Making your own blackpowder

MR.T. · Jan 29, 2021

I remember watching a segment on tv some years ago that had a story of a family that figured out how to make their own blackpowder, & one of the ingredients they used was chicken poop.

Anyone know what I'm talking about, is that possible?
Or was the story teller blowin smoke?

Uncle TK · Jan 29, 2021

https://www.skylighter.com/blogs/how-to-make...
Black Powder Formula The most common BP formula is "75/15/10," which means 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal and 10% sulfur. This formula has been known for centuries as one which will produce powerful black powder.

TheDoubleD · Jan 29, 2021

But were it so simple. There is more to the process that just mixing those three up in a bowl. Not totally without hazard.

I hang out on a cannon board else where and for a long time we had two guys who were making their own powder in large enough quantities and heavy enough grades for full size cannon. One still does and the other passed away from old age.

Chicken pop and manure piles were used to extract potassium nitrate.

MacFromOK · Jan 29, 2021

Potassium nitrate is also known as saltpeter (may still be available at drug stores, not sure). The black powder recipe is in most any encyclopedia.

Well, maybe not newer "PC" ones...
:drunk2:

2busy · Jan 29, 2021

A lot of stump removers sold at farm / big box stores is potassium nitrate.

TwoForFlinching · Jan 29, 2021

HiredHand · Jan 29, 2021

Step 1: Get a 55 gallon drum and start peeing into it.

TheDoubleD · Jan 30, 2021

Stump remover isn't pure enough. Does work alright for slow match. Potassium Nitrate is now semi regulated.

Pulp · Jan 30, 2021

I made a few batches several years ago. Very easy, and safe if you follow basic safety rules. You need a ball mill, I used a rock tumbler and .490 lead balls. You can get a decent rock tumbler through Harbor Freight, or it's not too hard to make your own in you have a bit of mechanical skills.
You can order the chemicals from that website mentioned above. I did not use Dextrin, and had no way to compress the wet cake, so my powder was very light and fluffy. I filled the chambers of a .44 caliber cap and ball, and got over 1000fps with a round ball. I also loaded it into 44-40 shells under a 200 grain bullet. I never chrono'd that, but it would really ring steel at CAS matches. Mine was very dirty and caused leading in my rifle, so I never used it in cartridge after that one time.
Don't bother using cooking charcoal. It won't work. You need pure charcoal, willow is the best. I made it too.
Yes, you can gather KNO3 from outhouses and other places, but I chose to order it. Just not too fond of the idea of playing with stuff from the bottom of the outhouse.

Making your own blackpowder

MR.T.

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Uncle TK

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TheDoubleD

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MacFromOK

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2busy

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TwoForFlinching

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HiredHand

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TheDoubleD

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Pulp

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