Has anyone tried using CO₂ instead of compressed air for a pneumatic cannon?

Cannons powered by pneumatic pressure (compressed gas) using a valve or other release.
annasm
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Hi everyone,
I'm researching using CO₂ as the propellant for a pneumatic cannon instead of a regular air compressor.Retro Bowl I'm curious about real-world differences in pressure stability, performance (range/consistency), and how CO₂ affects valves, seals, and other rubber/plastic components over time. Are there specific safety or legal concerns to watch for when using CO₂? If you've tested this or have experience, could you share what worked, what failed, and any setup tips or precautions? Thanks in advance!
Last edited by annasm on Tue Nov 25, 2025 10:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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jimmy101
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search spudfiles, there are lots of posts using CO2. Usually people use paintball tanks and regulators.
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D_Hall
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LOTS of folks have used CO2. How it behaves depends greatly upon how you intend to use it. It could be anywhere from indistinguishable from air to a very exotic critter. You haven't really told us what you're planning on doing.
Simulation geek (SDT/GGDT/HGDT) and designer of Vera.
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