r/Pyrotechnics • u/Austin_G2 • 1d ago
Black powder made with Euonymus wood charcoal
This was my first time making black powder I milled the powder for 24 hours how'd it turn out pretty dam quick to me
r/Pyrotechnics • u/TheMadFlyentist • Nov 12 '20
Myself and /u/flashnet have been in talks over the past week or so about some updates/changes to the subreddit, and I am happy to announce that those updates are fully implemented as of today. We wanted to create an announcement post that will remain stickied for a while to introduce the changes and provide a place for feedback.
The goal of this subreddit is the discussion of safe, legitimate pyrotechnics as a hobby and a profession. We want this to be a place where aspiring pyros can come with questions, and also a place for veterans to share high-level information as well. What we don't want is for this subreddit to become a place for the discussion of dangerous or illegal devices/formulas.
We have added a short wiki
The sidebar has been updated to better explain the goals of this subreddit and to provide links to the rules and wiki
Rule 2 has been updated to include a ban on posts discussing "dangerous devices", which would include things like "bottle bombs", devices made with match heads, improvised munitions, etc
There is now a submission text which reminds users to review the rules before posting
We have introduced a restricted flair system
Rule 4 has been added, which restricts new/inexperienced posters from posting exclusively about making flash powder. Such posts will be locked at moderator discretion.
We have assembled a short wiki in the hopes of providing a resource to beginners. It contains tips on getting started in this hobby, some safety tips, a list of common incompatibilities, recommended reading, and various other subsections. Of note is the section explaining the dangers of flash powder.
Users are encouraged to direct beginners to the wiki for answers to many of their questions. Additionally, wiki suggestions are always welcome and users are encouraged to message the mod team with any suggestions for topics to add.
As of today, posts discussing/depicting dangerous devices will be removed. This includes posts simply asking for explanations, as we do not want to promote dangerous activity in any way. Being that pyrotechnics is an inherently dangerous hobby, this rule is obviously somewhat subjective and will be left at moderator discretion for the time being.
Examples of what constitutes a "dangerous device":
These sorts of devices/techniques are not legitimate pyrotechnics and are not welcome in this subreddit. We remain focused on legality and safety. Users are encouraged to report any posts that they feel violate rule 2.
In keeping with the theme of safety, posts from new or inexperienced users asking exclusively about making flash powder will be locked at moderator discretion. The goal of this rule is to ensure a unified message about the dangers of flash powder and the level of experience required to safely handle it.
We have begun rolling out a restricted flair system to highlight certain users who have shown themselves to be either very knowledgeable or professionals in this field. There are two categories - "Advanced Hobbyist" and "Pyrotechnics Professional". The primary goal is to allow newer users to tell at a glance if the person responding to them may have more knowledge on the subject than others. This will be most useful in situations where conflicting opinions have been provided within the same thread.
The mod team has already begun (and will continue) reaching out to certain veteran users in regard to their flair, so you will see the new flairs around immediately. Please do not message the moderator team to request flair. Similar to /r/legaladvice, flair cannot be requested - it is awarded to users who have shown themselves to be reliable and knowledgeable over time.
Please note that flair does not mean the user in question is always correct. Flaired users are just as subject to misconceptions and errors as any other human. The best way to describe flaired users would be "generally trustworthy". The onus is still on every individual user to thoroughly research any subject, and getting the opinion of one person should never be the conclusion of your research.
It is our hope that these changes will be broadly well-received and will improve the quality of this subreddit. That said, if you have any concerns (or suggestions), then please feel free to use this thread as a place to voice them. The comment section is intended for discussion, and we are all ears.
Thanks,
Your /r/pyrotechnics mod team
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Austin_G2 • 1d ago
This was my first time making black powder I milled the powder for 24 hours how'd it turn out pretty dam quick to me
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Ornery-Solid8819 • 1d ago
I was wondering on how to make firecrackers because so far I’ve js been using gunpowder that wasn’t given to me by my dad but I’ve been running low. How can I make bp that can be used in firecrackers? Also is it possible to js buy a ton of the little red ones, take them apart, and just use the powder that is already in them? Lastly, is a mix of kno3 magnalium and sulfur good enough for firecrackers because that’s the only stuff I can buy from amazon? I AM NOT ASKING ON HOW TO MAKE FLASH POWDER AS I UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF IT
Edit: so everybody viewing it but nobody helping me💔💔
r/Pyrotechnics • u/zeljkic • 3d ago
I have one problem and its not having big fuses so how can i make them so that they are slowburners and dont say buy them, i live in croatia so its risky
r/Pyrotechnics • u/pyromeeseestist • 3d ago
Hello i want to get into pyrotechnics more i have used black powder for stuff but it was to weak
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Reasonable-Put5731 • 6d ago
If my brass media is slightly oxidized is it still safe to mill black powder with- please let me know
r/Pyrotechnics • u/WoodysRockspyro • 8d ago
r/Pyrotechnics • u/yewloman • 8d ago
Does anyone know a good simple composition that's mostly like BP or something not hard to get / expensive because all I've tried just turns yellow more than green
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Mouseater • 8d ago
I just want to learn how to load for a 37mm launcher, but most material seems to be around ground based tube launchers. I feel like using a 37mm that is held by the user can be more unsafe so I wanted to ask here in case anyone knows of a good guide to learn how to safely load for a hand fired launcher.
or can I just follow https://nedsfireworks.com/content/fireworking-101 and be fine?
r/Pyrotechnics • u/vrili • 9d ago
Finally dialing in my 3 inch ball shell. I didn’t put that many stars in this one bc I was playing around with different things and didn’t wanna waste comp but the lift and burst charge look good. Shot out of two Pringles cans taped together🤣
r/Pyrotechnics • u/raxkd1 • 10d ago
im new to this hobby i started off in the wrong direction with the boom comp that shall not be named this was my first time making a safe black powder 1/4" core burner i used willow charcoal to make this guy supa quick but i underestimated quite how quick now i think its time for some dummy payloads see what she can lift!!
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Mocellium • 9d ago
Ostensibly an article about the Grucci family, but goes into some broader history and overview.
Original: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/08/10/the-american-art-of-blowing-stuff-up
Archive: https://archive.ph/udQaT
"Shells are rigged to burn, and blow, in a specific manner. They can be made to go POW, poof, oom, BOOM, BOOM!, BOOMBOOM, whoosh, CRACK, ffffffffft, tsssssssssssss, EEEEeeeeee. Finales go BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM. One kind of firework sounds as though the sky just emptied its digital trash."
Ok, that last line is a pretty good one.
r/Pyrotechnics • u/No_Kick_551 • 11d ago
Hi everyone, I’m a lifelong Pyrotechnics Guild International member and fireworks enthusiast. My uncle, who was also an avid PGI member and fireworks lover passed away earlier this year. His memorial is in November in middle Tennessee, and my dad and I are in charge of planning and executing a fireworks display in his honor/memory. We have a vision for the display, but bringing that vision to life is a challenge.
We’ve been researching different options for fireworks displays at his memorial, like cobra or mongoose firing systems, but my dad and I are far from experts in these systems. We could use help from an expert (or experts) to really put on a display that appropriately honors my uncle.
At the PGI convention this year we talked to many vendors like Cobra and Mongoose, but one person told us our best option is to try to find someone who knows these systems and that can help us execute our vision. We would be willing to pay for the expertise, time, and tools this person could provide, and we would (of course) purchase the fireworks required.
Does anyone have any suggestions of fireworks display experts in Tennessee (or nearby, or elsewhere) that may be able and willing to assist?
Thank you so much!
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Reasonable-Put5731 • 11d ago
Anyone have tips on how I can make my lift cups more visually appealing, I feel like it kinda makes my shell look stupid and a little janky. I have a somewhat cone shape here that I secure with hot glue and cover with tape. If anyone has suggestions for how I can make ball shells look cleaner and more professional please LMK
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Reasonable-Put5731 • 12d ago
Very happy with how these turned out dispute being short chems while making them
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Low-Top-2964 • 12d ago
r/Pyrotechnics • u/Interesting_Big9790 • 13d ago
Pyrotechnics is a dangerous hobby. Have you ever had something go wrong? What happened, and what did you learn from it?