How To Load and Fire Civil War Cannon

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  • Опубліковано 12 лип 2012
  • It took a gun crew of six to load and fire the second most common rifled field artillery in both Armies. Seen in the video is the a vintage Model 1861 3-Inch Ordnance Gun. Manufactured by the Phoenix Iron Company in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, the field piece was fabricated from hammer-welded (wrought iron), machined iron. It was both accurate and reliable. The Hotchkiss shell was a common projectile fired, a three piece shell : The nose , a sabot and an iron forcing cup at the base that expanded the lead sabot upon firing. The other shell for this rifle was the Schenkl, a cone shaped projectile with ribs along its tapered base. The papier-mâché' sabot was driven up the taper by the force of the gas, expanding the sabot into the rifling. Maximum range was 1830-yards with a one-pound black powder charge at 5 degrees elevation.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 182

  • @marcelooliveirasoares3430
    @marcelooliveirasoares3430 4 роки тому +186

    Statistics at the time reported that 54% of cannon operators died of Boredom during the battle.

  • @davidhall8874
    @davidhall8874 6 років тому +114

    It is truly amazing how during the Civil war they could launch a projectile from a cannon using only a friction fuse and no gunpowder.

    • @panzerwolf494
      @panzerwolf494 2 роки тому +8

      Didn't you ever watch cartoons as a kid? Everyone knows the cannonball fires without gunpowder

    • @attorneyreel1181
      @attorneyreel1181 2 роки тому +8

      Yeah--CW artillery reenactor here. I noticed the same thing. They loaded a projectile but no powder, maybe for safety, but I think they could have faked it. Obviously, they removed the projectile and put a powder charge in off camera, or there would have been no muzzle flash.

    • @Jay-un1jz
      @Jay-un1jz Рік тому +2

      They used something similar to gun powder which they called “Black Powder” but I believe it works the same way. Not sure why they didn’t include this into the video.

    • @CM-di1oz
      @CM-di1oz 7 місяців тому +1

      @@Jay-un1jzblack powder and gunpowder are the same thing, however modern guns don't use it, they use "smokless powder" which is more powerful and as the name suggests produces less smoke.

    • @hoosieryank6731
      @hoosieryank6731 Місяць тому

      @@CM-di1oz I THINK that were they to show the powder loading, it woiuld be ramming it home but in a similar manner to using the worm--under hand technique, and the loader woiuld also make sure to be clear of the muzzle after the ramming...#3 man, I suspect (don't quote me on this). Maybe rifled cannonhad different procedures and protocols, but here's another video. ua-cam.com/video/B4mR-Hi0XnI/v-deo.html&ab_channel=HISTORICALFILMS

  • @hoosieryank6731
    @hoosieryank6731 4 роки тому +27

    Note that they don't use a proper percussion-fused shell. If they did, they couldn't use that rammer; crews using that had to use a special rammer with a hollow concave end to ram the shell without hitting the percussion fuse.

  • @winter-qb5bs
    @winter-qb5bs 7 років тому +58

    Loading in the civil war was like : "a long pierolodically time"

  • @billcarr9902
    @billcarr9902 3 роки тому +47

    Did I miss something or did they skip the step in which they loaded the gunpowder?

    • @user-xj7ze3bv3c
      @user-xj7ze3bv3c 2 роки тому +9

      The shell had gunpowder in it.

    • @Alexesssp
      @Alexesssp 2 роки тому +1

      @@user-xj7ze3bv3c correct, he even opens the shell to expose powder

    • @B61Mod12
      @B61Mod12 Рік тому +1

      ​@@Alexesssp Incorrect. The 3" Schenkl round as displayed in this video is missing its paper sabot and the powder charge is also not shown. That thing which was loaded is simply the projectile which will travel to the target and has a solid 1/2 inch cast iron case. You aren't poking a hole through it with a little spike.
      Dont' gob off regarding things you have no clue about.

    • @Alexesssp
      @Alexesssp Рік тому

      @@B61Mod12 nah

    • @B61Mod12
      @B61Mod12 Рік тому +2

      @@Alexesssp that's what your parents said when you were born.

  • @Kharkovkid
    @Kharkovkid 9 років тому +75

    Not that we know what we are seeing, it would have been nice to see it again at normal speed...

  • @handlesarecringe957
    @handlesarecringe957 3 роки тому +6

    Videos don't do it justice. The sound is one thing, but there's also a pressure wave and, if you're on a ship, you can feel the cannon rumbling through the deck. Best feeling in the world.

    • @ceyhuncv2632
      @ceyhuncv2632 2 роки тому +1

      You're fight in the warship? Use the cannon in ship?

    • @handlesarecringe957
      @handlesarecringe957 2 роки тому

      @@ceyhuncv2632 I've been on USS Brig Niagara when they fired a 32-pdr carronade

  • @smug8567
    @smug8567 5 років тому +3

    After this video I can see why casinos are so addicting. It's so visually appealing- straight psychological appeal.

  • @service1956
    @service1956 8 років тому +16

    I never would have thought that this early type of cannon would have had rifling grooves as scene at 2:03!!

    • @KhanggiTanka
      @KhanggiTanka 8 років тому +3

      Its not that early and rifling was used in canons way earlier than the civil war

    • @scottbrown7073
      @scottbrown7073 6 років тому +3

      service1956 rifling as it's called was starting just over a decade before the civil war reports say either Austria-Hungary or french made the first rifled weapon but during the civil war rifled cannons and muskets where mass produced, the 1861 Springfield musket and the 1858 British Enfield where the two most common muskets cannons and batterys where extensive with the most common 2 being the M1857 Napoleon 12 pounder rifled cannon and the 12 and 24 pounder Austrian howizerter witch I believe was also rifled

    • @scottbrown7073
      @scottbrown7073 6 років тому +1

      Almost forgot haha that being said smoothbores where still used alot by both sides. What ever was available at the time. The famous South general "Stonewall Jackson" was shot and wounded by his own troops and as his surgern stated after he removed the bullet he said. It's a smooth bore round was most definitely the boys from texas. At the time the war broke out most factory's where in the north and the union had trade with the western powers so the south had to arm alot of there men with older rifles. Some men even using the muskets given to them by there father's used in early wars even as far back as the revaluationary war

    • @southronjr1570
      @southronjr1570 Рік тому

      The gun the showed is an original 4 inch ordnance rifle ad yes, they were most defiantly rifled. Rifle cannons had been used ad experimented with long before he civil war, the big issue was the metal. Rifled cannons tended to have higher breach pressures because of the tight fitment of the round and the bore. With the metallurgy of the day prior to around 1845 to 1850, the rifled guns would tend to burst on firing. They made bronze and brass rifled cannons that would bulge instead of bursting but the rifling would rapidly wear out due to the pressures and projectiles used. The 3 inch ordnance rifle was unique because it used a forging ad welding process with straps or iron and rings of steel that were forged together that allowed he guns to not burst upon firing with projectiles designed for a close fitment to the bore. He absolute best rifled, muzzle loading cannons of the day were those made by Sir Joseph Whitworth (same guy who invented the Whitworth thread and standardized it). He made both cannons and small arms using hexagonal rifling with projectiles that had the match hexagonal twist made into them. The guns were, and still are, amazingly accurate and rarely ever failed in combat.

  • @JohnSmith-he7yv
    @JohnSmith-he7yv 6 років тому +40

    Man them Yankees need to stay away from the McDonald's wagon

    • @ianjamelske8371
      @ianjamelske8371 4 роки тому +3

      John Smith fun fact... there were fat people before McDonald’s

    • @polarjet1833
      @polarjet1833 3 роки тому +2

      Ian Jamelske it’s a joke

  • @docsaaid2939
    @docsaaid2939 4 роки тому +5

    Lesson:- wars are devastating for people living at that war times... May the civil war deads rest in peace. Respect Ners/Sers

    • @lvlc6023
      @lvlc6023 3 роки тому

      @CDS Pvt Depending on the perspective and for the people engaged in it.

    • @ceyhuncv2632
      @ceyhuncv2632 2 роки тому +1

      South vs north War?

  • @Dave-yl8rf
    @Dave-yl8rf 7 років тому +121

    So... if a cannon crew lost a single man, they were pretty much screwed and could not fire anymore?

    • @christopherb597
      @christopherb597 7 років тому +46

      Kras well not nessasaraly. depends on experience and the crews quick thinking and improvisation

    • @atomichorizen3987
      @atomichorizen3987 7 років тому +21

      Kras they still could it would just take a lot longer to load, aim and fire

    • @gunsgt
      @gunsgt 7 років тому +9

      My reenactment group safely loaded our 3" rifle with 3 men. It can be done with a minimum of 2 (one on the muzzle end, one on the breach end).

    • @christopherb597
      @christopherb597 7 років тому +2

      Michael Drzewiecki wow you replied? a whole month after. I remember awnserig this to great to see your still around!

    • @J14702
      @J14702 6 років тому +8

      They could fire with as little as two men

  • @REALjohnmosesbrowning
    @REALjohnmosesbrowning 8 років тому +39

    Where is the powder???

    • @cringeyparkour784
      @cringeyparkour784 7 років тому +5

      Italiamerican in the shell

    • @Patches-qm9iy
      @Patches-qm9iy 7 років тому +6

      no... not in the shell... in a cloth (in modern days tin foil) pouch seated behind the shell

    • @IosifStalinsendsyoutoGulag
      @IosifStalinsendsyoutoGulag 5 років тому

      @@Patches-qm9iy Same thing I was wondering about...how do they put it in?

    • @im.koyami
      @im.koyami 4 роки тому

      Иосиф Steelin with the shell maybe

  • @US37mmGunner
    @US37mmGunner 2 роки тому +10

    Only thing you left out was for the entire crew in direct proximity of the piece to open they mouths (pressure equalization) when the gun was fired. Don't know if that's a re-enactorism or common practice during the CW... Otherwise excellent drill.

    • @notlad1282
      @notlad1282 Рік тому +2

      This whole drill was pretty much a re-enactorism.

    • @waldemar4149
      @waldemar4149 10 місяців тому

      У этих ребят внешность открытых и общительных людей.. Думаю что их рты не закрывались ни на минуту.

  • @Noobixm
    @Noobixm Рік тому +1

    "oops we missed, time to go through all that again"

  • @elmerfudd7674
    @elmerfudd7674 Рік тому

    Just acquired a 10lb. cannon. How do you make the powder/projectile round??

  • @jimpeden1686
    @jimpeden1686 8 років тому +40

    Seems they forgot to load the powder bag. All I saw was a projectile. Later they pricked the nonexistent powder bag. Mmmmmm

    • @TonyMontana-zk6ib
      @TonyMontana-zk6ib 8 років тому +12

      I didn't either. The only reason why i came to a video like this is to see how they load the power.

    • @Vlad-1986
      @Vlad-1986 7 років тому +2

      By that time they had cannons who shot shells with powder inside the shell, so not need for powder bags. If you want to watch powder bags being loaded, aim a century earlier from the American civil war (I can imagine they also used older cannons who needed powder bags, but usually on reenactments they go for the most modern stuff they had)

    • @laurenceperkins7468
      @laurenceperkins7468 4 роки тому +4

      @@Vlad-1986 They did have cannon which used fixed ammunition. They're called howitzers and were generally breach-loading. The powder for one of these would have been either in a bag, or measured into a wooden tool that fit the bore depending on which army. They just showed the projectile and not the powder in this video since they probably weren't firing live ammunition and just got the shell out for demonstration purposes.

  • @Trey_816
    @Trey_816 Рік тому +1

    What is the music after Bonnie Blue Flag called?

  • @birdmcrandomsux
    @birdmcrandomsux 3 роки тому +6

    *slowly points cannon at battlefield V disc and sets fuse*

  • @patrickweisback5835
    @patrickweisback5835 4 роки тому +2

    Who loads the gunpowder?

  • @geetarinmofo
    @geetarinmofo 4 роки тому +6

    Wonder what this looks like in combat speed.

  • @geraldsprinkel2358
    @geraldsprinkel2358 5 років тому +2

    Those jeans look period correct. 😂😂

  • @PossumMedic
    @PossumMedic 4 роки тому +4

    I can't help but think number 3 wouldn't be needed if the Sargent wasn't so damn lazy!

  • @zenauz
    @zenauz Рік тому

    i don’t do this stuff but is cool to watch

  • @The20030
    @The20030 2 роки тому

    What song is this called?

  • @dinoavdic32990
    @dinoavdic32990 4 роки тому +1

    What about the powder?

  • @r.h.1400
    @r.h.1400 5 років тому +1

    Thats dope

  • @militaryhistoryguy
    @militaryhistoryguy 4 роки тому +6

    I'm trying to figure out what manual these folks are using...because that's not how the Army loaded and fired a Civil War cannon.

    • @ohiofisherofmen2194
      @ohiofisherofmen2194 2 роки тому +1

      Well one has jeans on and the other doesn't know if he is artillery or berdans lol I think that may have something to do with it . These guys don't very much seem to know what they are doing

  • @johnowen8726
    @johnowen8726 4 роки тому

    Nice drill fellas. NCWAA drill?

  • @unappreciatedtreehouse821
    @unappreciatedtreehouse821 Рік тому

    I like number 3's job.

  • @josephastier7421
    @josephastier7421 4 роки тому +1

    They picked the right guy for #5

  • @tempo529
    @tempo529 Рік тому

    Did Union artillary do a lot of fighting in public parks?

  • @Trey_816
    @Trey_816 Рік тому

    1:27 What's that song?

  • @jcomandante6629
    @jcomandante6629 2 роки тому

    Thank you.

  • @MrOGREATWISEONE
    @MrOGREATWISEONE 4 роки тому

    What was the reason for a thumb being placed over the firing hole?

    • @pavelv543
      @pavelv543 4 роки тому +2

      Vent cover. This protects against intrusion and blowing of hot residues to the vent and in the bottom of the barrel, which could ignite the powder charge while loading or during pricking of the bag through the vent. It is 18 years ago, when one crew did not cover it and the no.2 lost three fingers while he loading the third shot. The rammer flew across the battlefield 300 meters. Fortunately, to an empty space.

  • @dacautos775
    @dacautos775 2 місяці тому

    The enemy would have you slaughtered whilst all that was going on 😂😂

  • @Joshuazx
    @Joshuazx Рік тому

    How long does this process take? 1 Minute? 2?

  • @alexkvalheimer4502
    @alexkvalheimer4502 Рік тому +1

    What’s funny is all of this is not even close to the period manuals. The worm was rarely ever used, the sponge should be damp not wet, so much wrong in such little time

  • @Droneworx421
    @Droneworx421 Рік тому

    I just realize this song that was in the video was from Titanic when Jack and Rose were dancing:)

  • @robertleearnoldjr4423
    @robertleearnoldjr4423 4 роки тому

    Just looking for equipment used I need to re create guettysburg it's not real just for history remembrence on both sides

  • @jedediahsibley3355
    @jedediahsibley3355 3 роки тому +2

    Guess this cannon doesn't take powder?

  • @JohnSmith-zw2yd
    @JohnSmith-zw2yd 7 років тому +5

    At that time i made my own nuke

  • @ConStormENT
    @ConStormENT 4 роки тому

    Why the heck am i watching this at 1 in the morning?

  • @muhdshuhairi609
    @muhdshuhairi609 5 років тому +1

    Imagine Making an MG Cannon. It would overheat and Burst the cannon.

  • @obeezytex5466
    @obeezytex5466 4 роки тому +1

    Bruh, in the alamo they fired long nails and horseshoes and lord knows what else 😂

  • @docsaaid2939
    @docsaaid2939 4 роки тому +1

    Who else wondered if the sponge got out of the stick and remained in the cannon. What would be done then???

    • @patrickmchose7472
      @patrickmchose7472 3 роки тому +2

      You'd use the corkscrew tool to snag it and pull it out.

  • @mantab1590
    @mantab1590 2 роки тому +2

    ...and years later, the shot😅

  • @robertmarcotte4652
    @robertmarcotte4652 9 місяців тому

    Was the person that played the violin # 6

  • @southronjr1570
    @southronjr1570 Рік тому

    Thats mighty interesting, yall were able to get the gun to go off without placing a powder charge down the barrel and by using only a part of an original round. That must be how the yanks won the war, they had magical cannons, no way them Johnny rebs could of matched that.

  • @SturmHH
    @SturmHH 10 років тому

    that gun isnt smooth they has traks and fields havy to load from front

  • @mregensb1sgt
    @mregensb1sgt 5 років тому

    Button those top buttons soldiers...

  • @holmes1978
    @holmes1978 9 років тому +1

    Very. Cool !!!

  • @serenade4926
    @serenade4926 5 років тому +1

    What i like about these civil war cannons is that when you load it, you have to ram it in and stuff. Plus you have to cover your ears. idk why these are the good facts i like.

  • @micah-3062
    @micah-3062 6 років тому +1

    Why is the Bonnie blue flag playing if it's union arty

    • @taggartlawfirm
      @taggartlawfirm 4 роки тому

      Micah Brumley it’s also, “the Irish volunteer.”

  • @Southern19
    @Southern19 3 роки тому

    This song sounds a lot like Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech at certain parts

  • @ducksractuallyepic
    @ducksractuallyepic 10 місяців тому

    Thank you kind sir, this guide was very useful! I have successfully fired my cannon, although, I have one problem. These strange men in blue are chasing me, they are saying something along the lines of "GET BACK HERE YOU MENACE, YOU KILLED 12 PEOPLE" in an angry voice, anyhow, kind regards: your favorite time traveler...

  • @bholl6546
    @bholl6546 3 роки тому

    We’re listening to Dixie while watching union soldiers. Hmmm. Do you know the lyrics to this song lol?

  •  2 роки тому

    Very good video!

  • @blakesmith4193
    @blakesmith4193 3 роки тому

    Great job

  • @SB-qm5wg
    @SB-qm5wg 6 років тому

    Yeah, pretty sure they didn't go through that perfectly under fire.

  • @ginnymonroe4918
    @ginnymonroe4918 5 років тому

    Hi, In battle how fast could a team load a cannon?

    • @militaryhistoryguy
      @militaryhistoryguy 4 роки тому

      It depended upon the gun being used and the circumstances. Some guns used the Army standard of a sustained rate of fire of 1 round every 90 seconds.

    • @theuniongamer4552
      @theuniongamer4552 Рік тому

      @@militaryhistoryguy 4 Rounds a minute for an experienced crew.

  • @pepto4114
    @pepto4114 2 роки тому +3

    There is just so many thing's yall got wrong its just sad. Yall should be ashamed of yall's selves.

  • @cosimobrandizzi7922
    @cosimobrandizzi7922 3 роки тому

    Honey why is there cannon ball in the bathtub

  • @manle8517
    @manle8517 5 років тому +1

    They are unavailable to make that step that just show not reality . In war if they lose 1,2,3 crew they messy . Just 2 crew to action

  • @eriktheissen5879
    @eriktheissen5879 4 роки тому +2

    I wish you were actually promoting the actual original drill rather then a reenactor made up version

  • @redin575
    @redin575 5 років тому +1

    This is interesting, but I don't really understand why it took five guys to do all this.

  • @ohiofisherofmen2194
    @ohiofisherofmen2194 2 роки тому

    Umm corporal typically would aim just saying

  • @stephensmith8101
    @stephensmith8101 5 років тому

    Must be a Yankee Cannon crew lol ..

  • @borakdaily6922
    @borakdaily6922 4 роки тому +3

    i came from 2019

  • @_RaysFan
    @_RaysFan 3 роки тому +1

    I was playing a Civil War game in roblox and it was exactly like this.

    • @reeksofsuIphur
      @reeksofsuIphur 3 роки тому

      Blood and Iron, it’s a fucking amazing game.

  • @davidgruen7423
    @davidgruen7423 2 роки тому

    Truly cursed by design.

  • @cmccurley33
    @cmccurley33 11 місяців тому

    Wow, this is nothing like the original manuals. This is weird, modern reenactor drill

  • @susantolie3167
    @susantolie3167 3 роки тому

    102 confederate soldiers disliked dis

  • @crookedriver2079
    @crookedriver2079 6 років тому +5

    IF YOU ARE STRIVING FOR ACCURACY, YOU CAN'T HAVE A FAT WOMAN AS ONE OF THE GUN CREW!!!

  • @lcs684
    @lcs684 7 років тому

    who did this for homework

  • @samilahidjako1795
    @samilahidjako1795 3 роки тому

    ДА НИКОГДА ЕЩЕ ЗНАМЯ КОНФЕДЕРАЦИИ НЕ БЫЛО В КАПИТОЛИИ ...

  • @shadowprincessnami3412
    @shadowprincessnami3412 5 років тому +2

    I’m calling your bullshit right now. You said it requires a minimum of 5 people to fire this gun, that is a lie. I know for a fact you can do 2 man field gun drill as I have done it before. Is it efficient? No. Is it doable? Absolutely.

    • @tb7771
      @tb7771 4 роки тому

      Same here, although it was a mountain howitzer.

  • @user-gp4hl3zk7e
    @user-gp4hl3zk7e 4 роки тому

    мда с такими пушками не повоюеш против коницы

  • @mnmufid
    @mnmufid 5 років тому

    Bad ending video ...

  • @mr.ackermann807
    @mr.ackermann807 2 роки тому

    For the one who asked about the gunpowder, I think its already in the shot. Still figuring it out myself.

    • @danielkohli1542
      @danielkohli1542 8 місяців тому

      The propellant is in a separate flannel or cotton bag.

    • @mr.ackermann807
      @mr.ackermann807 8 місяців тому

      @@danielkohli1542 ok.

  • @rickiovine2170
    @rickiovine2170 4 роки тому +6

    These re-enactments are admirable, but cannot do justice in helping me visualize combat in that pre-camera era.
    Why?
    The fighting man in the 18th-19th century was slender. He had to be. Lack of fast food restaurants and living the hard life of a soldier could only result in a fit, 120-135lb man.
    I just cannot get past all of those re-enactors with their over fed bellies and cherubic faces. There is no way that they could do a 25 mile march carrying 50lbs on their backs, and, then, go directly into battle. Not without a Big Mac and a nap first.

  • @leosicairos1135
    @leosicairos1135 2 роки тому

    Whenever I see civil war demonstrations, I always see only union soldiers but never confederate soldiers I wonder why?

  • @saldaman101
    @saldaman101 Рік тому

    dorks

  • @hah_gaaaaayyyy
    @hah_gaaaaayyyy 11 років тому +1

    This is wrong. The drill is incorrect and everbody is a farb. What drill is that? Because it is not the correct period Hunt, Berry, and French.

  • @uq1262
    @uq1262 4 роки тому

    There where 4 man needed to load a canon ! And here we need 6 man ? Seriously

  • @user-xt8ch7vv3y
    @user-xt8ch7vv3y 4 роки тому

    And they get in jail lol

  • @WingsOfADream1
    @WingsOfADream1 Рік тому

    and god willing good and bad med died after all this... X'D

  • @OwenBudd1
    @OwenBudd1 2 місяці тому

    This is hilarious, none of this is anything even remotely close to actual Civil war artillery loading or operation 😂

  • @CMB-vl4ee
    @CMB-vl4ee 6 років тому +2

    Farbs

  • @ghostface1529
    @ghostface1529 3 роки тому

    I believe 2 years before rona hit I went to an old revolutionary era fort in my state in the upper peninsula and actually did a fire drill with other people as a hands on demonstration obviously we didn't have the blank they were going to fire but we did do it I was chosen to be the guy with the worm tool and we actually were 2 seconds faster than the fastest time history has recorded in a speed test challenge by the dude that was giving the orders it was really fun and after that he shot a blank out of the cannon which was part of the event

  • @ShadowbladeZZ
    @ShadowbladeZZ 7 років тому +1

    Its fake theres no way it would this long the enemy would already be stabbing you with bayonets

  • @adamlund2299
    @adamlund2299 5 років тому

    Awful drill.
    It really only takes 5 crew.
    2 at a bare minimum.