Get the lead out, or birth of a musket ball

  • Thread starter Loren Booda
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In summary, musket balls were traditionally made by pouring molten lead from a tall tower into a water trough. This process often resulted in variations in the roundness of the balls. However, with modern technology, these irregularities can be minimized by controlling timing and temperature. In a weightless environment, the use of surface tension could potentially create perfectly spherical musket balls, although spin would still be a challenge.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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Musket balls were once produced by dropping a measured amount of molten lead from a high tower into a trough of water. What various abberations from musket ball sphericity would you anticipate, and with the technology present how might you improve on this process?
 
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  • #2
Shot towers

Check out http://www.nysata.com/historical_memorabilia/shot_towers.htm [Broken] for information on the history of shot-making. As for irregularities, try and think about timing and temperature controls we have today.

Good luck.
-F
 
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  • #3
In a weightless environment you could make a ball that was formed only with surface tension, no air resistance or gravity to distort it. Spin would still be a problem though.

Njorl
 
  • #4
Cyclotron Boy,

Your link is a beautiful "shot to the past."
 

1. What is the process of "getting the lead out" or creating a musket ball?

The process of "getting the lead out" or creating a musket ball involves melting down lead in a furnace or pot, pouring the molten lead into a mold, and then allowing it to cool and solidify. The musket ball is then removed from the mold and any excess lead is trimmed off.

2. How were musket balls used historically?

Musket balls were used as ammunition for muskets, a type of firearm popular from the 16th to 19th centuries. They were inserted into the musket's barrel and propelled by gunpowder, allowing the musket to be fired at a target.

3. What materials other than lead were used to make musket balls?

While lead was the most commonly used material for musket balls, other metals such as iron, copper, and brass were also used. Some musket balls were even made from stone or clay.

4. How were musket balls standardized for use in warfare?

In the 18th and 19th centuries, musket balls were standardized by weight and size to ensure consistency and accuracy in warfare. This was done through the use of molds and gauges to ensure uniformity among musket balls produced by different manufacturers.

5. Are musket balls still used today?

Musket balls are no longer used as ammunition in modern warfare, but they are still used in historical reenactments and as collector's items. They have also been repurposed for use in hunting and target shooting with antique firearms.

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