Don't think this has been posted on here yet, I referenced it in another related post but I think it deserves it own post:

http://goexpowder.com/

I think that is a very positive approach to take.

Here is the cut & paste of the above link, but I do find it very curious they do not have an email address to send it to, requiring physical letters but not giving an explanation why:

Input needed

GOEX, Inc. is beginning a campaign to reclassify black powder, from explosive category 1.1 to the same hazard and handling class as smokeless powder, class 1.3.

This change would affect transportation and storage rules. The Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) closely regulates class 1.1 product. Class 1.3 material is regulated to assure safe handling, but does not fall under close BATFE scrutiny, record keeping, or review.

We have established a clear scientific basis that black powder, especially sporting powders, are no more hazardous than smokeless powder, and should be regulated similarly. What we need to establish next is what extra attention from the BATFE and other transport and handling differences has cost the consumer, the dealer, and the distributor.

To do this, we need you to tell us - has the 1.1 classification of black powder imposed hardship, or increased your cost? Especially, we need to hear from anyone that has given up a license, or had their federal license revoked due to black powder regulations or actions of the BATFE related to handling black powder. Would you expect to see any benefits from this proposed change?

Again, we would appreciate hearing from consumers, dealers and distributors of black powder so we can forward your thoughts to Washington.

Write to us:

GOEX, Inc.
c/o Black Powder Campaign
P.O. Box 659 Doyline, LA 71023-0659

I bought a few lbs the other day and the cans did not have the class A explosive warning on them.

What labelling did it have and is there a UN number on it?

I bought them for my nephew,I dont have them,but it had the "flammable solid" label,like smokelesspowder does.

This whole thing revolves around the difference between something that is explosive, and something that is flammable or combustible... I am not sure exactly what the differences are, but if memory serves, if the material's ignition temperature is <10Ff it is flammable, and if it >100F, it is combustible. And things that don't burn progressively, like black powder, are considered explosive.

But it is the end of a long day. I could be totally off base...

JB,

It should have a UN number on it and I'm pretty sure it should have an explosive label on it as well. If you get a chance to either check or photograph the container, I'd be very interested etc........

Doubless,

I think you're pretty much right and if I remember correctly, its related to burn rate and temperature.

Personally I'd be very suprised indeed if the UN and other regultory bodies could ever be convinced to lower the classification on BP and it's derivitives and would have thought that it would be an easier and less expensive job to set up a safe and effecient surface transport system with a good local dealer network etc.

All that said, BP & derivitives are already available in the UK and (presumably) Europe and many/most parts of Africa where muzzleloading etc is legal anyway..........

Ten years ago I could find blackpowder at any gunshop. Since then it has become very difficult to find it for sale. Dealers have told me that hazmat shipping costs and zoning ordinances keep them from carrying it.