Black powder weapons

**brushhippie** · 06-21-2012, 07:00 PM

Well kinda, if ya'll dont mind Ill throw it up.

**Chefsimms** · 06-21-2012, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by myakka62

Thanks. Yep Coyote has this thing about "words." LOL So we have to tease about it.

I hope you do not tease to much about spelling and typing or I will be teasted all the time...LOL

**coyotee** · 06-22-2012, 06:29 AM

LOL Myakka!

**Bue** · 06-22-2012, 07:30 AM

I too would like more info. What about percussion caps?????

**brushhippie** · 06-22-2012, 04:54 PM

Percussion caps are one thing you would have to stock up on, you can make them but thats very shaky stuff, Ive heard of people using roll caps for making them and they say it works.
This is the recipe I use which is based on what I learned from a dude named fly.

Black Powder Basics

Black Powder, also known as Gunpowder, is produced in large quantities commercially and sold in small 1 pound containers, mainly for use in antique Black Powder guns. It is also normally sold in different granulations which indicate how fine the Black Powder is granulated by how many "F's" they put on the container. Coarse granulations are called "FG or FFG" (aka "1Fg" and "2Fg"). Finer granulations are "FFFg and "FFFFg" (aka 3Fg and 4Fg).
The more "F's", the finer the Black Powder... and the finer the Black Powder is, the faster it burns.
Small (fine) granulations burn faster and are used in small bore guns, where larger (coarser) granulations, are used for larger bore guns & cannons...

When Black Powder isn't granulated and is in a super fine powder state (similar to that of Talcum Powder) it is called "Meal Powder".

The formula for Black Powder is 75% Potassium Nitrate, 15% Charcoal, and 10% Sulfur... and like all chemical formulas, it is measured by weight only.

However, you just can't mix these chemicals together and expect to produce a well functioning Black Powder mix.
The mixing process for Black Powder is just as important as the formula. Black Powder MUST be made in a Ball Mill to work properly.
A Ball Mill is a rotating drum with dozens of lead balls inside. The 3 chemicals are loaded into the Ball Mill, along with the lead balls, sealed shut and allowed to rotate for anywhere between 1 hour and 24 hours. As the Ball Mill rotates, the lead balls will crush the chemicals together, forcing some of the Potassium Nitrate into the pores of the Charcoal and Sulfur. At the same time, the entire mass will be reduced to a super fine powder. The longer the Ball Mill runs, the stronger the Black Powder will be. A general rule of thumb for all pyrotechnic mixtures is " the finer the powder is, the faster it will burn ".
ONLY lead balls can be used in a Ball Mill as they are completely non-sparking. ONLY Black Powder can be mixed in a Ball Mill. Other pyrotechnic mixtures such as Flash Powder, etc. CAN NOT, as they are too sensitive and will explode. Individual chemicals however, can also be Ball Milled into a fine powder, but the mill must be cleaned before this is done. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, you can build your own Ball Mill. For those that don't want to go through the hassle of building one from scratch, Ball Mills,can be bought.

Once the mill has run for a while, it can be opened and the lead balls separated from the fine Meal Powder.
Meal Powder must be dampened with rubbing alcohol and pushed through a 16 mesh screen for use in a black powder revolver. The process requires that you dampen meal powder with a fine mist of alcohol evenly throughout the meal where its damp enough to squeeze into a ball with your hand but not so wet that moisture comes out when you squeeze it. Once it is evenly moistened it can be pushed through the screen for size.

**Buggyout** · 06-22-2012, 06:39 PM

I can't really talk bad about black powder, since I am an avid traditional bow hunter!

That said, it is more of a hobby for me and would complicate my life if I were to rely on it in a world changing event. I would guess that black powder would be the same for a few of you!

Lets face it, the "bad" guy today carries an AK-47 , instead of stick bow and tomahawk!

I think I just offended some for like the third time today! I really don't mean too, please forgive me....I'll go take my meds.

- Buggy

**Buggyout** · 06-22-2012, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by myakka62

Make your own powder????? That is the only reason I haven't looked into it. I figure if I am dependant on buying powder, I may as well buy bullets.

I would love it if you can explain about making powder. Is it hard? What materials do you need, and can they be found in NATURE?

Here here!

**Buggyout** · 06-22-2012, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by myakka62

Coyote, obviously it was a typo. He meant to say blackpowder GUM. It's all the rage with gothic kids these days.

Bahahahahahahahah!

**brushhippie** · 06-22-2012, 08:03 PM

Here is a video explaining the process.
http://youtu.be/fKB8c4VLbw0

**myakka** · 06-22-2012, 08:40 PM

Ok. Still sounds far fetched to be able to gather these items and make it work if things go sideways. It is a neat skill, and I give you full marks for it. Kudos for not letting old time skills pass by the way. But unless they outlaw regular firearms, I don't think I will dive off yet.

But again, thanks for the information. Neat stuff.