Video:
https://imgur.com/a/A7ZnqgK
A better video is in production. This is just a teaser with some clips.
I conducted a two round test fire to confirm my reloads and the gun function properly. I did this at a private spot on my farm with minimal people. Just the necessary photographers and helpers. The range was very short.
Two rounds were fired with a long rope from behind some cover.
The 11.25 lb projectiles where chronographed with a Garmin Xero at 1720 fps average. 518k ft-lbs of energy. Starting load of 3 lbs of smokeless artillery powder.
The original WWII M42 HE load was a 12.87 lb projectile, 2800 fps, and about 4.6 lbs of a different smokeless artillery powder. My starting load was based on advice from two experienced and independent big gun shooters, who both told me the same number.
A recovered projectile. Dummy fuze obliterated and driving band engraved with rifling.
One case split. I'm told they either split on the first shot or you get many shots out of them. This can be cut down into a blank or used for display.
Loading ammo:
Press the old primer assemblies out of the cases. Black smith any dents in the mouth on a piece of pipe with a mallet.
Disassemble the flash tube from the primer base.
Install a new 50 BMG primer and the gas check components in the base. Slide a paper liner in the flash tube and fill with black powder (approx. 300 gr). Thread them together.
Install the primer assembly in the case. Note: I think I'm going to change the order I do this in. I will put powder in the flash tube, press the assembly into the case, and install the new 50 BMG primer and gas check last.
Measure and add smokeless artillery powder. Starting load of 3 lbs of "M6" powder. This was just enough to cover the end of the flash tube.
Install a cardboard disk and spacer to hold the disk in place under the projectile to keep the powder at the rear of the case.
Then you install the projectile by hand or with the press depending how tight the neck is.
Getting the cartridge in the chamber the first time can be a little tricky if the case isn't already formed to this gun. You can use your imagination to figure out what that looks like. Once they are fired in the gun they go in and out easily.
_______________________________________________________________
On Memorial Day I was invited to participate in a local parade and memorial ceremony with the gun.
I fired a 1 lb black powder blank on top of a hill about 475 yards from the ceremony. I was on the phone with someone at the ceremony who told me when to fire, which was at the end of Taps being played. I was facing another hill and the sound was like thunder, rolling and echoing back. I couldn't help but grin like a fool. I will have to practice being serious when firing big guns. This may take some time. The ceremony organizers were very pleased with it. I did not ask for any payment or special recognition.
Turn up your volume and listen to that echo.
Video: https://imgur.com/a/vEXG0fF
Loading a blank:
My blank cases are cut down 76mm T19E1B1 steel cases. I had to machine threaded adapters to use my press in primer holders. These do not use a flash tube. I install a new 50 BMG primer then press in the gas check parts. Many consider the gas check as overkill for a blank case but more protection for the breech is fine by me.
The black powder (4FA) is measured and placed in an anti-static bag, then stuffed in the case. The flash from the primer penetrates the bag and sets off the powder.
Some more photos:
The downside of shooting a blank is the clean up. It takes me about 2 hours to disassemble the breech block components, pressure wash everything, clean the gun bore and parts (an XL T-shirt makes a good patch), then dry and oil everything.
So as much fun as firing a blank is, it needs to be a special occasion like this one.
