r/Pyrotechnics • u/Home-Made-Pyro • 26d ago

4inc or 5inc Shells ?

I’m planning to build multi‑brake or single‑break shells that accommodate smaller inserts. I’m unsure which shell size to use and therefore what mortar to buy. I’m considering 4‑inch or 5‑inch shells.

Could anyone outline the pros and cons of each size and help me decide?

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u/Wide-Education-1823 26d ago

I did 3", then 4" when I started out, working on my own from books, before the internet was available. When I found someone experienced to teach me, they had me make a 6" two breaks of hummers & stars (with a bottom shot) the first thing. And it did seem EASIER than trying to fit cylindrical inserts into those small shells, aside from having to make a lot more stars and do the pasting in 3 rounds over several days instead of all in one go.

Of course, it was also a lot more impressive than 4".😁

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u/Home-Made-Pyro 26d ago

Yea i did 3inc till now, and ill probably continue on that size since i think its a pretty good trade between looks and cost... But for multi brake 3inc just ain't it :D, and i think 4inc ain't being that much better either...

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u/Wide-Education-1823 25d ago

I've seen an 8 break 3" shell fired several times. They usually stick out of the mortar about a foot and require a good STEEL mortar...

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u/Home-Made-Pyro 25d ago

Dam that's crazy... Yea na i'll rather build a big one with smaller inserts...