Best way to switch large current spikes?

[s3c]

I'm currently working on a project that requires me to discharge a cap with virtually no load, ie, just short it out. I'm working with a 100uF cap charged at 300V and above. What would be the best way to switch the connection? Will transistors/fets be able to handle such large current spikes?

[Time]

There are switching devices that can handle that just fine.  Mosfets, IGBTs, SCRs just to name a few.  Depends on how fast you need to switch it and how much money you have really.

[Simon]

A general use mosfet rated at over 300V that can handle up to 30+ amps ? if your worried about blowing it put a small resistor in series with the mosfet channel to control the current,

[Zad]

Be aware that crowbar-ing caps can sometimes make them go BANG as they heat up and boil the dielectric.

[s3c]

I haven't heard of IGBT's and SCR's before, looked them up and I think an SCR is near perfect, thanks Time. I'm kinda cautious about using parts with current ratings below 100A, the cap will most likely have a resistance to keep the current below that but since I have no data on it there's no way to know. A load resistor is probably a good idea... Thanks all.

[Murphy]

SCRs do the trick, they can handle huge pulse currents many times what their continuous rating is.