How do you make gunpowder?

Answer 1

There are three chemicals needed to make gunpowder. Potassium Nitrate, Charcoal powder, and Sulfur powder. Mix the chemicals following the 75:15:10 ratio of potassium nitrate:charcoal powder: Sulfur powder. Put the mixture in a ball mill and grind for about two hours (make sure to use lead balls, iron ones might spark and blow you up). That's how you make gunpowder.

One thing that I would like to add to this is that you should add a small amount of alcohol to the mixture to further prevent blowing yourself up. water works also but it doesn't evaporate as fast. You can also use a Mortar and Pestle to grind it.

You can get peter salt at a pharmacy. Charcoal is available pretty much anywhere, just stay away from briquettes and focus on natural charcoal. sulfur is a slightly different matter.

Please be sure to check the laws in your state, city, town or country as New York, New Jersey, Conneticuit, Washington D.C. and other United Staes Of America territories require the Non-Licensee has at least a "Low Explosives Manufacturer License" class 28 to 32 if you make your own powders as a hobbie (model rocket, fireworks, etc.)

Per ATF website you must meet certain requirements such as having a magazine to store your explosive powders in. The explosive mixtures cannot be stored in or near a residential dwellings and must be within a certain distance from the dwellings. Your "Magazine" will need to be inspected and you will be interviewed by an ATF officer or an officer for the state or city you are located.

There are fees and a background check. Although per ATF a person can buy and/or own up to 50lb of commercially made black powder however the "Non-Licensee" cannot be a felon or have a history of mental illness.

Any mixtures containing Nitrates, Acids and/or any other chemicals (Listed on the ATF website) that can produce an explosion after being mixed is considered "Manufacturing Explosives" regardless of the amount (even a mole). A "Low Explosive manufacturer" license is required otherwise the person(s) can be charged/prosecuted in accordance to the currect laws in your city/state ("think 911").