's and will post it also.
![Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery]()
Safety Rules and Procedures
for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery,
of the American Artillery Association
Cannon Regulations | Mortar Regulations
General Information
The following safe shooting procedure presumes the crew is firing projectiles with a muzzleloading artillery piece made (or altered) to modern safety standards. (If firing blanks skip Step VII and see Safety Rule 9.) The bore should be lined with seamless steel tubing with a minimum 3/8-inch wall thickness and a yield strength of 85,000 psi or greater. The breechplug should be threaded and pinned; welded and pinned breechplugs can be equally strong but require expert installation by competent manufacturers. Sand cored bores are not recommended for shooting. The vent should be drilled in a threaded copper bolt similar to original cannon vent liners of the 1840-1865 period) in order to provide an unbroken passage through the casting and the liner, into the bore.
Safety Zone
Establish a 50-foot wide safety zone between the spectators and the gun. No one is to be forward of the muzzle at any time. Only Association members are to be in this zone unless escorted by an Association member. All pieces shall be brought into battery so that muzzles are in alignment. No muzzle shall be forward of others regardless of the size of the piece. Axel hubs of pieces shall be at least five feet from one another, allowing for free movement around each piece. Changes will be determined by the Safety Officer in charge. No person under the age of 16 shall handle powder. The Safety Officer shall wear some type of distinguishing clothing so that competitors may easily identify him or her.
Equipment Required
Two men minimum. Ammunition box with self-closing lid restricted to opening at no greater than 80-degree angle. Vent brush or cleaning device. Vent pick. Thumbstall. Heavy welders or fireproof gloves. Haversack for use as ammunition pass box and another for priming materials. Straight or tapered single piece rammer with no head. Wet sponge. Dry Sponge. Worm. Water bucket. Primers. Priming power device (if used). Linstock and slowmatch or lanyard. Gimlet. Individual safety containers for powder charges.
Ten Step Standard Procedure
I Clean the Vent
Clean the vent as the first step in each cleaning, loading and firing sequence. Proceed as follows:
II Stop the Vent
Seal the vent with thumb pressure during the entire cleaning and loading process. This means no air should escape the vent from the time the worm enters the muzzle until the rammer is removed after the projectile has been seated. Use a leather thumbstall or heavy glove to protect your thumb to protect your thumb and make a tight seal.
III Worm the Bore
Using a tool with two sharp steel points which replicates an original cannon cleaning worm, worm the bore until all debris is removed. Turn the worm at the breech to pick up any powder container remnants and to loosen any powder residue. The worm should fit closely so the points will pick up debris easily.
IV Wet Sponge the Bore
V Dry Sponge the Bore
After wet sponging, the same procedure is used with the dry sponge. The dry sponge is cleaned and dried off periodically with an absorbent towel-type rag. (The purpose of the dry sponge is to remove excess moisture from the bore; if water is left in the bore it may cause incomplete burning of the next powder charge, leaving dangerously glowing residue.)
VI Load Powder
VII Load Projectile
VIII Pick the Charge
IX Prime
X Fire the Gun
Misfires
If the primer ignites, but the gun fails to fire:
Ten Basic Safety Regulations
Make sure each crew member has knowledge of procedures and safety rules. Walk. Do not run. Work at a smooth, steady pace.
If you are in doubt about ANY part of these firing or safety procedures, ASK THE RANGE OFFICER OR SAFETY OFFICER.
Anyone observed breaking any of the above rules will be subject to the removal of their piece from competition for the duration of the event and any score eliminated.
Mortar Regulations
the American Artillery Association
Field Artillery in the Civil War
Suggested Sources for Further Information
The More Complete Cannoneer; M.C. Switlik; 3rd Edition, 1990; Museum and Collector Specilaties Company
Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War; Hazlett, Olmstead and Parks; University of Delaware Press
Safety Rules and Procedures
for Shooting Muzzleloading Artillery,
of the American Artillery Association
These rules adapted by the American Artillery Association, March, 2000, from rules which were compiled by The Artilleryman magazine and reflect a consensus of safety procedures developed from historical records and practical experience of many present shooting organizations. They were written and edited by Matthew C. Switlik, author of The Complete Cannonneer; George McDonald III, Clark's Battery, N-SSA; Bernard Kurdt, 120th NYVI, N-SSA, Union and Confederate Volunteers, and American Artillery Association; and C.Peter Jorgenson, Artilleryman editor and publisher. These rules have been tested in our competitions, with our safety officers and procedures in place, and are not intended to be recommended in any other circumstance. This information presented by the American Artillery Association. To contact the AAA, email [email protected]. Comments on the page to [email protected]The original version of the rules is available on the Civil War News website: http://www.civilwarnews.com/artillerysafety.htm. Copies are available from The Artilleryman, RR1, Box 36, Tunbridge, VT 05077 Note: If you are studying for the Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Certificate of Competency for Mortar/Cannon, 527 CMR does not agree with the AAA rules or the National Rules in more than one place. For more information, contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal (978) 567-3700. |
Cannon Regulations | Mortar Regulations
General Information
The following safe shooting procedure presumes the crew is firing projectiles with a muzzleloading artillery piece made (or altered) to modern safety standards. (If firing blanks skip Step VII and see Safety Rule 9.) The bore should be lined with seamless steel tubing with a minimum 3/8-inch wall thickness and a yield strength of 85,000 psi or greater. The breechplug should be threaded and pinned; welded and pinned breechplugs can be equally strong but require expert installation by competent manufacturers. Sand cored bores are not recommended for shooting. The vent should be drilled in a threaded copper bolt similar to original cannon vent liners of the 1840-1865 period) in order to provide an unbroken passage through the casting and the liner, into the bore.
Safety Zone
Establish a 50-foot wide safety zone between the spectators and the gun. No one is to be forward of the muzzle at any time. Only Association members are to be in this zone unless escorted by an Association member. All pieces shall be brought into battery so that muzzles are in alignment. No muzzle shall be forward of others regardless of the size of the piece. Axel hubs of pieces shall be at least five feet from one another, allowing for free movement around each piece. Changes will be determined by the Safety Officer in charge. No person under the age of 16 shall handle powder. The Safety Officer shall wear some type of distinguishing clothing so that competitors may easily identify him or her.
Equipment Required
Two men minimum. Ammunition box with self-closing lid restricted to opening at no greater than 80-degree angle. Vent brush or cleaning device. Vent pick. Thumbstall. Heavy welders or fireproof gloves. Haversack for use as ammunition pass box and another for priming materials. Straight or tapered single piece rammer with no head. Wet sponge. Dry Sponge. Worm. Water bucket. Primers. Priming power device (if used). Linstock and slowmatch or lanyard. Gimlet. Individual safety containers for powder charges.
Ten Step Standard Procedure
I Clean the Vent
Clean the vent as the first step in each cleaning, loading and firing sequence. Proceed as follows:
- Use a .22 caliber or appropriately sized bronze cleaning brush on a suitable rod and brush the entire vent twice.
- If no brush is available, the alternative method is to run the priming pick or gimlet up and down the vent twice, twisting to make sure the vent is completely free of powder bag remnants.
II Stop the Vent
Seal the vent with thumb pressure during the entire cleaning and loading process. This means no air should escape the vent from the time the worm enters the muzzle until the rammer is removed after the projectile has been seated. Use a leather thumbstall or heavy glove to protect your thumb to protect your thumb and make a tight seal.
III Worm the Bore
Using a tool with two sharp steel points which replicates an original cannon cleaning worm, worm the bore until all debris is removed. Turn the worm at the breech to pick up any powder container remnants and to loosen any powder residue. The worm should fit closely so the points will pick up debris easily.
IV Wet Sponge the Bore
- Sponge with a wet (but not sopping) tight-fitting sponge with a head of lambswool or wool carpeting over a wooden cylinder affixed to a shaft at least one foot longer than the bore. The end of the sponge head should conform to the shape of the breechplug.
- Seat the sponge against the breech with hand pressure and give two full rotations of the shaft. Withdraw the sponge half-length, twist, then reseat against the breech and give another two full rotations.
- Remove the sponge. If any powder container remnants or unburned powder comes out with the sponge, repeat the entire process, starting with Step III Worm.
V Dry Sponge the Bore
After wet sponging, the same procedure is used with the dry sponge. The dry sponge is cleaned and dried off periodically with an absorbent towel-type rag. (The purpose of the dry sponge is to remove excess moisture from the bore; if water is left in the bore it may cause incomplete burning of the next powder charge, leaving dangerously glowing residue.)
VI Load Powder
- Use a crooked shaft U-shaped rammer if available. If not, use a plain wooden pole without a head, or with a smoothly tapered head (made like a U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" ramrod), so that it might force the hand open should premature ignition occur.
- Mark the rammer in advance in two places, one to show the amount of shaft which should be sticking out the muzzle when the charge is seated and the other to show when the projectile is seated.
- The ammunition chest should be located 25 feet behind the gun and 25 feet forward of the spectator line. Powder charges should be prepared in advance as specified in Safety Rules 1 and 2 below, wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Open the chest only long enough to remove one charge in its safety container. (Do not open chest following warning that a gun is about to fire until 10 seconds after that gun has fired to prevent hot vent debris from falling into the chest.)
- Carry charge to gun in fireproof safety container. Do not proceed to load unless 3 minutes has elapsed since the gun was last fired. Check your watch.
- Open safety container. Remove foil-wrapped charge and place it in the muzzle with one hand while wearing heavy leather gloves (see above).
- Wearing heavy gloves, stand to the side of barrel with as much of your body as possible behind the plane of the muzzle. Grasp rammer underhand, with one hand, thumb to the side. Seat the charge lightly with smooth strokes. Do not pound the rammer against the charge.
- Immediately upon feeling the charge reach the breech, drop your hand away, releasing the rammer. After 10 seconds and after ascertaining the charge is fully home (according to the rammer marks) remove the rammer, one hand, underhand, thumb to the side. This may require grasping and releasing the shaft a few times. Never two hands on the rammer.
VII Load Projectile
- The projectile loading procedure is the same as that for powder. The rammer is operated with short strokes, one hand, underhand, thumb to the side, until the mark shows the projectile has been fully seated.
- No projectile should fit the bore so tightly as to be difficult to seat. All projectiles should pass wasily through a bore sized ring gauge.
- Be sure the projectile is seated fully against the powder charge.
- Upon completion of loading, person ramming shall indicate to the person holding the vent that the gun is fully loaded. The vent may then be released.
VIII Pick the Charge
- To insure ignition, pick the powder charge wrapper through the vent with a pick or gimlet held by the shaft, between glove protected fingers.
- The pick shall be constructedof a non-sparking material.
IX Prime
- Priming the vent depends on the type of ignition used. Typical systems are: linstock and priming powder, fuse, priming quills, friction primers, .22 blank, and percussion cap.
- If priming powder is used, prime from an open topped container constructed to hold just enough 4F or 3F powder to fill the vent. The priming device should have a handle so that the hand is never over the vent when pouring the loose powder. Priming is not done directly from powder horns or flasks.
- Hot debris is apt to be blown out the vent on discharge. Crew members should wear hats for protection, spectators kept at a safe distance, and all ammunition chests closed whenever any gun is firing.
X Fire the Gun
- The person designated to ignite the charge calls out "Ready to fire" in a loud voice to alert other crews on the line that a gun is about to fire and to notify the gun captain that the piece is primed. At this call, any open ammunition chests are immediately closed. The gun captain makes a quick visual inspection of the range forward of the muzzle to make sure no one is in danger and then commands "Fire". The time between "Ready to Fire" and "Fire" should be at least five seconds. The primer is then ignited.
- Priming powder, fuse and priming quills are ignited with a linstock which is long enough to allow the cannoneer to stand outside the wheels. The linstock holds the burning slow match made of cotton rope impregnated with potassium nitrate or lead acetate to make it burn.
- If a lanyard is used to ignite friction primers, or to activate a lock using percussion caps or blank cartridge, it should be long enough to allow the cannoneer to stand outside the wheels and out of the way of recoil.
Misfires
If the primer ignites, but the gun fails to fire:
- Command: "Do not advance, the primer has failed." Check your watch. Wait 3 minutes.
- When 3 minutes has elapsed, step inside wheel from the front of the axle so you will be out of recoil path should the gun discharge unexpectedly.
- Do not get in front of the muzzle at any time. If gun barrel is under 5 feet this position might put you in danger of muzzle flash so you will have to work from behind the axle. Use good judgment. Estimate recoil distance and stand well back from the axle.
- Reset the projectile with a lambs crook provided by the Safety Officer. Do not use straight rammer.
- Wearing gloves, use a gimlet to clear the vent. Grasp by shaft only. Keep head away from vent. When vent is clear, reprime and fire.
- If three attempts fail to fire the gun, use a CO2 fire extinguisher (with horn removed) to blow down vent and force powder (and projectile) from the barrel. If CO2 is unavailable, flood bore and vent with water and worm after through soaking.
Ten Basic Safety Regulations
- Powder charges should not exceed 2 oz. of Fg or 3 oz. FFA or Cannon Grade Goex powder per inch of bore diameter. No excessive charges. Use black powder only.
- Prepare powder charges in advance using heavy duty aluminum foil. Baggies may be used inside the foil, taking care not to allow excess air in the baggies and removing excess plastic where unnecessary.
- All crew members should wear ear protection devices.No person under the age of 16 is to handle powder. It is strongly recommended that all persons, especially children under the age of 11, wear protective gloves while handling lead.
- No one should cross in front of the muzzle at any time during the cleaning, loading or firing procedure.
- The interior of the ammunition chest shall be lined with a non- sparking material and the box itself shall be stoutly constructed of wood or metal. A copy of these safety rules should be posted inside the ammunition chest.
- Firing shall be at approved targets only.
- No drinking of alcoholic beverages at any time on the line. Any consumption of alcoholic beverages will disqualify a member from shooting for the duration of the day. No smoking at any time within the safety zone.
- Projectiles shall be constructed so that they easily pass through a sizing guage with finger or thumb pressure only. (The sizing guage to be a length at least 1.5 times the length of the projectile and in inner diameter no greater than bore size when the barrel was new.)
- No wadding shall be used at any time. This includes firing blanks.
- All new guns shall be inspected and approved by the Association. Inspect your gun tube regularly for signs of stress. Existing guns shall be inspected periodically.
Make sure each crew member has knowledge of procedures and safety rules. Walk. Do not run. Work at a smooth, steady pace.
If you are in doubt about ANY part of these firing or safety procedures, ASK THE RANGE OFFICER OR SAFETY OFFICER.
Anyone observed breaking any of the above rules will be subject to the removal of their piece from competition for the duration of the event and any score eliminated.
Mortar Regulations
for more on shooting muzzleloading artillery ..
the American Artillery Association
for a look at the history ..
Field Artillery in the Civil War
Suggested Sources for Further Information
The More Complete Cannoneer; M.C. Switlik; 3rd Edition, 1990; Museum and Collector Specilaties Company
Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War; Hazlett, Olmstead and Parks; University of Delaware Press
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Mortar Safety rules.
![Coehorn mortars]()
Mortar Safety Rules and Procedures of the American Artillery Association
Cannon Regulations | Mortar Regulations
Mortar Safety Rules
I. Structural Requirements
The following safe shooting procedures presumes the crew is firing with a muzzleloading mortar constructed or improved to modern safety standards.
II. Safety Zone
III. Equipment Required
IV. Safe Loading Procedure
Misfires
VI. General Safety Regulations
If you are in doubt about ANY part of these firing or safety procedures, ASK THE RANGE OFFICER OR SAFETY OFFICER.
Anyone observed breaking any of the above rules will be subject to the removal of their piece from competition for the duration of the event and any score eliminated.
Mortar Safety Rules and Procedures of the American Artillery Association
Cannon Regulations | Mortar Regulations
Mortar Safety Rules
I. Structural Requirements
The following safe shooting procedures presumes the crew is firing with a muzzleloading mortar constructed or improved to modern safety standards.
- All mortars entering AAA events must pass initial inspection by qualified Association officials. Existing guns shall be inspected during events for construction and safety procedures. Original and "as original" mortars shall be inspected for strength and bore condition before final approval.
- Newly constructed mortars must be constructed of modern steel or lined with seamless steel tubing of at least 3/8-inch wall thickness on smaller mortars.
- If using a breechplug, it should be recessed and welded properly, leaving a smooth powder chamber without any gaps or seams.
- Sand cored bores are not recommended for shooting.
- All cast barrels must have a well-machined bore which is concentric and smooth with no roughness.
- Barrel length shall not exceed 2 times the projectile length, while projectile length shall not exceed 3 times the bore diameter.
- Carriages shall be durable and well constructed, as original as possible, using through bolts, especially on trunnion caps.
- Mortar beds shall permantly restrict barrels from raising above 75 degrees from the horizontal.
- Vent shield, fixed or weighted to remain in place, must be used on all pieces.
- Any uncorrected variations from the above requirements may result in removal of any piece by the safety officer from the shooting line.
II. Safety Zone
- Establish a 50 foot safety zone between spectators and gun.
- The safety or spectator line shall be established with easily visible twine or caution tape.
- All powder in boxes to be placed 25 feet from spectator or safety line.
- No one and nothing is ever to be forward of muzzle during loading and firing procedure.
- All muzzles should be aligned on the firing line and be at least 8 feet from one another allowing for safe movement between pieces.
- Only Association members displaying membership cards are allowed on the firing line or in the safety zone, due to range limitations.
- The Safety Officer shall wear an armband or other distinctive clothing so as to be readily identified by competitors.
- All competitors are expected to report any and all safety problems or infractions to the Safety Officer or the Range Officer immediately.
III. Equipment Required
- Black powder only - must remain in ammunition box, never to be exposed to sparks from mortar fire.
- Ammunition box with self-closing lid restrictedby a small chain.
- Individual safety containers to carry charges from ammunition chest to mortar.
- Vent brush and/or pick.
- Wet sponge made to fit powder chamber.
- Wet sponge made to fit bore on smaller mortars.
- Water bucket.
- Cleaning rags, sponges and other materials to clean bore.
- Linstock with slowmatch of at least 30 inches in length allowing shooter to remain well to the side and rear of mortar.
- Lanyard and friction primer - heavy mortars only.
- Vent Shield.
- Funnel to introduce charge into powder chamber.
- Projectiles of allowable length and weight and of a proper slip fit.
- Fuses carefully chosen so as not to allow remnants to be carelessly ejected in every direction. Plastic straws do not work well and are not approved for use.
IV. Safe Loading Procedure
- Charges prepared safely
- Charges are to be prepared a safe distance from the mortar.
- All powder must be in a self closing ammunition box. Under no circumstances should loose powder or powder cans be exposed to mortar fire or sparks.
- Keep ammunition box lids shut to sparks.
- Carry prepared powder charges to mortar in individual safety containers.
- Inspect and sponge bore
- Large mortars may require hand cleaning and visual inspection, using a damp rag or sponge to throughly clean the entire bore.
- On smaller mortars, sponges must be of a correct fit, covering all points in the powder chamber and bore to assure no spark or fouling remnants.
- Brush vent
- Empty powder from safety container into a long funnel to ensure placement of charge in chamber.
- Always position hands, face and body away from muzzle during loading.
- Place fuses cut to proper length in vent
- Friction primers should be set only immediately before firing.
- Lower or load projectile.
- Projectiles must be a slip fit, not requiring pounding home (unless fouling makes it necessary)
- Rammers used only to ensure proper seating of projectile.
- Vent shields in place.
- Friction primers set (on larger guns only).
- Call "Ready to Fire" in a loud voice (allow neighboring guns to close ammunition boxes, etc.)
- Call "Firing" in a loud voice and light fuse with required length linstock or pull friction primer.
- Direct igniting of fuses with matches or lighters will not be tolerated.
Misfires
- Notify the firing line that your gun has misfired and is still loaded.
- Wait at least 2 minutes or longer if smoke traces remain.
- Place vent pick or gimlet in vent, tapping it home with linstock or similar object while standing to the side of the piece. Do not pick by hand.
- Call Safety Officer or Range Officer to clear mortar.
VI. General Safety Regulations
- No smoking at any time within the safety zone.
- No alcohol may be consumed by any member participating during any AAA event. Alcohol or drug related infractions may lead to suspension of membership.
- No person under the age of 16 may handle powder.
- All members under the age of 16 must have an experienced adult member present with them at all times while they are within the safety zone.
- No wadding shall be used at any time. This includes while firing blanks.
- No excessive charges shall be fired at any time. Firing shall be at approved targets only.
- Every ammunition box shall contain a set of these rules for availability to crew members.
- Membership cards must be worn while firing or while within the safety zone.
- Black powder only. No mixtures shall be tolerated. Inspection of powder by an approved Safety Officer or Range Officer may be inspected.
- Vent shields must be in place during firing. Lack of a vent shield may cause cause sparks to shower toward ammunition boxes or spectators.
If you are in doubt about ANY part of these firing or safety procedures, ASK THE RANGE OFFICER OR SAFETY OFFICER.
Anyone observed breaking any of the above rules will be subject to the removal of their piece from competition for the duration of the event and any score eliminated.
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