Tannerite

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Tannerite is a binary explosive used primarily as a target for firearms practice. Tannerite is unique in that it is exceptionally stable when subjected to less severe forces such as a hammer blow or being dropped. It is generally supplied as two powders which are combined to produce the "live" explosive.

[edit] Uses

The manufacturer recommends using half-pound preparations of the substance, which should detonate when shot by a high-powered rifle. Small caliber rimfire or slow moving pistol ammunition will not initiate a tannerite detonation.

Tannerite is often used by shooting clubs to provide spectacular explosions for their participants in large-scale weaponry demonstrations or other events. Ordinarily, firing high powered machine guns and other rifles won't produce much more than muzzle blast and some sound upon impact of the round on the target. With improvised explosive targets, these shooting clubs can provide a movie-like experience such as exploding cars by shooting at them.

Tannerite detonations occur at a very high velocity, producing a large explosion and cloud of smoke. It may be useful for persons who are firing at long ranges, in practice situations. In this scenario, a long-range rifle shooter may leave out a number of targets, retreat to his or her firing position, and lay down fire. The shooter doesn't wish to have to walk the possibly several hundred yards down range to see if he has a "hit" -- the Tannerite will detonate instantly, loudly, and serve as an indicator.

[edit] Manufacture and sale

Tannerite is often sold in pre-sized and shaped explosives for avalanche control and police use.

Since the two components are not explosive until mixed, they can legally be purchased without an explosives license. Combining the components constitutes manufacturing explosives. In most parts of the United States, this is legal for personal use.

Tannerite consists of two components, a sensitizer and a bulk material. The bulk material is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and ammonium perchlorate, while the sensitizer is a mixture of dark flake aluminum powder and a small amount of zirconium hydride. Simpler mixtures of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder are also known to work, but are less sensitive and harder to reliably detonate.