OK, this is big stuff

[Pwc]

Why were Civil War mortor "tubes" so much heavier than cannon or parrot rifle barrels?

 

[sawcarver]

The large siege mortars were so huge due to the 20lbs of black powder used to lob a 200lbs 13" projectile. Also the theory was more explosive shot was used in siege mortars than cannon so it would help contain an explosion of the shell still in the tube.

There was smaller Coehorn mortars 12 and 24 pounders that could be carried by a 2 or four man team. Those shot 4.5 and 5.5" projectiles and used less than a half pound of powder. These are more in the realm of a standard field cannon like a Napoleon, Parrot or 3" ordinance rifle.

 

[SierraCJ5]

The large siege mortars were so huge due to the 20lbs of black powder used to lob a 200lbs 13" projectile. Also the theory was more explosive shot was used in siege mortars than cannon so it would help contain an explosion of the shell still in the tube.

There was smaller Coehorn mortars 12 and 24 pounders that could be carried by a 2 or four man team. Those shot 4.5 and 5.5" projectiles and used less than a half pound of powder. These are more in the realm of a standard field cannon like a Napoleon, Parrot or 3" ordinance rifle.

Great info, thanks. What reading would you suggest for someone to learn more about this history?