Get the lead out, or birth of a musket ball

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Musket balls were historically made by dropping molten lead from a height into water, which raises concerns about their sphericity due to potential irregularities. Modern technology could enhance this process by improving timing and temperature controls, leading to more uniform shapes. In a weightless environment, surface tension could theoretically create perfectly spherical balls, although spin would still pose challenges. The discussion also highlights the historical significance of shot towers in the production of musket balls. Overall, advancements in technology could significantly refine the manufacturing process of musket balls.
Loren Booda
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Musket balls were once produced by dropping a measured amount of molten lead from a high tower into a trough of water. What various abberations from musket ball sphericity would you anticipate, and with the technology present how might you improve on this process?
 
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Shot towers

Check out http://www.nysata.com/historical_memorabilia/shot_towers.htm for information on the history of shot-making. As for irregularities, try and think about timing and temperature controls we have today.

Good luck.
-F
 
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In a weightless environment you could make a ball that was formed only with surface tension, no air resistance or gravity to distort it. Spin would still be a problem though.

Njorl
 
Cyclotron Boy,

Your link is a beautiful "shot to the past."
 

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