Reduced-load blanks offer a milder report for parades, weddings, and other events where noise levels are a consideration.
When your cannon is too loud for Tchaikovsky, you need a quieter option. That is exactly the problem Dunlap Cannon Co. set out to solve. The company has unveiled its new Light Load 10 Gauge Blanks, a direct response to feedback from event planners, film effects crews, and theatrical groups who wanted the visual punch of a signal cannon without overwhelming the audience—or the neighbors.
“Feedback from event organizers, film effects companies, and theatrical users inspired our Light Load blanks—a reduced-report option for settings where standard blanks are too loud.”— John Dunlap
Also worth a look: RexTrix backs AI film festival with $10,000 in creator awards and new submission hub and Prime 1 Studio unveils $1,899 Godzilla Minus One diorama, pre-orders open Oct 30.
SANDUSKY, MI, UNITED STATES, October 30, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The new ammunition joins the company’s lineup as a softer alternative to their standard 10 gauge blanks. According to Dunlap Cannon Co., the reduced powder load produces a milder report and less smoke, giving organizers a way to keep the ceremonial or dramatic effect of a signal cannon while dialing back the decibels. The black powder blanks are designed for occasions where a full-power blank would be too intense.
“We developed this product in response to feedback from organizations using signal cannons at parades, weddings, and other special events, as well as special effects companies serving the film industry and customers involved in theatrical productions,” said John Dunlap, founder of Dunlap Cannon Co. “One customer uses a Winchester signal cannon during performances of Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture.’ These customers wanted the cannon effect, but found our standard blanks too loud for certain settings. Our Light Load blanks give them a reduced-report option for performances, events, and locations where noise sensitivity is a consideration.”
These Light Load blanks do not replace the company’s existing offerings; instead, they give customers a choice based on their specific venue or event needs. The company stresses that even with the reduced report, hearing protection should still be worn, and all manufacturer operating instructions and local event requirements must be followed.
Each shell is newly manufactured with a brass base, plastic hull, and star-crimped closure—features that improve sealing and add water resistance. The fired shell length is 2 inches, and the blanks come in boxes of five rounds.
Dunlap Cannon Co. Light Load 10 Gauge Blanks are priced at $14.99 per five-round box. More details and ordering information can be found at WinchesterSignalCannon.com.
About Dunlap Cannon Co.
Dunlap Cannon Co. manufactures Winchester Model 98 signal cannons under license from Olin Corporation. In addition to signal blanks, the company sells accessories, replacement parts, and offers repair and restoration services for signal cannon owners.
John Dunlap
Dunlap Cannon Co.
Why it matters: This product launch shows how even a niche industry like signal cannon manufacturing is adapting to modern noise sensitivity concerns. By offering a lower-report option, Dunlap Cannon Co. is making historical cannon effects more accessible for community events and theatrical performances where full-power blanks might otherwise be ruled out entirely.
