totse.com | Armstrong's Mix

InspiredByMe · #1 2008-09-28, 01:15

Yes I know this stuff is incredibly dangerous and none of you will probably tell me how to make it, but I already know. I am intending to fill it in pellets for use with my gun to make a flash or incendiary round. But I was thinking that instead of using Armstrong's Mix would it be safer and easier to use flash powder? And if so how would I go about making the flash powder.

Also if I end up using Armstrong's it will only be around .05g.

Ljudska · #2 2008-09-28, 05:21

so let me get this straight

the stuff explodes when you rub it between your fingers too hard

and you're planning on shooting it out of a gun?

asilentbob · #3 2008-09-28, 05:48

As I understand it most incindiary or flash rounds use some pyrophoric substance that will burst into flames in the presence of oxygen IIRC triethylaluminum will do this... or white phosphorus. ... Both are VERY nasty.

What kinds of bullets are we talking here? How much space do you have to fill? Is the bullet still balanced? If its not perfectly balanced its going to screw with the rifling of the barrel and be alot less accurate.

If you have a cavity in the frount of the bullet I would press in a bit of some pyro composition, then seal it in... as for what... meh... I don't know...

Perhaps some copper oxide / aluminum "flash" with zirconium and titanium added...

I really don't know what the effect would be like with that kind of impact though.

hydroponichronic · #4 2008-09-28, 08:27

I should probably make my own thread for this, but I think it ties in (assuming the OP needs WP for his rounds)... Anywho, I though I remember reading somewhere that WP could be made from metal phosphates with REALLY high heat. IDK though...maybe with another metal (Al, MG?) to suck the O off the P. Anyone know what I'm talking about? I ask 'cause I might just be remembering it wrong.

InspiredByMe · #5 2008-09-28, 13:49

The pellets are lead. And I was playing on filling the back of the pellet with the mix then firing the bullets backwards so that the mix wouldnt explode in the barrel. The bullet would still be balanced because the hole is in the center it is about 1.5-2mm across and is around 3.5mm deep.

For the sealing I was planning on using a binder but I have known some people to do this with flash powder using superglue as a sealant. But I don't know if there would be a reaction between the superglue and the armstrong.

Yes I plan on shooting it out of a gun, it creates a flash affect which would be cool to see at night and add some effect to the bullet.

asilentbob · #6 2008-09-28, 20:49

... Clearly you don't understand the beast you talk of.

Armstrongs wouldn't survive the shock of being accellerated out of the barrel... Hell it probably wouldn't survive the process of being loaded into the pellet... Let alone loading the pellet into the gun.

Its MUCH more sensitive and dangerous than you understand.

Are we talking pellet guns here? People sometimes fire strike anywhere matches out of pellet and bb guns... to little effect... but meh. Perhaps using some chlorate based flash, then binding with NC laquer... Or a perchlorate flash with sulfur binded with NC...

InspiredByMe · #7 2008-09-28, 22:23

The armstrong mix would be loaded into the skirt of the pellet, then the pellet could be crimped to seal it in. Or I could fire it backwards, trust me it possible. Ive seen it done.

If you believe it to really not be possible then what binder could be used for it?

warweed12 · #8 2008-09-29, 00:36

well some one is looking for either injury or a broken pellet gun lol ..

besides the cavity of the back of a pellet is so small it would be pointless ..

and have you considered if the gun were to deisel ? now you have a explosive substance in the barrel ..

lol this is a all around pointless and stupid idea

http://www.straightshooters.com/documents/4caliberpellets.jpg

http://www.pomona-airguns.com/images/177JSBheavy.jpg

and as soon as you put somthing in the skirt it will be out of balance .. so it's going to tumble in the air ... garunteed

and you want to put what a few mg of armstrongs mix in the skirt .. lol

your much more likly to damge you or the gun then get a successful shot .. chances are there would be a little bit of powder outside the skirt and from the friction of loading or shooting it will explode ..

warweed12 · #9 2008-09-29, 00:40

Quote:

The explosive is extremely dangerous, as it can detonate from very small shocks and friction. It is especially sensitive when dry, and inexperienced pyrotechnicians who try to produce it often injure themselves severely in the attempt. Armstrongs Mixture is extremely explosive and can explode violently in an unenclosed space, e.g. a pile of the mixture with a fuse in it would explode in the same way as it would in a sealed container.

this should be enough of a warning ..

asilentbob · #10 2008-09-29, 16:55

You wouldn't believe the precautions manufacturing plants put on messing with the stuff.

Honestly if your wanting explosive projectiles I think you would be better off buying some 12ga bird bomb shells. Much safer, better report / flash, and more fun.

An alternative would be to make explosive targets... Perhaps perchlorate / sulfur / magnalium / titanium with NC laquer to make a thick paint which can be painted onto paper targets and allowed to dry... No idea if it would actually work... Though perchlorate / sulfur mixes ARE quite friction sensitive. Not as bad as chlorate, but still sensitive.