Can I make my own black powder legally? (Read 4437 times)

Onenuttkapolei

Can I make my own black powder legally?
« on: February 16, 2023, 05:28:43 PM »
Can I legally make my own black powder in Hawai’i?  Process looks easy, needed compounds seem easy enough to get.   All feedback welcome.

RSN172

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2023, 07:12:26 PM »
I follow the Don't ask,  Don't tell philosophy in da land of Hawaii, currently being run by people with Communist inclinations.
Happily living in Puna

Flapp_Jackson

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2023, 07:15:33 PM »
Based on this reading of an ATF response to the question, you can make it for your own use, but you need a license to transport it -- even if only taking it from your home to the range.

I know C&C of Honolulu Ordinances have rules about storing explosives, such as fireworks and other explosives.  You'll need to stay within the amounts allowed for safe storage and fire ordinance compliance.

DIY Black Powder Legal? A lot of people won't like the answer!



The reasonable man adapts himself to the world;
the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.
Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
-- George Bernard Shaw

Onenuttkapolei

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2023, 08:16:58 PM »
Thanks for the responses.  I’ll have to talk to some muzzleloading enthusiast here in Hawaii when the range opens and get schooled on how they work with this.  I am actively searching for a Flintlock rifle and pistol and I have been reading that Pyrodex is not gonna work very well for that. 

macsak

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2023, 08:26:59 PM »
the gun show is in a month
you should be able to find some people there to talk to...

Thanks for the responses.  I’ll have to talk to some muzzleloading enthusiast here in Hawaii when the range opens and get schooled on how they work with this.  I am actively searching for a Flintlock rifle and pistol and I have been reading that Pyrodex is not gonna work very well for that.

hvybarrels

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2023, 08:54:44 PM »
I was kinda thinking about getting into black powder as well. It’s so easy to go to the range and waste a bunch of ammo. Slowing things down could be a lot of fun.
How much fire can a ceasefire cease if a ceasefire never ceased fire?

groveler

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2023, 11:13:02 PM »
per RSN
never ask for permission.
be vey careful.
shit can blow up on you.
just need pure sulfur (Pharmacy supply) tree stump remover(Home depot) and charcoal.make your own or buy at the store
mixer well away from home.
making FFG or FFFG is an acquired skill.
 :love:



oldfart

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2023, 10:12:28 AM »
I tried when I was about 10 years old. Mine didn't work too well.
What, Me Worry?

groveler

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2023, 10:36:47 AM »
I tried when I was about 10 years old. Mine didn't work too well.
Potassium Nitrate has to be dry.
 :geekdanc:

oldfart

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2023, 12:26:39 PM »
Potassium Nitrate has to be dry.
 :geekdanc:
============
now you tell me.....50 years too late :rofl:
What, Me Worry?

Flapp_Jackson

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2023, 01:59:04 PM »
i've mentioned before a series on the The Blaze network called Independence USA about a family that moved to a remote farm and started a bunch of projects to learn how to live off the grid should there come a day when society starts to break down.

One episode included making a firearm and the powder plus the musket balls needed.  I think they used a factory-produced firearm to test the powder, but they did make a firearm as well (the father had a blacksmith setup where he was able to forge all sorts of useful things).

I think the result was, although they could make powder in a pinch, it made much more sense to buy it and store it.  Consistency and availability of quality components was a concern.  A blackpowder rifle is great for hunting, so you aren't using that much powder over time.  But for self defense, trying to reload another shot isn't practical.  So, they built a reinforced basement storage room for all the firearms, ammo and ammo components for reloading cartridges and blackpowder loads.

it all depends on your intended purpose/anticipated needs.  If it's just for research and education, maybe transport the components to the range and combine them there?  Not blackpowder nor an explosive until then.   :geekdanc:
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world;
the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.
Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
-- George Bernard Shaw

oldfart

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #11 on: February 17, 2023, 02:38:58 PM »
No discussion about black powder would be complete without mentioning Captain Kirk and the diamond cannon vs. The Gorn.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708418/

trivia: the voice of the Gorn was Ted Cassidy from the Adams Family (Lurch)
What, Me Worry?

macsak

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #12 on: February 17, 2023, 03:26:10 PM »
i'm sure the poster previously known as "darmok and jelad at tenagra" is fully aware of that episode

No discussion about black powder would be complete without mentioning Captain Kirk and the diamond cannon vs. The Gorn.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708418/

trivia: the voice of the Gorn was Ted Cassidy from the Adams Family (Lurch)

Gordyf

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #13 on: February 18, 2023, 09:06:19 AM »


[I know C&C of Honolulu Ordinances have rules about storing explosives, such as fireworks and other explosives.  You'll need to stay within the amounts allowed for safe storage and fire ordinance compliance. ]

Really? rules about fireworks?
I never woulda guessed
Aloha
Gordy

Flapp_Jackson

Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #14 on: February 18, 2023, 12:51:41 PM »

[I know C&C of Honolulu Ordinances have rules about storing explosives, such as fireworks and other explosives.  You'll need to stay within the amounts allowed for safe storage and fire ordinance compliance. ]

Really? rules about fireworks?
I never woulda guessed
Violations don't always result in enforcement.

#HilaryHadAnIllegalServer
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world;
the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.
Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
-- George Bernard Shaw

230RN

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Re: Can I make my own black powder legally?
« Reply #15 on: February 18, 2023, 10:42:26 PM »
Mixing it up dry in a ball mill (glass jar with a shaft on the lid plus marbles) works OK for experimental amounts, and it will go bang if it's confined.  But it just fIzzes when burned in the open.

"Corning" is the process of dampening the mixture so that the KNO3 dissolves slightly and thoroughly and intimately coats every tiny particle of charcoal and sulphur,  After it's dry, you can break it into suitable granules, and this "corned" powder is what goes FOOM in the open.

I leave the legalities to the law types and the knowledgeable BP  shooters.

I leave the problem of scaling up from the glass jar and marbles setup to the individual's engineering skills.

Do not use or have nearby any steel or iron tools or anything around when messing with BP.  Commercial powder MFRs had special bronze and brass implements where needed.  Also be Aware of static.

Terry, 230RN
« Last Edit: February 18, 2023, 10:59:37 PM by 230RN »
I do believe that the radical and crazy notion that the Founders meant what they said, is gradually soaking through the judicial system.