Author Topic: Grape shot (Read 866 times)

Will Bison · « **on:** November 05, 2004, 10:51:21 AM »

I have been toying with some grape/canister loads so I thought I'd toss out some pics.

I use a simple mandrel to make a foil tube. The end is twisted and clipped off for uniformity. Then I smack it real good on the work bench to make a nice tight, flat end.

This is the part I like, putting all those little balls in the tube that I just spent hours casting. In all four layers of 7 each for a total of 28. The balls are .60 for my French Fusil but the cannon likes them also. Total weight is about 21 ounces

The complete load with a wood sabot. I guarantee a VW Bus is dead meat at 75 yards. For my small bore gun this has worked the best. The sabot is scrap 5/8 plywood cut with an adjustable hole saw. Bore size is 1 7/8 inches. Best guess is about 750 fps with a two ounce charge of G-O Cannon.

Obviously I did something wrong with the pic posting?

Soot Sucker · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2004, 01:22:32 PM »

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=358

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=357

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=356

Maybe viewing the pics will work this this way?

Nice job, I like how the last pic really looks like a stand of grape. I' hate to be that VW bus :grin:

Regards,
Dave

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2004, 01:28:41 PM »

Will -

Good pix! Some interesting work done on those, even if I don't hunt microbusses any more.

Thanks for shaing.

Calamity Jane · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2004, 05:56:13 AM »

What do ya use fer foil? And where do you get it?

I ain't been able to find any stout enough.

I'd REALLY like to try grape in my 1" bore!

Will Bison · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2004, 07:52:28 AM »

Hi CJ;

I'm using the Reynolds Heavy Duty stuff and I run three wraps around the mandrel. Most grocery outlets sell the stuff.

Don't expect them to be real sturdy when you use the foil. It will maintain the shape long enough to get it down the bore. Also note that I put in layers of seven balls and that helps as opposed to dumping in a handfull of 00 buckshot. In your case divide the bore by 3 and allow for windage and foil thickness. That will give you the ball diameter. You might be able to use 00 or 000 buck in the one inch bore.

In my case I have a mould that drops a .600 ball and gives me the required 1.800 which is the exact size of the cannon ball. Luck of the draw in my case.

Also note that I use the wood sabot between the shot and powder and that helps stop the charge from blowing through the grape shot.

Will Bison · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2004, 08:12:37 AM »

Howdy SS;

Thanks for the assist on the pics. Obviously I'm gonna have to take "Pic posting 101" over this semester.

Yes, it does have that "stand of grape" look, I just squish the cylinder with my fingers. I did try a couple with heavy twine and wire. Waaaay too much work.