What are "real pyrotechnics"?

[DrJones]

I just learned from someone here that Pyrodex is "useless" in "real pyrotechnics." With respect and sincere curiosity, what are "real pyrotechnics"?

Are ordinary sparklers NOT "real pyrotechnics"? How about party poppers? Cigarette loads?

I'm not here to debate, but rather to learn Best Practices and proper terminology. (I grew up on first edition Weingarts.)

Thanks for any thoughtful, non-reactionary replies.

Edward

[Carbon796]

Pyrotechnics, the art of fire. Energetic flammable comps, used to produce light,color, sound, sparks, and motion. Deployed with skill and artistry in mind. There's no artistry in firecrackers, partypoppers,cigarette loads or guys that just what to make boomers.

 

Your not going to lift a fireworks mine with pyrodex.

 

Your not going to make tremalon stars with pyrodex.

 

Your not going to prime 4" comets with pyrodex.

 

Probably won't be able build traditional BP type rockets with pyrodex either. Probably shouldn't try either. It could be shock sensitive.

 

Those are all examples, that BP functions, easily in. Or is required for.

 

You wont see any real fireworkers using pyrodex at regional or national club shoots. Some things work well, some things don't.

 

Sticking with traditional known practices, pretty much assures a reasonable amount of success. And if not, it can usually be easily identified, why not. It also provides a solid fondation from which to grow from.

Edited March 17, 2021 by Carbon796

[Richtee]

Pyrodex provided me with some real fine venison for roasts and jerky.

 

It’s not useless

[SeaMonkey]

Well now, that's an interesting question.

 

When I was a kid, a "real" of any skill was one who could do it all themselves.

 

So when it comes to Real Pyrotechnicians I tend to think along that line.

 

A Real Pyrotechnician is one who is able to somehow make everything (emphasis on "every") that he needs.

 

Doesn't mean he always does, but when necessary could do it easily.

 

Every Black Powder shooter or Pyro Tech that I know would never buy Commercially Manufactured Black Powder.

 

Once they learned how to do it properly they became self-sufficient or "Real."

[DrJones]

Beggiing to differ on this statement, SM:

"Every Black Powder shooter or Pyro Tech that I know would never buy Commercially Manufactured Black Powder."

I know at least a few who buy Goex commercial BP for pyrotechnic applications (for many reasons), and many, many who prefer Goex for their cap-and-ball guns. I have shot dozens of rounds in my Colt .44 cap-and-ball propelled by Pyrodex, by Goex, and by home-brewed BP. I honestly prefer the Goex to the other alternatives, though I am sure many would go with home-brewed BP or Pyrodex, again for many reasons.

I take it some pyrotechs have never, ever used or tested Goex or Elephant BP. Indeed, that seems strange to me, since a pound container costs only about $25--just a wee bit more than Pyrodex.

In my view, once I've learned to make BP "properly," I know how to make BP properly, but won't regard myself as "self-sufficient." I always regard myself as real, whatever that means.

If nothing else, buying Goex supports the last BP mill in America. When they're gone, will we import our BP, or everyone make their own?

What about the shooter who prefers BP to Pyrodex? (Each has clear advantages.)

Rhetorical questions, all. Never mind. Light the visco.

Edward

[Carbon796]

A lot of newer "guys" will start out using commercial BP. A one pound can, will make and lunch quite a few, sub 3" devices. But it's not really practical or sustainable, for a real hobbyist. It's also not always avalible in a needed form. Like if you need mill dust for coating rice hulls, cotton seed, or cork. Once a you approach 8/10" devices and above, some hobbyist will again return to purchasing some of their BP. Because they are using it in such quantities. That it's just simply easier and more productive. What ones choosen "specialty" is, will have some bearing on that.The guy making 25#, 12" ballshells versus the guy making 100#, 12" multi-breaks. And, unless you have an ATFE license, your stuck buy sporting FG grade. Rather than true fireworks/blasting FA grade BP.

 

That only, $25 one pound can of goex. Isn't even enough BP, to launch one shell for me, at times. So for example 6 shells takes 6 cans = $150 minimum. Versus homemade at maybe $5 a pound = $30. Not to mention, how many pounds it takes, to actually make those shells. A competent hobbyist will also usually produce powder. That will out perform the currently available commercial offerings.

Edited March 17, 2021 by Carbon796

[SeaMonkey]

DrJones,

 

I agree that there are many who do use Commercial Black Powder from several of

the international manufacturers and even Goex.

 

I should have clarified that "those I know" are few in number who are dedicated to

making our own exclusively. The cost and hassle of acquiring commercially made

is beyond our meager budgets. Going to the extra steps of pressing, corning,

glazing and even graphite coating are easily accomplished.

 

With practice it is possible to make a powder which is virtually indistinguishable from

one of the commercial powders that is more consistent for accurate shooting.

 

Experimenting with "substitute" formulations is a lot of fun too.

 

Rolling your own can become addictive!