How to Get the Cannonball Mould in OSRS: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re an Old School RuneScape (OSRS) player looking to level up your Smithing skills or make some extra gold, the cannonball mould is a must-have item. This handy tool allows you to craft cannonballs, which are essential for the Dwarf Multicannon—a powerful ranged weapon loved by Slayers and combat enthusiasts alike. But how do you get your hands on this elusive mould? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining the cannonball mould in OSRS, including quest requirements, locations, and tips to maximize its use. Let’s dive in!
The cannonball mould, also known as the ammo mould, is a key item used to smith cannonballs from steel bars. Each steel bar produces four cannonballs, making it a popular method for training Smithing while earning a profit. However, you can’t just buy it off the Grand Exchange—it’s a quest reward with specific steps to unlock.
What Is the Cannonball Mould?
The cannonball mould is a non-tradeable item required to craft cannonballs at a furnace. It’s a simple yet essential tool for players who own a Dwarf Multicannon, as cannonballs serve as its ammunition. With a Smithing level of 35, you can start using it to turn steel bars into cannonballs, gaining 25.6 Smithing XP per bar.
Why You Need the Cannonball Mould
Whether you’re training Slayer, Ranged, or simply looking to make some gold, the cannonball mould is your ticket to efficiency. Crafting cannonballs is a low-effort, AFK-friendly method that can net you decent profits, especially if steel bar prices are favorable. Plus, it’s a stepping stone to unlocking the upgraded double ammo mould later on.
Completing the Dwarf Cannon Quest
The primary way to obtain the cannonball mould in OSRS is by completing the Dwarf Cannon quest. This beginner-friendly quest has no skill requirements, making it accessible to new players and veterans alike. Here’s how to do it.
Quest Prerequisites and Starting Point
Requirements: None! You don’t need any specific levels or items to start, though having some basic combat gear (like a bronze sword or iron armor) can help with a small fight.
Starting Location: Head to Captain Lawgof, located at the Coal Trucks west of McGrubor’s Wood and north of the Fishing Guild. He’s near the entrance to the Dwarven Mine, just south of Ice Mountain.
Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough
- Talk to Captain Lawgof: He’ll ask for your help fixing a broken cannon and finding a missing dwarf. Accept the quest to begin.
- Repair the Railings: Inspect the six broken railings around the cannon area. Use the interface to fix them—you’ll need no items, just a few clicks.
- Find the Missing Dwarf: Travel south to the Fishing Guild, then head east to a watchtower. Climb up and talk to Lollk, the dwarf child, who’s hiding there.
- Return to Lawgof: Report back to Captain Lawgof, who will then send you to retrieve the cannonball mould from Nulodion.
- Get the Mould: Go to the Dwarven Mine entrance (south of Ice Mountain) and speak to Nulodion, the Dwarf Engineer. He’ll give you the cannonball mould and some notes.
- Finish the Quest: Return to Captain Lawgof with the mould and notes to complete the quest. You’ll earn 750 Crafting XP and keep the mould!
Quest Rewards
- Cannonball Mould: Yours to keep and use.
- 750 Crafting XP: A nice bonus for early-game players.
- Access to the Dwarf Multicannon: You can now buy cannon parts from Nulodion to assemble your own cannon.
Using the Cannonball Mould After the Quest
Once you’ve got the cannonball mould, it’s time to put it to work. Here’s how to start crafting cannonballs and some tips to optimize the process.
How to Craft Cannonballs
Requirements:
- Level 35 Smithing
- Cannonball mould (in inventory or toolbelt)
- Steel bars
- Access to a furnace
Steps:
- Head to a furnace (Edgeville is the most popular due to its proximity to a bank).
- Ensure the cannonball mould is in your inventory or toolbelt.
- Use a steel bar on the furnace and select the cannonball option.
- Wait 6 seconds per bar as it turns into 4 cannonballs, earning 25.6 Smithing XP.
Best Locations for Smithing Cannonballs
| Location | Distance to Bank | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Edgeville Furnace | 5-10 steps | None |
| Port Phasmatys Furnace | 10-15 steps | Ghosts Ahoy quest (optional for faster smelting with Morytania Legs 2) |
| Shilo Village Furnace | 5-10 steps | Shilo Village quest; 20 coins per use (free with Elite Karamja Diary) |
| Prifddinas Furnace | 10-15 steps | Song of the Elves quest |
Pro Tip: Edgeville is the go-to spot for most players due to its accessibility and no requirements. If you’ve completed Ghosts Ahoy and the medium Morytania Diary, Port Phasmatys doubles your smelting speed with Morytania Legs 2!
Upgrading to the Double Ammo Mould
For those looking to double their cannonball output, the double ammo mould is an excellent upgrade. It uses two steel bars at once to produce eight cannonballs, effectively doubling your efficiency.
How to Unlock the Double Ammo Mould
Requirements:
- Completed Dwarf Cannon quest
- Completed Sleeping Giants quest
- 2,000 Foundry Reputation from Giants’ Foundry
Steps:
- Complete the Sleeping Giants quest, which introduces the Giants’ Foundry minigame in the Piscatoris Fishing Colony.
- Participate in Giants’ Foundry by smithing giant swords to earn Foundry Reputation.
- Visit the Giants’ Foundry reward shop and purchase the double ammo mould for 2,000 Reputation points (takes about 2-3 hours of gameplay).
Benefits of the Double Ammo Mould
- Faster Production: Smelt 4,320–4,800 cannonballs per hour vs. 2,160–2,400 with the regular mould.
- Higher XP: Up to 27,000 Smithing XP per hour compared to 14,000.
- Better Profits: Roughly 220,000–240,000 GP per hour, depending on steel bar and cannonball prices.
Tips and Tricks for Cannonball Mould Success
Now that you’ve got the mould (or both moulds), here are some extra tips to make the most of it.
Maximizing Profits
- Check Grand Exchange Prices: Buy steel bars when they’re cheap and sell cannonballs when demand is high (e.g., during Slayer updates).
- Use a Coal Bag: If smelting your own steel bars, a coal bag from Motherlode Mine lets you carry more coal, reducing bank trips.
- AFK Strategy: Smithing cannonballs is slow but low-effort—perfect for multitasking or playing on an alt account.
Replacing a Lost Mould
If you lose your cannonball mould, don’t panic! Return to Nulodion at the Dwarven Mine entrance. He’ll replace it for free if you’ve completed the quest. Extra moulds cost just 5 coins each—practically nothing!
Combining with Other Skills
Use cannonballs with your Dwarf Multicannon to train Slayer and Ranged simultaneously. Popular spots include the Stronghold Slayer Cave or Catacombs of Kourend, where multi-combat areas let the cannon shine.
Final Thoughts: Getting the cannonball mould in OSRS is a straightforward process that opens up a world of skilling and combat opportunities. Whether you stick with the basic mould or upgrade to the double version, it’s a valuable tool for any adventurer. Complete the Dwarf Cannon quest today, grab your mould, and start smithing your way to success!