How to Use Black Powder for Salute Cannons

Salute cannons are small cannons that, when filled with black powder and fired, create a loud sound like a regular cannon. Because the barrel of the cannon is small, a salute cannon is not designed to fire projectiles. It is meant to be used as a celebratory cannon to create a cannon shot without the risk of projectile damage. Salute cannons must be handled carefully to ensure that nobody is injured.

Things You'll Need

• Safety fuse
• Knife
• Tissue

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of safety fuse about 6 inches long.

2. Insert one end of the fuse into the fuse hole at the back of the signal cannon's barrel. Make sure you insert the fuse far enough up to reach the powder chamber.

3. Pour black powder into the barrel of the cannon so about 1/2 inch of powder is in the bottom of the barrel.

4. Roll up a piece of tissue paper to the approximate diameter of the cannon barrel.

5. Insert the tissue into the end of the cannon, being sure not to pack too tightly. With black powder you just want a light amount of resistance to create the best bang; you don't need to fill the barrel tightly.

6. Face the cannon away from all in attendance and clear the area directly behind the cannon.

7. Light the fuse and move away from the cannon while it fires.

References

• YouTube: Black Powder Signal Cannon