I use to pick up cow horns from a local butcher shop each week. I built a fire near a wood fence post. I put a hook on the post. Then get a pot of water on the fire.
Before I boiled the horns I would drill a hold and screw an eye bolt in the bone of the horn. After I got the horns to boiling I would take one out hook it to the fence post and yank the horn off.
After I had all the horns done I would unscrew all the eye bolts for the next weeks horns.
I haven't done this for over 20 years. But as I remember it only took 20 minutes or so of boiling. It's been a while since I did it though.
Another thing to think about. After you pull the core out. While the horne is still hot and soft you can shape it some. Put it in a vice and flaten the sides. Or push something round that is the size of the large end of the horn in to make it more round if the horn looks a little out of shape. Let it dry and it will take the shape you want it. More or less.
Steve
