how to load and fire a small black powder cannon for blank salutes

These are good, common sense instructions for firing a small cannon (less than 2 inch bore).  Remember, any cannon can be dangerous.  Use caution and common sense!  You should also read the National Safety instructions posted here:    http://www2.control.com/~emoore/marty.html

Never get in front of the barrel, nor let anyone pass in front during loading and firing procedures. 

Retreat 25 feet or more to the rear of the cannon after lighting fuse.

 Always inspect the cannon to be certain it is in good condition.  Things you need to inspect include tight trunnion caps, cracks in the barrel, mechanical properties of the carriage. 

1. Inspect the barrel to insure it is clean and empty.  If recently fired, wait several minutes before firing again.  It is best to “swab” the bore with a damp sponge.  You want to be 100% certain no live ambers are in the barrel before loading it again. 

2. Insert a 6-inch piece of fuse all the way into the vent hole and bend it at the top so it is perpendicular to the hole (at least 4 inches of fuse should be exposed) .  This insures that a spark doesn’t pre-ignite the powder in the barrel. 

3. Determine the correct amount of black powder to use based on the bore diameter of your cannon (chart below).  You can always use less!  A small amount of black powder (thimble full) produces a boom!  Use only fg or ffg black powder.

4. Pour the powder into the barrel, or if using the foil pouch method, making sure the powder is all the way back in the bore.  A wooden ramrod works well.  It is not necessary to “pack” the powder.  Keeping it confined is the objective.

5. Wading is not necessary for blank loads, if desired, a small amount of waded, dry paper can be used.  Make a ball and push it all the way back against the powder charge.

6. Never “double load” a barrel.   Use only 1 powder charge, 1 piece of wading.

7. Check around the cannon area making certain it is clear.  Announce that the cannon is to be fired.

8. Light the fuse and retreat.  A 6 inch standard fuse gives you about 10 seconds to get away.

Here is one safe and easy technique for loading your cannon. 
It's great for inclement weather conditions.

(All images can be clicked to view larger)

	1. From the chart below, determine how much powder you will need.  Using a powder measurer, measure that amount.  Aluminum measuring spoons work well.
	2. Depending on the size of the bore of your cannon (experiment a little),  Make a square of tin foil, and put your powder in the center.
	3. Fold the tin foil to create a pellet or ball that will easily slide down the barrel. When you know how much foil to use, you can make up several powder packets that are easy to field load and are weather tight.
	4. Insert the foil powder load into the muzzle and push to the end of the barrel using a wooden dowel or ram rod.
	5. Using a brass rod or a skewer stick, insert it into the fuse hole to pierce the foil packet.  Move it around a little to increase the opening in the foil pouch.  Remove the stick or rod.   It looks like this inside the barrel.
	6. Insert your cannon fuse into the hole, making sure it goes all the way to the bottom and into the foil powder load.  Bend the fuse at a right angle.   The cannon is ready to fire.   It looks like this inside the barrel.

  * Blank loads only. When shooting ball, cut these amounts in half.
  ** ffg - use slightly less

Barrels with bore diameters greater than 3/4 inch are not "child's play" or toys, and should be considered extremely dangerous. 

Be sure to read the "Black Powder"  page also! Click here.