Why shouldn I use PVC pipe for launching shells and mines?
PVC (polyvinylchloride) pipe should never, ever, under any circumstances, be used to launch aerial shells or mines. It is a very brittle substance, no matter how thick it is. It cannot withstand the force of a powerful explosion, like that of a shells burst charge yes thats right, even consumer shells. If a shell were to be loaded upside-down in the mortar (or for some other reason get stuck), the explosion of the burst charge will shatter the PVC into razor sharp pieces of shrapnel that fly in all directions. Anyone standing nearby could be seriously injured or killed. Don F, a forum member, provided us with these pictures of a test he conducted with PVC and HDPE. Heres what he had to say: “I submit these real life demo photos take a few moments ago. (Keep in mind the PVC tube was placed in side a 3″ cardboard mortar with 3/4” wall thickness for safety reasons). If you notice there are a number of medium large shards missing , The reason is they are deeply embedded in the 3 inch morta
