How heavy were the projectiles in a cannon?

The weight of projectiles used in cannons varied greatly depending on the size and purpose of the cannon. Cannons could fire a wide range of projectiles, including solid shot, explosive shells, and canister shot.

* Solid shot: These were solid balls made of iron or stone, and were the most common type of projectile used in cannons. The weight of solid shot could range from a few pounds to several hundred pounds.

* Explosive shells: These were hollow shells filled with gunpowder or other explosives, and were designed to detonate on impact. The weight of explosive shells could range from a few pounds to several hundred pounds, depending on the size of the shell.

* Canister shot: These were cylindrical containers filled with small metal balls, and were designed to scatter on impact, making them effective against enemy troops. The weight of canister shot could range from a few pounds to several tens of pounds.

In general, the larger the cannon, the heavier the projectile it could fire. For example, a 12-pounder cannon would fire a solid shot weighing 12 pounds, while a 24-pounder cannon would fire a solid shot weighing 24 pounds.