Steve Hix wrote:
In article , Dan
wrote:
An unexpectedly fast burning fuse can toast one's fingers while
testing. If you want to see a test of relative burn rates between
smokeless and black powders burn a spoonful of each. Use a blowtorch to
ignite the black powder. It will burn fast enough to extinguish the torch.

And the amount of black powder that you light up can affect what it does.

A bigger pile can blow up in your face instead of just a little puff.


Good point. A lot of people underestimate it because it's no longer
used for demolition, rock busting and the like. It's primary use now is
in "primitive arms" as some states call the black powder gun season. To
see how powerful black powder is go to an anvil launching contest
sometime. I don't know if there are any videos online. An 80 pound anvil
can be launched rather high by a tablespoon or two of black powder.

Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired