Strange request

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  • Last Post 25 June 2022
delmarskid posted this 25 June 2022

I got a request from an old friend the other day that set me back with a smile. He had an old friend pass on and this person wants his ashes to be fired out of a 12 gauge. Matt asked me if I could make something like this work. I of course said that I would love to do it. I don’t load shot shells but have a Lee press of sorts, some hulls and primers. I’d love to use black powder to really get the most out of the effect but I don’t know if these folks would be able to get a pump gun clean. I have Unique, HS6, and AA5. I’m thinking just an over powder card between the “payload” and powder and a crimp sealed with candle wax should be good. I have no clue as to what cremanes weigh and am in the dark for a smokeless charge. Any ideas?

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Bud Hyett posted this 25 June 2022

With a larger diameter barrel such as a small cannon, this has been done successfully many times. 

With the weight and irregularity of the mass, there is the possibility of the mass clumping and damming the barrel before exiting. Result, one burst barrel.

I'd pass on this for a 12 gauge diameter. See if there is not Civil War Reenactment group nearby who might offer the use of their cannon for this project.

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

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LarryW posted this 25 June 2022

Only problem I see is, with just an over powder card between the 

powder & ash, your gonna have an ash cloud beginning right at the muzzle. If you would use a gas seal or Nitro card (think tight seal)

over the powder, then use a wad & a Mylar wrap to encase your payload, you will get a bit of distance from the muzzle before the dust cloud appears. 

The powders you specify will all work.

Yes, it works, saw it done about 5 years ago.. Best of Luck.

Take card & be safe..

A day late & a dollar short, story of my life ???

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JeffinNZ posted this 25 June 2022

These guys will do it for you.

 

Home (myholysmoke.com)

Cheers from New Zealand

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Wineman posted this 25 June 2022

Human ashes are very heavy, just ask anyone who has picked up someone who was cremated. A normal human is going to be more than two boxes of shells worth, maybe more. Interesting to do, not sure you would see much of a cloud? One shell full, should be doable with a standard wad.

Dave C

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Ed Harris posted this 25 June 2022

An entire load of cremains can be fired in one shot from a Civil War era 12-pounder Napoleon or a modern 105mm howitzer. When my WW2 vet aunt passed on a firing party from the Virginia Army National Guard did the honors.

73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia

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