OSRS How to Get Cannonball Mould Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the cannonball mould, also known as the ammo mould, is a key item for players looking to craft cannonballs for the Dwarf Multicannon. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining the cannonball mould, using it, and upgrading to the double ammo mould for faster smithing. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you unlock this essential tool to boost your Ranged and Slayer training.
The cannonball mould is a non-tradeable item used to smith cannonballs, which serve as ammunition for the Dwarf Multicannon. Each steel bar, when used with the mould at a furnace, produces four cannonballs, granting 25.6 Smithing experience. Cannonballs are popular for training Ranged and Slayer efficiently, making the mould a valuable asset for players aiming to maximize their combat gains.
Why You Need the Cannonball Mould
Here’s why the cannonball mould is worth getting:
- Combat Efficiency: Cannonballs power the Dwarf Multicannon, speeding up Slayer tasks and Ranged training.
- Profit Potential: Smithing cannonballs can be profitable, with one steel bar yielding four cannonballs that often sell for more than the bar’s cost.
- Smithing Experience: Crafting cannonballs provides a steady, AFK-friendly way to train Smithing.
How to Obtain the Cannonball Mould
The primary way to get the cannonball mould is by progressing through the Dwarf Cannon quest. Below is a detailed guide to help you secure it.
Step 1: Start the Dwarf Cannon Quest
The Dwarf Cannon quest is a short, members-only quest with no skill or quest requirements, making it accessible for most players. To begin:
- Travel to the Coal Trucks west of Seers’ Village, just north of Falador.
- Speak to Captain Lawgof near the broken multicannon to start the quest.
Step 2: Complete the Quest Tasks
The quest involves several straightforward tasks:
- Repair the Cannon: Inspect and fix six railings around the area using a hammer (provided in your inventory if you don’t have one).
- Retrieve the Dwarf Child: Head south to the Goblin Cave near the Fishing Guild, enter, and speak to the dwarf child, Lollk, to escort him back.
- Meet Nulodion: Travel to the Dwarven Mines entrance south of Ice Mountain (northeast of Falador) and talk to Nulodion, the Dwarf Engineer.
Step 3: Receive the Cannonball Mould
After speaking with Nulodion, he’ll give you the ammo mould and some notes. Return to Captain Lawgof with these items to complete the quest. Upon completion, the mould is yours to keep. If you lose it, you can buy another from Nulodion for just 5 coins, or he’ll replace it for free if you dropped it.
| Quest | Location | Key NPC | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf Cannon | Coal Trucks, Dwarven Mines | Captain Lawgof, Nulodion | Ammo Mould, 750 Crafting XP |
Using the Cannonball Mould to Smith Cannonballs
Once you have the mould, you can start crafting cannonballs, provided you meet the requirements.
Requirements for Smithing Cannonballs
To smith cannonballs, you need:
- Level 35 Smithing: This unlocks the ability to craft cannonballs.
- Steel Bars: Each bar produces four cannonballs.
- Ammo Mould: Must be in your inventory or toolbelt.
- Access to a Furnace: Edgeville, Shilo Village, or Prifddinas furnaces are ideal due to proximity to banks.
How to Smith Cannonballs
Follow these steps to craft cannonballs:
- Ensure the ammo mould is in your inventory or toolbelt.
- Head to a furnace (Edgeville is recommended for its closeness to a bank).
- Use a steel bar on the furnace and select the cannonball option (or press spacebar to confirm).
- Wait six seconds per bar as it converts into four cannonballs, granting 25.6 Smithing XP.
A full inventory of 27 steel bars (plus the mould) takes about 2 minutes and 42 seconds to process, yielding 108 cannonballs. At optimal speeds, you can produce around 2,160–2,400 cannonballs per hour.
Best Furnaces for Cannonball Smithing
Choosing the right furnace can save time. Here are the top options:
- Edgeville: Closest to a bank with no requirements, ideal for most players.
- Shilo Village: Slightly closer to a bank but requires the Shilo Village quest (free to use with Karamja Elite Diary).
- Prifddinas: Great for high-level players who’ve completed Song of the Elves.
Upgrading to the Double Ammo Mould
For players looking to double their cannonball production, the double ammo mould is a game-changer. It allows you to use two steel bars at once, producing eight cannonballs every 4.8 seconds.
How to Get the Double Ammo Mould
To obtain the double ammo mould, you must:
- Complete the Sleeping Giants quest, which unlocks the Giants’ Foundry minigame.
- Earn 2,000 Foundry Reputation by participating in the Giants’ Foundry (takes about 75 minutes with optimal moulds and 81 Smithing).
- Purchase the double ammo mould from the Giants’ Foundry reward shop.
Benefits of the Double Ammo Mould
Here’s why the upgrade is worth it:
- Faster Production: Produces 4,320–4,800 cannonballs per hour, nearly doubling the regular mould’s output.
- Higher Profits: Expect profits of 479,520–532,800 GP per hour based on current Grand Exchange prices.
- More XP: Grants around 27,000 Smithing XP per hour compared to 14,000 with the regular mould.
Note that you’ll need to bank more frequently due to the doubled steel bar consumption, slightly reducing AFK time.
| Mould Type | Steel Bars Used | Cannonballs per Cycle | Hourly Output | Hourly Profit (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Ammo Mould | 1 | 4 | 2,160–2,400 | 239,760–266,400 |
| Double Ammo Mould | 2 | 8 | 4,320–4,800 | 479,520–532,800 |
Tips for Efficient Cannonball Smithing
Maximize your cannonball production with these tips:
Optimize Your Setup
Use the Edgeville furnace for convenience unless you’ve unlocked Shilo Village or Prifddinas. Keep your inventory clear except for steel bars and the mould to process full loads efficiently.
Stock Up on Steel Bars
Buy steel bars in bulk from the Grand Exchange when prices are low. One hour of smithing with the regular mould uses about 540–600 bars, while the double mould requires 1,080–1,200.
Consider Profit Margins
Check Grand Exchange prices before smithing. If steel bars are too expensive compared to cannonballs, it may be better to buy cannonballs directly or wait for a price dip.
Use the Coal Bag (Optional)
If you’re smelting your own steel bars, a coal bag from Motherlode Mine can increase efficiency by allowing you to carry more coal per trip, reducing banking time.
AFK Smithing for Ironmen
Ironmen can smith cannonballs while multitasking, as it’s a low-attention activity. Pair it with activities like studying or watching videos to make the grind feel faster.
By following this guide, you’ll have your cannonball mould in no time and be ready to churn out cannonballs for profit, XP, or Slayer tasks. Complete the Dwarf Cannon quest to get started, and consider upgrading to the double ammo mould for maximum efficiency. Happy smithing, and may your Dwarf Multicannon never run dry!