Having shot a bunch of 3" 10d (10 penny nails ~88 grains) through 5/8" plywood at 20 feet, I am convinced that a 100 psi challenge is open to all PVC and metal gun builders.
100 psi is very easy to get.
Quick to get to 100 psi.
A bicycle pump, compressor, etc. almost any pump will do.
What damage can you do with 100 psi at 20 feet?
100 psi idea/challenge
- boyntonstu
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- Technician1002
- Captain

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I like this.
I have a few ideas. With a metal nail, I can magnetize them and use pickup coils to chronograph them. I can then directly compare sabot against small bore performance and use the best design to drive the nails.
I think the 2 inch cannon with a 2.5 inch barrel with a pop bottle sabot should do well.

I have a few ideas. With a metal nail, I can magnetize them and use pickup coils to chronograph them. I can then directly compare sabot against small bore performance and use the best design to drive the nails.
I think the 2 inch cannon with a 2.5 inch barrel with a pop bottle sabot should do well.
My pump can't get to 100PSI (im not fat enough...)
The pump reads "high volume steel barrel"
The pump reads "high volume steel barrel"
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SEAKING9006
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- Location: Texas
Hmmm..... 100 psi..... Depending on the cannon/ammunition, you could do a very large amount of damage.... Depending on your definition of 'damage'.
Brings back memories of cast iron weights in the physics department. That one-kilo weight was calling to me, I swear....
Brings back memories of cast iron weights in the physics department. That one-kilo weight was calling to me, I swear....
Completed projects:
CA1 SMSS Basic Inline
CA3 PDAB Airburst Cannon
Current Project: Bolt action rifle (25x140mm + 1in shot)
CA1 SMSS Basic Inline
CA3 PDAB Airburst Cannon
Current Project: Bolt action rifle (25x140mm + 1in shot)
well i know that my big pvc cannon (PLAUGE) at 100 psi will do some crazy damage. now i just have to attach some finns so my 18inch long 5/8 solid steel rod...
i guess i dont need to be in too much hurry seeing as i cant shoot it for at least 3 months due to tempature
i guess i dont need to be in too much hurry seeing as i cant shoot it for at least 3 months due to tempature
- boyntonstu
- Sergeant

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These common nails are $2.00 for a 1 pound box at WalMart. I counted 104 nails.
If the head diameter is a problem for small barrels, you can use a finishing nail.
100 psi and a 3" nail.
What damage can you do with it?
BoyntonStu
If the head diameter is a problem for small barrels, you can use a finishing nail.
100 psi and a 3" nail.
What damage can you do with it?
BoyntonStu
- spudtyrrant
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see now that changes things lolboyntonstu wrote:These common nails are $2.00 for a 1 pound box at WalMart. I counted 104 nails.
If the head diameter is a problem for small barrels, you can use a finishing nail.
100 psi and a 3" nail.
What damage can you do with it?
BoyntonStu
- Technician1002
- Captain

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- Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:10 am
100 PSI on a small diameter is very little accelerating force. A small long barrel limits flow.
May I recommend a large bore for the low 100 PSI for greater acceleration? I would be tempted to try to use a 10 foot 2 inch bore barrel on my 3 gallon do drive that nail to near sonic speed with a light sabot.
I gotta try that..
May I recommend a large bore for the low 100 PSI for greater acceleration? I would be tempted to try to use a 10 foot 2 inch bore barrel on my 3 gallon do drive that nail to near sonic speed with a light sabot.
I gotta try that..
- boyntonstu
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EXACTLY my point.Technician1002 wrote:100 PSI on a small diameter is very little accelerating force. A small long barrel limits flow.
May I recommend a large bore for the low 100 PSI for greater acceleration? I would be tempted to try to use a 10 foot 2 inch bore barrel on my 3 gallon do drive that nail to near sonic speed with a light sabot.![]()
I gotta try that..
You read my mind.
A 10d nail can be sabot-ed to fit any barrel larger than its head.
I discovered that a double thick index card was required to prevent blow out of the tail.
It would be very interesting to see how much velocity/energy can be transferred to the nail with 'only' 100 psi and make it fly straight.
I had to go to 550 psi to finally push a 72 grain marble through 5/8" plywood.
Using 100 psi to drive a 90 grain nail cleanly through the same plywood is a real eye opener.
I may be reaching the conclusion that enough is enough (100 psi).
It sure makes life simpler on me and on the equipment.
BoyntonStu
<maniacal> DD-1 at 100psi??? hhmmm... Do we have to use nails??? Or is this shooters choice of projectile??? 
My Cannons can be found by clicking the following link.
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtop ... tml#256896
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtop ... tml#256896
- Technician1002
- Captain

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I live in town. Setting the target on my neighbor's porch cross the street won't make me very popular around here.
If I could use my space by the RV parking with the log to catch strays, then things may go smoothly. 
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