Black Powder Large Granules

[coloradoclyde]

Correct. I simply asked if i could use the larger 8mm sized granules, if that was safe or not.

Do you know why manufacturers make different size grades of powder?.....that's the question.

 

[Billnpatti]

I assume you had a good recipe for making black powder. The key word being "good". The problem is not with the large granules, it is with the small granules. The smaller the granules, the faster it burns and produces higher breach pressures. The coarse granules will ignite and burn slower and, thus, produce less breach pressure. Lower breach pressure translates to it being safer than the fine stuff. Burn rates are relative and the differences may not be perceptible but it is there and it makes a difference. Bigger grains = slower burn rate = lower breach pressures. Smaller grains = faster burn rate = higher breach pressures. Since I have no idea what recipe you used to make your black powder, I can only say that what I have said about burn rates is only relative to varying grain sizes within the same recipe and batch of powder. As with any experiment using black powder, especially home made black powder, there are three important rules. First, proceed with caution until you know what your powder will do. Second, proceed with caution. And finally, proceed with caution. 'Nuff said.

 

[Claude Mathis]

I think this topic needs moderator involvement.

You may not discuss the making of powder here.

We have allowed questions about grain size, sifting and grinding, which is not "making" powder.

 

[coloradoclyde]

:thumbsup:

 

[Zarraboy]

Excellent. I had done my homework and the reason i posted this question to the specialists is that i was frightened by the word BLASTING when i researched the grades. In my case, 1FA.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Why not use the coarser powder as is. I have watched several European You tube videos about loading and shooting cannons and salute guns. The Italians shooting Trombini, load powder by the drinking glass full and it looks like driveway gravel in size. The guy loads a small handfull of what looks like 2fg followed by a glass full of huge granules. watch the following video at time point 2:14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N8wMg82Jzk

I have seen videos of other italians, Pistonieri, also shooting such huge granules.

 

[Zarraboy]

Wow, that is huge... but the cannon is large enough to eat four or five of mine...

 

[coloradoclyde]

i was frightened by the word BLASTING

It's just a grade...
The reason large granules are used for BLASTING instead of tiny ones is pressure and speed ...In Blasting you just want to fracture the rock...not have it explode into a million tiny pieces...that could cause a cave in...

I kinda figured that was your reason for asking...

 

[Zarraboy]

Thanks a lot for clarifying!

 

[nkbj]

I made it in elementary school. The garage leaned against the tree for many years thereafter.

 

[Wolfman0125]

Anyone know an area in Georgia where one can find a willow tree? Or know a source for Alder or Willow charcoal to be used for “charcoal drawings” of old cap and ball revolvers?

 

[ohio ramrod]

A wooden mortar and pestle will work if you cut fine groves into the pestle. Yes you will still get some powder but you should get mostly grains. If you look at the size of grains of "cannon "powder they are quite large