2FA Alternative for Lifting

[JackC]

What is a good alternative for 2FA blackpowder for lifting? I'm trying to make small cremeros.

 

I can't find 2FA anywhere local. All the gun shops sell substitutes, like Pyrodex. I've resolved myself to use one of these, I guess, but don't know the alternative? There is "P" and "RS" and "RS Select Hodgon", and "H380", and "H4198" and even "Blackhorn 209". Of these, or other commonly available, what is a good alternative for my cremora/lifting purpose? Is it even worth it?

 

I'm not interested in making my own (yet).

 

Thanks for the newbie feedback.

[lloyd]

Jack,

You're pretty-much stuck on making your own unless you have an ATF license.

 

It's pretty simple to make hot screen-granulated powder, using Ned Gorski's alcohol-granulated method, and (of course) one of my ball mills! <G>

 

There's not much else out there that will do the trick for anything larger than about 4"-5".

 

That said, if your mortars are small, FFg shooting powder will work, although it's quite fast, so you'll need to be careful about the load amount.

 

Don't confuse FFg with 2FA. The particles of FFg are about the size of 5FA.

 

Lloyd

[nater]

I have used FFg for small cremoras, but it is a little fast. If you can find Cannon grade BP, it is close in size to 2FA. I dont think you will have much luck with any of the BP substitutes and smokeless powders.

 

Otherwise, I would make your own. It is cheaper than buying commercial powder and you can make exactly what you need.

[Nessalco]

I've seen "cremoras" made with compressed air and a propane torch for initiation. One was based on a 55 gallon drum of dry sawdust.

 

Kevin

[Peret]

"Cannon Powder" is the same size as 2FA, and can be had from sporting shops, or Graf by mail order. Shipping is very reasonable from Grafs, no $25 hazmat surcharge.

 

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/5451