Black Powder in my small caliber cannon.

[Texasgrillchef]

I recently obtained a small 30 caliber fuse cannon. Made of stainless steel.

I am new to using black powder. I am currently using Pyrodex RS (FFG)

When firing blank for the purpose of making a bang. I get the loudest bang from using 43 grains by volume tightly packed.

When firing a 30 caliber lead ball, I get the highest velocity by using 28 grains by volume tightly packed. (923fps average)

When firing blank, I swab the barrel after every 5 firings. I swab ever time when firing lead balls.

So my question... would there be any advantage to using real black powder, or a substitute like triple 7, blackhorn 209, or even select? Either a difference in the bang of a blank (louder, or tone difference) or in better FPS when using the lead ball?

Should I stay with FFG or would FG work better?

 

[arcticap]

Because it's only .30 caliber I'm surprised that you're not using Pyrodex P or 3F.

Wikipedia states that "Pyrodex is similar in composition to black powder, consisting primarily of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate, but it also contains graphite and potassium perchlorate, plus additional ingredients protected by trade secret."

There may a difference in the tonal quality of different powders, for example 777 is often said to make a louder cracking sound due to it's increased strength and velocity such as the sound made when a projectile breaks the sound barrier,
but its desirability would be subjective and may depend on the caliber and amount of powder.
It may also produce more recoil.

Black powder may have a throatier sound or different booming quality in larger calibers.
But I don't have any idea if you'll notice much difference with such a small caliber bore.
By burning faster, a smaller powder granulation may make some extra decibels, but I'm only guessing.
There are other powder characteristics to consider such as the amount of powder fouling, flame, sparks, smoke, smell and handling characteristics when making a choice.
Many folks actually use 4F black powder in their .31 revolvers.
I'm not recommending to use it in your cannon but only mention it as an anecdote.

I think the loudness of the blanks could also be dependent on how tight and effective the powder seal is.
Some wadding materials may seal better than others and help to create a louder boom, but I doubt if it really matters for practical purposes if you're already packing it tightly.
Black horn requires a very tight seal when used conventionally in a rifle, but I've never heard about it being used in a cannon or with a fuse, and I have no idea how it sounds.

It's a very interesting topic.

 

[skeeterfogger]

I've used black fff but mostly Pyrodex "P" no issues. This is almost 50 cal. I use 40-45 gns and 3/4-1 inch tight wading, typically paper towel. 30 cal I would start at 25gns.
You know when you get a new toy you are supposed to post a pix so we can drool.

 

[robhof]

This one is .75 cal, a DGW barrel bought in 1966, use 75gr of 2f or 1f real B/p, a 71 cal ball fitted with used 12 Ga shot cups, gives snug fit and good accuracy at 10 yds.

 

[Texasgrillchef]

The makers of the Canon specifically said to stay away from FFFFg powder. But made no recommendations other then if using Pyrodex RS, to start at 24 grains by volume. They also mentioned you could fully load the barrel with 50 grains by volume, but that it would not fully burn the powder. That is true, I tried it and saw evidence of unturned powder.

Like I said I get the best show from blank firing at 43 grains with loudest bang, more smoke and more sparks flying. The bang is nearly 173db producing a crack type sound vs a low pitched boom.

I was just wondering of any advantages from using different powders as well as Types.