WARNING: Loading and firing scale replica muzzle loading cannons is a highly dangerous activity and can likely result in death, dismemberment or a serious injury if caution is not observed.  Structural integrity of the barrel, powder charge preparation, premature discharge as a result of burning embers remaining in the barrel from the previous cannon fire and other unforeseen and unanticipated conditions may contribute to accidents, serious injury and or death.  
DO NOT RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE DANGERS OF ENGAGING IN THE LOADING OR FIRING OF ARTILLERY.   USE COMMON SENSE!                      	
                                      
                                                              MORTAR  SAFETY WARNINGS:

USE BLACK POWDER ONLY.  NEVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER.  [Smokeless powders are also black in color]

NEVER GET IN FRONT OF THE BARREL NOR LET ANYONE PASS IN FRONT DURING LOADING AND FIRING PROCEDURES.  THIS INCLUDES ANY BODY PARTS.  IE; ARMS, LEGS, EYES OR FACE ETC.

WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, EAR PROTECTION AND HEAVY GLOVES.

NEVER POUR POWDER DIRECTLY INTO THE BARREL DIRECTLY FROM THE POWDER CONTAINER.  SECURE LID TIGHTLY AFTER EACH USE.

RETREAT 25 FEET OR MORE AWAY FROM THUNDER MUG AFTER LIGHTING FUSE.

WAIT AT LEAST 5 MINUTES BETWEEN RELOADING.
                                                            
Loading & Firing Procedure

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
1. Two bore cleaning brushes or swabs [dry & damp] .  
2. Rammer  [wood dowel] (for wadding)  
3. Bucket of water
4. Safety glasses, ear protection and gloves.  
5. Powder measuring device.  
6. Pipe cleaners.  
7. Two chamber brushes if mortar is a Coehorn design w/powder chamber. 

Though a small mortar may appear like a toy; as with any firearm, treat with the utmost of respect. 
ALWAYS check field of range prior to loading and firing for any person(s), animals or other objects to prevent accidental injury or damage.

1.	INSPECT THE BARREL & WET SPONGE THE BORE
Inspect the barrel to insure it’s clean, dry and empty.  If recently fired, wait several minutes before loading and firing again.  It is best to “swab” the bore and the powder chamber with a damp swab or brush.  Clean the vent hole with a damp pipe cleaner.  A toilet cleaning brush with 360 degree bristles makes a good bore brush for large bore mortars.  

2.	DRY SPONGE THE BORE
After wet sponge, the same procedure is used with the dry sponge.  The dry sponge is cleaned and dried off periodically.  The  purpose of the dry sponge is to remove excess moisture from the bore and chamber.  If water is left in the bore, it may cause incomplete burning of the powder charge, leaving dangerously glowing residue.  With the flashlight, check to see if the bore and vent is clean and dry.  If not, repeat step 1.
You want too be 100% sure no live embers are in the barrel before loading it again.             

3.	INSERT FUSE
Insert a 3” piece of fuse all the way into the vent hole.  CAUTION:  Hot debris is apt to be blown out of the vent hole on discharge.  Keep yourself and spectators clear of the vent blast area near the mortar.  It is a recommended to place a flat shield of some type a few feet beside the vent to deflect the vent blast.  A fuse ignition is often the source of misfires and ignition delay, which may provide opportunity for children, pets, photographers, or others to advance beyond the safety zone.  Keep control of your area.  It is recommended to test burn a length of fuse to determine the burn rate.


4.	MEASURE POWDER
Measure the correct amount of black powder to use based on the size of the powder chamber or bore of the mortar.  (see enclosed chart).  Aluminum kitchen measuring spoons work well as a measuring device. You can always use less powder.  Never use more than the maximum  recommended load. Use the recommended grain size powder,  ie; Cannon grade, Fg, FFg,.  SECURE LID ON CAN AFTER EACH USE.  NO SMOKING!!!!

5.	LOAD POWDER
With the mortar barrel vertical and with a piece of paper folded into a “v” place powder onto the paper from the measuring device and pour powder into barrel. If barrel has a powder chamber, you can use a funnel to pour powder into chamber.  You may insert a wad of newspaper formed into a ball no longer than the diameter of the bore. Gently press it in with a rammer. Do not pound the wadding into the bore. 
 
6.	FIRE THE MORTAR
Check around the mortar making certain it is clear.  ANNOUNCE that it is to be fired.  Light the fuse and retreat.  A 6” fuse gives you about 10 seconds to get away.
                                    
        MISFIRES
If the fuse ignites and the mortar fails to fire, wait 3 minutes before approaching.  When 3 minutes has elapsed.  Position yourself so you are away from the vent blast area and the muzzle.  Clear the vent with an aluminum or brass gimlet.  (The gimlet is a wire for clearing the vent.) Re-insert fuse and follow procedure # 6 

If three attempts fail to fire, flood the bore and the vent with water and pour out the contents allowing the wad and the wet powder to slide from the barrel.  Then reload starting from procedure #1.                                     

        CLEANING THE MORTAR                     
                                                
Fill a bucket with very hot soapy water.  Dishwashing detergent works best. 
Pour water directly into the barrel and vigorously scrub the bore with a cleaning brush.  Repeat until bore is clear of any residue.  Clean vent with pipe cleaner.
Rinse with hot water.  (The hot water evaporates quickly and simplifies the drying procedure.
Dry the bore with a dry cloth.  Dry the vent hole with a clean dry pipe cleaner.
Oil the bore with WD-40 spray.  Use generously and spray into the vent hole.  For long term storage [longer than one week] use automotive motor oil to coat the bore and vent hole with a generous heavy coat.  Note: WD-40 or some other sprays will evaporate over a period of time, which can allow the bore to rust.




         POWDER


Golf ball mortar,  1.750 Bore”   125 Grains  1-1/2  teaspoons FFg or Fg