ATF Issues Notice Concerning Binary Exploding Target Products
For those who enjoy reactive targets that explode with a big bang and a cloud of smoke, binary compounds are available from a variety of vendors, including Midsouth Shooters Supply.
These binary compounds, when mixed together, will explode when hit by a projectile of sufficient velocity. When used with proper safety precautions, binary target compounds such as Tannerite and Shockwave can create crowd-pleasing “special effects” at fun shoots. (But be sure to place the target at safe distances and never encase the exploding targets inside boxes, cans or other containers which can create flying shrapnel.) The video below shows the inventor of Tannerite, Daniel J. Tanner, hitting a 1-pound Tannerite target at 500 meters. Projectile was a .308 caliber 180gr Hornady HPS.
Federal Laws Apply Once You Mix the Binary Elements!
While separated binary explosives are currently legal to own and use (with minimal restrictions), there are some important legal considerations involved in the storage, distribution, and use of MIXED binary explosives. Individuals, shooting club directors, and range operators must ensure binary explosives are used in compliance with all local, state, and Federal Regulations. These issues are covered in a recent notice from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Anyone who plans to use Binary Exploding target compounds should read this notice carefully:
ATF Notice Re Binary Exploding Target Compounds
ATF has recently received inquiries about the applicability of the Federal explosives law to binary exploding targets.
The components of these binary targets (typically an oxidizer like ammonium nitrate and a fuel such as aluminum or another metal-based powder) are not separately listed on the List of Explosive Materials and do not meet the definition of “Explosives” in 27 CFR 555.11. Therefore, ATF does not regulate the sale and distribution of these component chemicals, even when sold together in binary target “kits.”
However, when the binary components are combined, the resulting mixture is an explosive material subject to all requirements of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40 and 27 CFR Part 555. Accordingly, all such exploding targets must be stored in an explosives storage magazine as prescribed in the regulations found in 27 CFR, Part 555, Subpart K — Storage, unless they are in the process of being used.
Further, mixing the binary components together constitutes manufacturing explosives. Persons manufacturing explosives for their own personal, non-business use only (e.g., personal target practice) are not required to have a Federal explosives license or permit. However, individuals or companies must obtain a Federal explosives manufacturing license if they intend to engage in the business of manufacturing explosives for sale or distribution, or for their own business use. Such business uses include manufacturing binary targets for demonstration or product testing purposes.
Licensed manufacturers of exploding targets are subject to Federal recordkeeping requirements and must comply with regulations concerning records of manufacture or acquisition, distribution, exportation, use, inventory and daily summaries of magazine transactions found in 27 CFR, Part 555, Subpart G—Records and Reports.
In addition, a Federal explosives license or permit is required for the transport of explosive materials. Therefore, a person must obtain a Federal explosives license or permit if they mix binary exploding targets and subsequently transport them to a shooting range or to any other location. For further information, please contact the Explosives Industry Programs Branch at eipb [at] atf.gov or (202) 648-7120.
Tannerite Informational Video — Shooting Demos Start at 6:34 Mark
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Tags: ATF, Binary, Explosives, FFL, Midsouth Shooters Supply, Shockwave, Tannerite
I am a manufacturer of binary exploding targets. It comes as no surprise that many people don’t (or fail) to understand the concept of what exploding targets are for. The “bastartadasion” of exploding has created somewhat of a “monster” for the industry. These targets were never meant to “blow things” up with. They were invented to allow the shooter a chance to see if he/she hit their intended target from great distances by exploding and showing a great deal of white smoke. We at http://www.shocshot.com know that people are going to do things with our targets that they shouldn’t. However let me be clear that the intended purpose of the target is to show that you did indeed “hit” same target. These targets are NOT toys nor are they fireworks. They are a high explosive when mixed. They should never be transported after mixing. Doing so breaks federal law.
I hope I’ve cleared up some things regarding exploding targets. There are numerous manufacturers out there who have no ATF license. It won’t be long till those people are “weeded out.” If you do decide to purchase exploding targets, it’s best to purchase them from licensed manufacturers who adhere to the law.
don carter/ shoc shot
Don Carter, thanks for the unsolicited value judgement. I let let you know when I need another. Incidentally, Tannerite is not a high explosive, even “when mixed”. It’s a LOW explosive.
Again, though, thanks heaps for the opinion on what uses are “proper” for my tools. I’m going to go open some paint cans with a flathead screwdriver now, just because I can.
you showed lighting tannerite but will it blow up if you mix then light just wondering ty mark