3 replies to this topic

[Caramanos2000]

Shells are overpriced, so, why not just use ping pong balls? They are 40mm in size, and you can get 144 for $15 with priority shipping on ebay.

[pyromaniac303]

Shells are overpriced, so, why not just use ping pong balls? They are 40mm in size, and you can get 144 for $15 with priority shipping on ebay.

They are made from nitrocellulose though, so the flame from the lift would cause them to burn up before they got very far, and ignite the burst. If pasted well you might have a chance of sealing enough to prevent premature ignition, but it wouldnt be easy, and you would probably spend more on pasting than you save by buying real hemis.

If you want an alternative shell hemisphere, try buying those plastic easter eggs which they sell around this time of year in the pound shop, you can buy several sizes, and although theyre not round, make ideal shell casings. Fuzzy brush packaging works for 1" shells too (small round chewable toothbrushes, sold in airport toilets for £1 for 2) though they are quite expensive if bought only to use as a hemi.

[Caramanos2000]

Preventing ignition doesnt sound hard at all. Perhaps 2 or 3 layers of newspaper glued with PVA or dextrin, that should suffice

[cooperman435]

Ive had loads of sucsess with my 50mm mortars using wide mouth plastic jars the type you use for storing chemicals in.

The jars are about 47mm wide and have an opening almost the same size of the jar.

I simply put a time fuse in the base of the jar which is hot glued in place. Stack my stars inside the jar and put the bursting charge in the centre then screw the lid on.

I put the lift charge in a corner cut from a bag with either the quick match leader or an elecrical igniter then lower the fused end of the shell into it and seal with tape.

you can knock up loads in no time and the jar offer very good confinement and waterproofing for the contents should it rain.

If anyone wants some I can suply samples?