Good smallbore bb/ copper pipe fits?

[spencetron]

I have been curious about the QEV/popoff combo for a long time now, and since recently it was proven quite effective, I have decided to jump on the bandwagon.

I have all the plans for this cannon drawn out but the only thing that is holding me back from start buying parts is the need to find a suitable ammo, and a corresponding barrel for it. Some of the other part's sizes are dependent on the ammo/barrel size. I want to kinda stick to a copper barrel because I want this cannon to be all sexy shiney copper, but if there is an awesome aluminum/ steel pipe and bb combo I may reconsider.

Do any of you guy know of any metal bb's, ball bearings, or steel shot sizes that will fit a copper pipe which would be available at lowes (Im not sure what kind they commonly stock.). I want to use an ammo between say 5-10mm or like a 1/4inch and a nice tight fit is what is desired here. It would also be nice if the ammo was affordable. I want to stray away from .177 bb's, despite their affordability, because I want an ammo with a little more punch. But once again, I may reconsider if there is a pipe size that fits well.

Thanks.

[spudtyrrant]

as far as i know all the smallest size pipe sold at lowes is 1/2 inch copper. all the pipe smaller than that is sold in rolls and will require a pipe straightener and then still may have small bumps that decrease performance. the best place i have found to buy the sizes you need are at the nearest auto-zone they have .177 -3/8 which will cover anything small and affordable. as for ammo i would suggest .177 but if you really want that punch use 6mm metal ball bearings they are pretty expensive at 4.2 cents each so you may want to make a catch i think they are worth the buy tho
http://cgi.ebay.com/1000-6mm-Dia-Chrome ... s=72%3A570

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

If it's punch and cheap ammo you want then you could go to 3/4" and use marbles, even at compressor pressures with a decent QEV and chamber size there would be few things you couldn't demolish with a 5 round burst

[spencetron]

Trrrant: I really should stop at a auto-zone to take a look, but im almost positive the Lowes near me sells at least 1/4" rigid copper pipe. I remember considering using it for This cannon, but opted for a tightbore airsoft barrel. I ran into that ebay bearing shop a little while ago and have been looking around, but its hard to find ball bearings cheap enough to be practical used in a 10-20bps full auto cannon.

Jack: Lovely idea, but with the spring magazine/hopper design I have in mind, it wouldn't be able to hold enough rounds. And I want to have on board regulated CO2, so gas efficiency.... using a .75 cal barrel... lol =P.

[thedeathofall]

I recently ordered a few things off Mcmaster. One was 0.25 inch steel ball bearings. 250 for like $3.50 (USD). These fit perfectly into 9/32 OD brass telescoping tube. the tubes have a 0.2533 inch ID and can be found at almost any hobby store in the US. I also recently discovered that 9/32 inch will fit perfectly in a 1/8 inch NPT nipple. It will slide in and out unless epoxied. I am using this to attach a barrel to a gun im working on.