Out in Left Field!
 

I was just thinking. Is there a way to make black powder that can be done at home?

Tom

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

leave it to the pro's,

you can find formulas on the net. but I won't do it.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Yep! But it's probably not worth the hassle or the danger. Google "making black powder" for formulas and procedures. There's lots of info out there.

Google "insurance claims" and "exclusions" while you're at it. :D

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Black Powder can be made at home but the powder normally is not very good in conformity, and it is very dangerous to make. If your homeowners insurance knew you were doing this, there would be a real problem. It might even be illegal to make without proper licenses and such. Most homes are just not set up to make black powder. I would suggest to just forget the idea and purchase a pound of it instead.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Who is this TommyD??? Buy your powder it's safer and cheaper! BP

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

I am glad the pioneers did not know about how big a problem it is, there would not be anyone but Indians here. Lee

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

The Indians tried to pass a Bill Outlawing Black-Powder, but after the smoke cleared it did'nt pass. BP

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Pick up a copy of Foxfire 5, it discusses the developement of the flintlock rifle in America and also the making of black powder...

Many folks don't know this but the oldest Company on the New York Stock Exchange is DuPont, founded in 1836 by a Frenchman by that name...
He started making and selling black powder and I have read that David Crockett bought a few pounds and ended up in the Alamo with it...

btw...The 2nd oldest Company is Deere & Company, founded in 1836 by a blacksmith named John Deere who was bankrupt, left his family in New Hampshire and developed the steel plow (instead of iron) which cut through the sticky, black mid-west soil in Illinois...

As mentioned black powder was made in America before the American Revolution, but the quality of other countries powder was considered better...

The basic elements of black powder are about 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal and 10% sulfer...As mentioned, it's the mixing and sizing that is dangerous...It's easier to buy it...

Also...Most agree the Chinese developed black powder about a thousand years ago and if my memory is correct it was about 1200AD before the Europeans learned of it and 1300 before crude hand cannons came about...

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

:D:D Were the Indians Democrats??? Didn't know that. Maybe that San Francisco Representative's name - which ispronounced Nan - cee Pa - lo -se - translates to"brainlike buffalo chip".

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Plenty of company in left field these days.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

46 years ago my chemistry teacher was dumb enough to give my class the assignment to make black powder.Well I think 10% of the class went home that day with shorter or no eye brows. So after that experience, I don't think you should try.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Didn't the creater of Pyrodex die in a fire at their plant? And they were professionals. That would be reason enough not to attempt it.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

I made some many years ago. I did use a scale in weighing the components, but did not allow for their relative purity. It would ignite but was weak.

As far as I know, there is nothing dangerous about mixing the ingredients, as it is a wet process. Once mixed, you spread it out to dry. Then you grind it to the desired grain size. That's where it gets tricky.

In NH where I'm from, there is an old road called Powder Mill Road in the town of New Durham. The BP mill there blew up in 1861 and killed 5 people. Not sure the cause, could have been a fire or some ignition of powder during grinding, but the real problem is the amount that is present. Obviously they make large batches in a mill, and therefore the potential for a large problem

If you make BP at home, grind in small amounts, away from sources of ignition, and away from other powder. If you grind say 2-300 grains at a time, I'd say there's no real risk as long as you don't grind it in a container of any sort. Pour out that much BP in a pile on the ground and light it with a wick. It's interesting, but not really explosive.

I don't recommend making BP as an alternative to buying it. But it was an interseting project for me.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Dan Pawlakdied in an explosion that destroyed the Pyrodex plant in 1977.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/muzzleloading_babylon.htm

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

I think the Gov't also frowns on the idea. They don't like you making your own whiskey neither.

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Feels great to not be alone!

It was just one of those thoughts. Figured if there is traditional archery maybe there ought to be "real" traditional muzzleloading!

Yeah I'll leave it to the pros.

Tom

RE: Out in Left Field!
 

Heard a bp plant explosion and watched the mushroom cloud in the distance.

Talked to a fellow shooter years ago. His cousin was at one explosion. Didn't find one piece of him.