Directions on loading a Civil War cannon?

Question

I need to know how to load and discharge a Civil War muzzleloading cannon, such as a Parrot 20-pounder gun. i need this info for school, and I must admit I onlt know fractions of the artillery loading process. I would really appreciate your help.

Please be serious. Perhaps some reenactors out there can answer this?

Answer 1

This might be a start for a Civil War cannon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannon#American_Civil_War

Answer 2

Most of the mobile artillery was the 6-pound or the 12-pound. I haven't fooled with this stuff in many years but I can give you a quick rundown. Certainly don't try loading a firing any artillery without professional aid.

Clean out the flash hole with the proper tool

The bore is then swabbed to the bottom, usually with a damp ball of wool attached to one end of the ram. This is to quickly clear the barrel of and butt of any residue, especially burning residue.

The load of powder (charge), contained in a cloth bag is then laid in the bore an pushed to the butt (no breach) firmly but not tamped.

If you are using a single ball then it is 3/4 wrapped in a greased lining wad with the bare part facing outward and pushed (very hard) down to set on the charge, and then tamped a couple of good solid thumps.

Move away from the front and side of the piece.

Depending upon the type of fuse used: place the fuse into the flash hole (new ones use percussion caps on a small chain which is jerked sideways to fire). The older models use a short piece of fuse cord pushed firmly into the hole with a twist, leave about 1/4 " sticking out.

Light with a long brand, Repeat process after the recommended cooling time for your piece. Black powder fouls quickly so most folks use Pyrodex, a black powder substitute. You must run a bore hook down it every three or for shots with black powder or you’ll get the ball stuck, very unpleasant to try and get out.

It has been about 30 years since I messed with these and then I was only a gopher, I never actually fired any of them so I could be remembering incorrectly but this is the best I can do.

Answer 3

i do not realize this. it is type of like time holiday, yet with sound. the position have those cannon blasts been all this time? How come you may't also listen the Gettysburg manage? What about cannons fired in different countries, like in the course of the Crimean conflict or both international Wars? it is type of interesting, yet I do exactly not see how this may take position. Edit: Why do not they get rid of Dessi's disgusting answer?

Answer 4

load, pack, fire, clean, repeat. :-)

That's basically it. I'll bet if you go to Howstuffworks.com you can find more detailed instructions.

From my experience in re-enactments, the order goes as follows:

First man inserts "friction fuse"
Second man loads powder and wadding
third man inserts cannon ball or other weapon
second man inserts more wadding
ALL MEN DUCK AND TURN-HEAD WHILE COVERING THEIR EARS!!! (This is a key step :-)
First man pulls cord for friction fuse
*weapon fires*
third man rams "wet rag" down muzzle to extinguish burning embers
second man rams "dry rag" down muzzle to dry barrel from cleaning
first man inserts friction fuse
process repeats as many times as is necessary to get all the southerners to agree with the yanks :-)

Answer 5

Insert fuse into back end of cannon,add black powder to the barrel opening,tamp,add cannon ball,tamp,light fuse It's on !!

Answer 6

Aim it AWAY from the school

I know it's tempting but you just don't need the hassles at this point in your life.

I hope this helps.

Answer 7

Not sure but check out these sites:

Answer 8

hold on, i'll get that manual out of my back pocket

Answer 9

v e r r r y y y c a r e f u l l y. . . .