Without giving too much backstory so I don't violate any forum rules, I'm curious as to how much black powder is used in a modern (plastic hull) signal flare. After they're shot, you can smell, and see, the black powder residue in the hull/barrel (in most plastic 12 gauge flares, the flare hull itself is the "barrel").
It seems that most flare companies don't publish specifications or load data.
From information I found online (forums, so it's all anecdotal) I've gathered that they shoot between 250-350 fps, and have a muzzle energy of around 35 ft lbs. According to a ballistic calculator, that would mean the projectile probably weighs somewhere around 150 grains.
Obviously, it being a plastic "barrel" and breach, I'm looking for the lowest possible pressures to attain a similar velocity. I'm also perfectly content with less so I don't blow my hand off.
My specific question is if anyone that knows how much powder, / grain size / type to load a flare? Any other load data would also be greatly appreciated.
Just to be clear, I have a zero intention of firing a real projectile from a flare gun, I also won't be modifying any flares or making anything that violates the law. I'm more just interested in how they're able to make them out of plastic, while still being safe.
Having a "flare" load for my black powder hunting shotgun could be incredibly useful if I'm in distress (I hunt alone, and in remote areas) though, and it would be interesting to see if it's possible.
It seems that most flare companies don't publish specifications or load data.
From information I found online (forums, so it's all anecdotal) I've gathered that they shoot between 250-350 fps, and have a muzzle energy of around 35 ft lbs. According to a ballistic calculator, that would mean the projectile probably weighs somewhere around 150 grains.
Obviously, it being a plastic "barrel" and breach, I'm looking for the lowest possible pressures to attain a similar velocity. I'm also perfectly content with less so I don't blow my hand off.
My specific question is if anyone that knows how much powder, / grain size / type to load a flare? Any other load data would also be greatly appreciated.
Just to be clear, I have a zero intention of firing a real projectile from a flare gun, I also won't be modifying any flares or making anything that violates the law. I'm more just interested in how they're able to make them out of plastic, while still being safe.
Having a "flare" load for my black powder hunting shotgun could be incredibly useful if I'm in distress (I hunt alone, and in remote areas) though, and it would be interesting to see if it's possible.