estimated range

Boom! The classic potato gun harnesses the combustion of flammable vapor. Show us your combustion spud gun and discuss fuels, ratios, safety, ignition systems, tools, and more.
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FishBoy
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Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:07 pm

I just completed a new gun, it's in the shape of a J (the chamber under the barrel). The chamber is 4"x36" & the barrel is 2"x7'. it is a spray & pray with 2 sparks (one on each end of the chamber). My first cannon (3"x16" chamber, 1.5"x51" breach loading barrel) has a max range of close to 300 yards (also a spray & pray). My question was, what would be a good estimate for the range of this new cannon? I was guessing a min. of 400 yards. Also, to all who know about spray and prays, what are some good fuels? I have used brut & right guard.

edit- also, any suggestions for a long range projectile for the 2" barrel
Last edited by FishBoy on Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:17 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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starman
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Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:15 pm

A lot is going to depend on your ammo. If it's a potato, chances are very good you aren't getting 300 yds now and won't with your new gun either. Chances are better that you'll start vaporizing the potato out of the muzzle. Bigger isn't really better with spuds...

Other solid ammo is a different story...

Re. fuel, just stick with whatever you're having success with while you are spraying and praying....not that much difference among them.

If you are going to the trouble of building a new gun, why not take on the challenge of an advanced model.
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Boom_erang
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Tue Jun 10, 2008 2:38 pm

I agree with starman that 300 yards is unlikely - the mass of the potato vs. it's size is just not high enough. They tumble and slow down a lot after leaving the muzzle. Nevertheless, they can and often do go 200 yards or perhaps more.

For fuel, I've had great luck with Static Guard. It takes about 1/2 second for my 4" x 9" chamber, and about 1/3 second for my 3"x18" chamber. And it fires pretty much every time.

A lot of guys here using spray 'n' pray guns use carb cleaner (ether) with good results. I like the way Static Guard makes a fine mist - seems easier to use and gets consistent results. I've been meaning to try atomized 90% rubbing alcohol. You can get that at Wallgreens.

-B
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Tue Jun 10, 2008 2:51 pm

Boom_erang wrote:I agree with starman that 300 yards is unlikely - the mass of the potato vs. it's size is just not high enough. They tumble and slow down a lot after leaving the muzzle. Nevertheless, they can and often do go 200 yards or perhaps more.

For fuel, I've had great luck with Static Guard. It takes about 1/2 second for my 4" x 9" chamber, and about 1/3 second for my 3"x18" chamber. And it fires pretty much every time.

A lot of guys here using spray 'n' pray guns use carb cleaner (ether) with good results. I like the way Static Guard makes a fine mist - seems easier to use and gets consistent results. I've been meaning to try atomized 90% rubbing alcohol. You can get that at Wallgreens.

-B
Ive tried 99% rubbing alcohol in a spritzer, but doesnt work very well. Im experimenting with it aswell.
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