The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - About powder burning without outside oxygen

freedom475 · December 30, 2011, 08:59 AM

KNo3 (SaltPeter) "is" the oxygen catalyst in black powder.

Black powder is extremely flammable..That is why the explosive rating, but it is not a true explosive. Black powder burns in at almost the same speed no matter if confined or in the open. It is much slower burning in a confined space than any high explosive or even smokeless nitro powder.

Black powder burns at 3000fps..TNT burns at 22,000fps...quite a difference between a high explosive and a highly flammable substance.

December 30, 2011, 08:59 AM	#11
freedom475 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2008 Location: Rocky Mountains of Montana Posts: 292	KNo3 (SaltPeter) "is" the oxygen catalyst in black powder. Black powder is extremely flammable..That is why the explosive rating, but it is not a true explosive. Black powder burns in at almost the same speed no matter if confined or in the open. It is much slower burning in a confined space than any high explosive or even smokeless nitro powder. Black powder burns at 3000fps..TNT burns at 22,000fps...quite a difference between a high explosive and a highly flammable substance. __________________ Maker of Horse Tack and Cowboy Gear. www.7xleather.com Mister, why do you carry a 45? "Cause Sam Colt don't make a 46."