Many different types of Pirate Cannons were used by the venturesome pirates. It is hard to think of any pirate ship from the Golden Age, or even any other ship from the 18th century without cannons. The cannons were the primary weapons of destruction used by Navies and pirates alike.
The pirates aimed to loot merchant ships, not sink them. Therefore, they favored cannnon ammunition that could kill people on the targeted ship without devastating its structure. It was due to the fact that larger guns could cause extensive damage to the vessel but required more manpower and a longer reloading time.
Throughout their evolution, most cannons were equipped with supplementary tools such as worms, rammers, and sponges. The earliest models were crafted from pricey bronze, while the latest and most affordable cannons boasted a construction of iron. These newer versions were lighter in weight, could be reloaded with greater speed, and boasted superior accuracy compared to their predecessors.
Smaller guns required fewer crew members and faster salvos, permitting the pirates to repeatedly bombard the deck, rigging, and ports, resulting in substantial casualties using two or three small guns instead of one large gun’s slower firing rate.
Pirate Cannon: Gun Crews
Pirate Cannons required 4-5 crew members to function efficiently. The pirate crew consisted of a First Gunner leading a crew consisting of a second Gunner, a loading gunner, a deputy loading gunner, a wiper, and a deputy wiper.
Each Gun crew also had a powder monkeym usually a 12-14-year-old boy whose role on the pirate ship was transporting gunpowder to the canons on the ship.
Types of Pirate Cannons
Swivel Gun
The swivel gun is one of the smallest types of cannons, which acted as a lightweight alternative to traditional cannons. It could be easily mounted or removed from any pirate ship, making it a convenient addition for quick, on-the-spot action.
Designed primarily for killing individuals on deck rather than causing significant harm to entire ships, this weapon features mobility due to its swivel mount and has a broad range.
As a result, it serves as a fantastic defensive weapon to fend off boarding enemies. The swivel gun can fire various types of ammunition, but it is particularly efficient when using grapeshot. However, the accuracy of this cannon is relatively low, which means that enemies must come close before it could be used.
Carronade
The Scottish Carron Company developed Carronades in 1778, which were mainly used by the Royal Navy instead of pirates. These were short-range cannons capable of inflicting significant damage and were used for demolishing vessels with their heavy cannonballs, unlike swivel guns. However, pirates still managed to get their hands on these deadly cannons for use on their pirate ships.
Types of Pirate Cannon Ammunition
Cannonballs
Cannonballs during the era could weigh up to 32 pounds. However, they were ineffective in causing damage from a distance due to their inaccuracy. Depending upon the type of targets, cannons were often loaded with a diverse range of ammunition.
Specialized ammunition included options such as gravel, nails, and a combined small cannon or musket ball. All of these were highly effective against enemy crew and specific areas of enemy ships, such as rigging and sails.
Bar and Chain Shot
The primary objective of using bar and chain shots was to cause harm to the rigging and sails of the enemy vessel. This kind of ammo consisted of two or more cannonballs linked together by an iron bar or chain. Upon being discharged, the projectile would spin in the air, causing massive damage to any sails and riggings it came into contact with.
Grapeshot
Bags filled with small iron balls measuring about three-quarters of an inch in diameter were utilized as grapeshot. Such ammunition was effective in causing lethal wounds on the crew atop the deck while causing minimal harm to the vessel. Bartholomew Roberts, a renowned pirate, met his demise due to the use of this type of shot.
Bundle Shot
These shots were designed specifically to inflict damage on the opposing crew. Bundle shots consist of short metal bars grouped with a rope. Once they are fired, the rope unravels, causing the metal bars to spread apart and strike everyone in the area. Such shots proved to be highly effective when used at close distances.