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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
In the Chinese culture, there are four great inventions that are celebrated. You may have recognized them at the Beijing Olympics as they made an appearance at the games. They are: papermaking, printing, the compass, and gunpowder.
Although there is a widespread belief that the Chinese only used gunpowder for fireworks, they also used it in battle and for weaponry. While the Chinese did not put together the rifle as we know it, they were using the explosive nature of the gunpowder to create weapons to kill. There were incendiary arrows and exploding spears, but my favorite was the box of fire arrows that was held by a soldier.
In other words, it wasn’t as benign as the ‘just for fireworks’ claim that often gets thrown around. The mix was created by alchemists looking for an elixir of immortality.
I find it amusing that even back then were trying to cheat death. I feel for the poor guy that tried this elixir and found that it did just the opposite!
What is Gunpowder Made Of?
The basic mix of gunpowder is universal and made of three main ingredients. There are no modifications that need to be made to these base ingredients–it’s merely a matter of finding them and mixing them.
Salt Peter – The best source for this is stump remover and ice packs. I am partial to the stump remover because of its consistency. It is already a fine powder and this makes mixing it much easier than using the thicker more granule pellets.
Charcoal – Whether you decide to use brickets, homemade charcoal, or some activated charcoal from your stock, you will simply need powdered charcoal.
I like to use the activated–again, for consistency and fine powder. This eliminates the step of having to powder it myself.
Sulfur – I get mine on Amazon. Though, my father in law is using a product for his garden that would probably be better. It would allow you to get two uses out of the product.
The Common Methods
Marble Mill – Many people who make gunpowder use what is called a marble mill. It’s very important that you thoroughly mix your ingredients to get the best results.
The marble mill is basically a container filled with marbles that is spun by another source. Most recipes call for a 12-hour mill with all three ingredients inside the mill.
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Blender – A blender or a food processor can be used to make some great gunpowder as well. Again, if you can achieve a good incorporation of ingredients.
Another method is to add a little water to the mix and dry the mix again. This helps with the bonding and the mix.
Pulverize – You can also use the old mortar and pestle method. The first time I made gunpowder, I used this method.
It’s a punishing and grueling way to do it, but in a time where we don’t have many options, it’s good to know you can make it happen without electricity.
Common Mistakes
Though this is a straightforward process you will find that there are many ways to screw it all up!
• Not mixing it thoroughly.
• Varying the formula.
• Using ingredients that are not fully processed i.e. lumpy charcoal or unprocessed saltpeter..
Your Homemade Gunpowder Recipe
Ingredients:
- 75% Saltpeter
- 15% Charcoal
- 10% Sulfur
This is the formula no matter the batch size.
Tools:
- Gloves
- Eye Protection
- Breathing Mask
- Glass Bowl or Container
- Sifter or Colander
- Wooden Spoon
- Glass Jar (I save pickle Jars and stuff to drink out of)
::::::SAFETY FIRST::::::
Mix this stuff outside and make sure you use adequate protection. Assure your location has great ventilation if you are not mixing it in the outdoors. It is designed to explode and it is made of some pretty nasty stuff, none of which are meant for your lungs.
Before you start, be sure you have on gloves, eye protection, and a breathing mask.
1. Fill your container with 75% saltpeter. I decide this amount by basically equating 75% to ¾ of the total volume of the container I am using. In this case, it’s ¾ of this glass jar:
2. Break down your charcoal and sulfur next. You do not want to do half and half as that is not the formula, so I make sure to add my charcoal layer first and go heavier on the charcoal.
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It’s never exact but remember, the charcoal is what is going to catch fire first so having too much isn’t a bad deal. Fill the jar the rest of the way with sulfur. You should have something that looks like this:
3. The rest of this process is about mixing. The more thorough the mix, the better it will perform. I first use a colander and glass container to sift into.
You never want to work with metal on metal when creating black powder. Sparks can be real bad!
4. Sift this mix once and it will not be completely incorporated. You will wind up with a mix that is similar to the picture below. Once you sift the mix again it will make a big difference.
5. You may find that you have some clumped up sulfur in the mix. Just break it up and sift the whole thing again.
6. From here you should have a well-incorporated mix. I usually turn it over onto itself a minute or so to mix it even more. The ingredients you are using are already powdered so they mix easily.
7. To test your mix, simply grab some paper out of your printer, pour a line of gunpowder onto it and light the corner of the paper.
8. If it worked, you will have a serious flame and bubbling release of heat from your mix.
The best part about this stuff is you can store all of the components separately and make it when you need it. Why will you need it? Well, you can make some really cool fireworks.
Or you can mount an insurgency against NATO forces in the event of a martial-law-like takeover of America. Your call.
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NEVER pulverize more than ONE chemical at a time. Pulverizing is very high friction. Nitrate is friction sensitive.
If it is measured by weight then wouldn’t it have been easier to give the recipe for each ingredient in grams, then we could just weigh it out on the kitchen scale.
Nearly 60 years ago my buddies and I made gunpowder in just the manner described. We were smart enough to just burn it and not explode it but we still got in trouble with my mom when she found out. Dad thought it was great but still gave us heck so that he would not be in trouble with mom.
I use old school math and 75 + 15 = 90, then add the 10 and I get 100%. Throw away that “new math” technique and use real math, it works better.
I interpret that the instructions in the article are referring to measuring by volume, not weight because he is specifically stating to fill a jar by specific percentages of space, not to weigh and then combine the ingredients by percentages based upon weight.
Ingredients:
75% Saltpeter
15% Charcoal
10% Sulfur
A great source of information on black powder and fireworks!
skylighter.com/pages/free-homemade-fireworks-projects-and-pyrotechnic-formulas
I’ve made black powder and other fun things that go ‘Boom’ for years. The basic formula, in the article, is correct. 1.) If you can’t figure out how to measure the formula…don’t try to make it. You may be sorry if you do. 2.) Don’t drink alcohol before or during manufacture. Alcohol will tell you to do things you shouldn’t do. 3.) If you smoke. Don’t. That should be self explanatory. 4.) Mix in non-sparking containers and with non-sparking tools. Watch out for static electricity. 5.) Wear PPE. 6.) If you make a mistake and get burned or lose a few fingers…it’s your fault and no one else’s. Read up on any and all ingredients you want to use when making anything that might be slightly unstable. Some chemicals become highly unstable when mixed together in a dry mix. Make sure you understand that law enforcement and the BATFE take a very dim view when you make explosive materials and have no problem when it comes to prosecuting people who do it. Have fun, but be careful. Also, remember that all information on how to do these things is for educational purposes only and no one is expected to actually make this.
If someone owns land, say ten acres, and needs a stump removed, would it not be legal to do so providing you are outside any city limits? I don’t mean if you make enough to blow a hole in the ground, but maybe start off with half a pound and see what happens? It would be placed under the stump by digging out or drilling out a one inch hole, pouring in the 8 ounce mixture, packing, setting a long fuse first, and getting behind a safe barrier?
The mixture seems to be wrong. 75+15+10 equals 90%. I think something is wrong….
Hook ,
You are reading the formula as a 90% mix , to get to the 100 % mix ,you need to carry the 1 from the tens column over to the left . This will increase the power by the additional 10% you are looking for . Common chemistry error .
I use old school math and 75 + 15 = 90, then add the 10 and I get 100%. Throw away that “new math” technique and use real math, it works better.
If that give you 90%…….. rather don’t makes the mixture.
my house runs on rainwater so im frugal with it . instead of peeing in the toilet and flushing , i pee in a pint jar and pour it down the kitchen sink .
in two years this jar has accumulated about a pound of very heavy scale . in fact im going to have to replace it soon because theres only about 8 ounces of space left . this scale is extremely heavy and by my reading i believe its considered saltpeter .
Not per say!!!!!!!!!!!!!Damn! it’s per se , Latin for those who know. If you’re not educated, don’t post, please!
Let’s see here. Who is more likely the better individual with which to engage in an open discussion of just about anything? Is it the person who feels it necessary to correct the grammar of others or the one who can exchange ideas leading to a fruitful and even entertaining experience? Lighten up dude and enjoy smelling the flowers rather than picking off the dead petals.
*…lighten up, dude.
I emphasize the comma. Comma, dude.
You’re kind of a dick, aren’t you?
Lighten up, Francis.
Get a life. The article was not an English lesson, it was about how to make gunpowder. Maybe not everybody is as “educated” as you are, but at least he knows how to make gunpowder, but since you are so “educated’ maybe you can enlighten us with a better way of doing it. If not, then sit down and shut the fuck up.
Yes sit down and close the mouth and open the ears!!!!
Tony says,
I agree with you.
When the shit hits the fan, I’d rather end up with an illiterate person who knows how to make gun powder than an ass-H, who can write an essay on how and why he/she does not know how to make it.
I roger that!
75…15…& 10… Got it. The 75 part can be mixed with sugar to make rocket fuel….but that’s another site….Love this stuff
Its not my volume its by weight, you will find out it works much better by weight. Volume gives you way too much Nitrate.
Note on handleing. Never smoke (anything) while you handle or make black powder. Never drop,,,pound,,,shock or cause a percussive jolt or shock wave to propagate through a container of black powder. Black powder/gunpowder/pyrodex(commercial form ie smokeless propellent of bullets) are all compounds(mixtures) that are anhydrous. (an=no,,,hydrous=hydrate/water or simply “without water.) This means the mixtures are super DRY powdery, dusty like flour. It means they will absorb moisture real quick from the air/atmosphere. In most cases they will get clumpy and then form hard balls if left out in the air. This means keep them powdery by keeping them away from “the air” by keeping it in jars,,,zip lock bags,,,powder horns etc until ready to use. If some clumps up into cakes or balls, then gently break up or mix back into powder but never,,,NEVER pound or bust up the clumps! ALSO- never attempt to “DRY” the clumps back once moisture has effected the powder by “heating the powder”. This means NEVER,,,I repeat NEVER!- WARNING- DANGER (This means you Will Robinson) put black powder or pyrodex into a Microwave oven. (not even for 10 seconds). I know a dude that did this,,,,and I’m still laughing about it 27 years later. Oh lastly. NEVER use “crushed Match-heads” or any other Buba Gump-Urban legand-oh I heard that mix of combustible crap instead of a proper gunpowder mix. Doing so will send you to the ER for burns or worse. (Don’t ask whats worse than burns). Remember,,,”All Accidents are described by the victims starting with these three words. “I DIDN’T THINK” I didn’t think it was loaded. I didn’t think it would do that. I didn’t think there were/was….(etc) Safety FIRST! (Chicks don’t really dig scars!)
I remember reading a Foxfire article years ago (great books- high school students in Appalachia would go into the hills and ask folk how they did things “in the old days.” They collected a great compendium of skills that are all but forgotten.
Anyway. One guy would make black powder by mixing the ingredients wet. No chance of random ignition and the saltpeter would soak through the carbon particles evenly as a solution. When he had a lump the consistency of biscuit dough, he would push it through a sieve onto a piece of wood and dry it in the sun. He got a consistent grain size for an even burn. He would use it in an old Kentucky Long Rifle.
Interesting idea, thanks for sharing.
I’ve made it also but mixed it with Rubbing alcohol 90% and then screened it and let it dry drys faster as the alcohol evaporates and it seems to have a little more potency to
I read a foxfire article 45 years ago (and have tried this when I was a kid) if you soak the mixture in stale urine you get a much better flash point and the speed of ignition goes up so any explosive properties are enhanced. We used our mixture in a stump splitter and it worked a treat.
wow numbnuts we know it said in the damm tthing
Thanks for the added info.
Personally I wouldn’t worry about that as none of the ingredients are especially toxic. As long as you wash them you should be fine.
Hi James Walton…Good stuff. Tell Dan the Chinese gave us noodles/spaghetti, and silk.
All measurements in this are by volume so it is easily adaptable, there are other options available such as in the US army manual (improvised explosives and munitions) however black powder/gun powder is not really much use beyond fireworks and black powder guns imo also flash powder makes much better fireworks. Always try to use the best available resources even if it means making them yourself.
Some older calber center fire rifles were shooting black powder first. The old .303 British can be loaded by filling the case to the top with black powder and seating a cast lead bullet. The .30-30, might be another candidate for this, Shot shells and revolver shell can be loaded with black powder. Probably older large caliber big game cartridges .456 win, 375 H&H .405 Jefferies, .45-70, Lyman black powder manual might have recopies for others. I expect crtridges based on the 7mm Mauser could also be reloaded with black powder, which would include .30-06, .308, .270 and others but the would be under powered compare to smokeless loads.
Use Methyl Hydrate as a liquid to mix powder; or urine. One very old recipe calls for the urine of “a wine besotted Bishop”. Urine is a source of salt peter.
Use any old cup or spoon that you can scrape level to mix 15 scoops saltpeter, 3 scoops charcoal and 2 scoops sulfur. It doesn’t matter how big or small the scooper is as long as you measure the powders out equally.
Also, do I have to advise you to avoid using those scoops, etc for any other purpose?! Keep them out of reach of children and fools.
now that I can follow 🙂 TY
I agree, since the instructions are to combine specific amounts based upon space (volume), I would use some type of measuring cup and mix in the ratio you described – 15 scoops of salt peter (which is Potassium Nitrate Powder – KNO3), 15 scoops of charcoal, and 10 scoops of sulfur.
I found these three items on WaMart.com as these exact descriptions I copied and pasted:
Potassium Nitrate Powder – KNO3 (available in various weights such as 10LB, 20LB, 50LB, etc.)
Viva Doria Activated Charcoal Powder (16 oz)
Sulfur Powder – 50 Lbs.
I actually purchased the 50 LB sulfur powder to use in my garden to help prevent fungus and mold when it’s damp, and two containers of the activated charcoal to have on hand as a home remedy for toxins if needed if no medical assistance is available.
I don’t think I would try to use black power to reload modern centerfire cartridges, but if you had a blackpower firearm this should work fine. Otherwise you can always use blackpower for rough demolition such as blowing a stump or boulder for removal.
the article describes using a colander for sifting/mixing, but do you think a hand operated flour sifter would work? I tried squeezing mine as fast as I could over and over and it never produced any sparks, I think it would mix more evenly and only allow finer particles to sift, any clumps would be held from going through the mesh screen.
also found on Walmart.com, just search for: flour sifter for baking
MAN I HATE THAT 75% OF THIS 15% OF THAT WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO A FORMULA WITH SAY WEIGHT OR CUPS. MIGHT AS WELL READ THE ANARCHIST COOKBOOK 🙁
If your that worried about how to do percentages in a mix, you may not be smart enough to make black powder.
Yea well said simple math
Per Say would you like to have another look at your mail re gunpowder the last two of the mix you have the same 15% thought you mite like to change it so that Book Worm understands
Sounds like your blaming others because you’re not smart enough to do the math. Weigh the vesal your using and weigh each ingredients, oh I forgot you don’t know how to.
If you’re not smart enough to figure it out. You shouldn’t be thinking about trying it.