New to spud launching, need help.

[Greyhounds45]

I am new to this forum, but have been around forums for a while so I will try not to make any mistakes.
I have a few questions, one of which is more an opinion probably.
1. whats the best type of ammo besides potatos, as they probably are not as effecient and effective as some ammo choices.
2. what can I do to increase the range and accuracy of a potato gun?
3.I almost am finished building my first spud cannon, which has 4 feet of 4 inch pvc pipe with the end cap cemented on one side. it then connects to 3 feet of 3inch pvc pipe, then to about 4-6 inches of 2 inch pvc pipe, and then a ball valve. after that i have 2-3 feet of 2 inch pipe as my barrel. my question is would it be any more effecient to have the 4 inch chamber go immedietly to the 2 inch pipe? also any other suggestions to this design is awesome, I am a newb. I am planning on making another sometime after the holidays are over and done with so any ideas or help for future plans are also appreciated.
Thanks!!!!!!

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Welcome to the forum! Some random points:

Ball valves are a terrible choice as a valve. I presume this is for a pneumatic cannon. Piston valves and burst disk valves are a better idea, you can look this up in the wiki: http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... =Main_Page

Going directly from 4 inches to 2 inches should not affect performance. Is your pipe pressure rated?

Spuds are a terrible choice of projectile if range is your goal. Have a patient read through this thread: http://www.spudfiles.com/spud-cannon-re ... 22491.html

whats a decent barrel length for a beginner spud gun ran off of compressed air?

Too many variables to give you a straight answer. GGDT is a useful program that allows you to simulate your launcher before building it: http://thehalls-in-bfe.com/GGDT/

[Greyhounds45]

It's just ran off of compressed air, and it's schd. 40 pipe. Thanks!

edit: tested the spud gun today, and it works like a charm !!!!! next im gonna make some better ammo from tennis balls or something.