Alex Henry 8-bore harpoon gun shooting and ballistics added

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26 May 2014, 12:35

Rockdoc

Alex Henry 8-bore harpoon gun shooting and ballistics added

That's awesome! Endless possibilities

I'd like to see a video firing an unprimed harpoon.

Thanks Cal.

Cheers, Chris

26 May 2014, 16:01

cal pappas

Chris:
As I have only one original projectile I should not shoot it and damage it. BUT the idea has crossed my mind. Actually, my bomb is complete and it would be easy to prime it, fuse it, and load it with 880 grins of FFFg and watch the fireworks!
Cheers,
Cal

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Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
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26 May 2014, 17:14

mete

A whale would die of shock just seeing you fire that thing !

With the old type harpoon getting a whale was an exciting dangerous thing , as told in "The Charles W. Morgan " by Stackpole 1967 .You can see that whaling ship at the Mystic Seaport in CT.

26 May 2014, 19:52

RIP

Cal,
Resting the barrel directly on the sticks is no doubt the reason that it shot 6" high at 25 yards, though dead-on for windage.
Use proper technique or be prepared to get a different sight blade for each different load you select,
or just find the load that shoots dead-on with the barrel on the sticks.

Congratulations on making it all happen.

26 May 2014, 19:58

cal pappas

RIP:

quote:
Originally posted by RIP:
Cal,
Resting the barrel directly on the sticks is no doubt the reason that it shot 6" high at 25 yards, though dead-on for windage.
Use proper technique or be prepared to get a different sight blade for each different load you select,
or just find the load that shoots dead-on with the barrel on the sticks.

Congratulations on making it all happen.

RIP:
Thanks for the info and I understand. At my old age it is difficult to off hand this as its 22 pounds is all in the barrel. Also, it is a smooth bore meant to shoot the bomb into a whale's back at 5-10 feet. Whatever it is and does now, it is great fun.
cheers, mate.
Cal

26 May 2014, 20:38

sharpsguy

Cal-- That is a really neat set up. It will stop shooting high if you don't place the barrel on the sticks. Instead, place your left hand on the sticks, then hold the gun in your hand. I think you will find that it shoots to the sights if you shoot it like that.

26 May 2014, 23:03

boom stick

How difficult would it be to replicate the original projectiles? Would that be legal to do?

27 May 2014, 05:33

cal pappas

quote:
Originally posted by boom stick:
How difficult would it be to replicate the original projectiles? Would that be legal to do?

Good question. The task would be easy for an experienced machinist as the parts are quite simple. As to legality, a call to BATFE would answer that question.
Cal

27 May 2014, 09:45

Rockdoc

Hmmm. With the harpoon without the explosive charge maybe it could be used for archery season!

27 May 2014, 11:45

AK_Stick

If one was to replicate the original explosive harpoon, you would certainly be treading into DD (Destructive Device) territory, much like the 37 and 40mm launchers you can purchase today.

27 May 2014, 15:37

p dog shooter

Would 6 inch's of elevation different really matter on a target the size of a whale.

27 May 2014, 19:35

Rusty

Wow! The only draw back is the three men and a small boy you'll need to take along to carry that mother!

Rusty
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28 May 2014, 06:36

Omnivorous_Bob

Cal, the legal limit for explosive rounds (without a LOT of licenses!) is 1/4 ounce IIRC.

Even a blunt tip would do a number on a moose

Bob

DRSS

"If we're not supposed to eat animals, why are they made out of meat?"

"PS. To add a bit of Pappasonian philosophy: this single barrel stuff is just a passing fad. Bolt actions and single shots will fade away as did disco, the hula hoop, and bell-bottomed pants. Doubles will rule the world!"

28 May 2014, 06:59

cal pappas

Bob:
I'll have it Saturday.
Cal

28 May 2014, 13:18

Pondoro

Norwegian whalers qualifying to shoot whale with cannon, obligatory test..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K81fVqDho7Q

28 May 2014, 13:25

Pondoro

They usually bring a .458Win to administer the final shot if the whale still lives....I actually sold 2 boxes of solids to one of the vessel when I lived up north...the store was out and the skipper was desperate...

01 June 2014, 23:12

Huvius

quote:
Originally posted by RIP:
Cal,
Resting the barrel directly on the sticks is no doubt the reason that it shot 6" high at 25 yards, though dead-on for windage.

I am not sure that a barrel that substantial would notice a change in shooting technique no matter where it is supported.
I would be tempted to make a nose heavy dart out of PVC or aluminum and test the fuse ignition with just the cannon fuse inside.