OK, maybe this is a dead end but... I'm near completion of a muzzle loading cannon and down to the point of feeding it cost effective meals of one to two ounces of BP per shot. I used to have a blaster's license when I worked offshore a million years ago and I wonder what I have to do now (post 9/11) to get the old cannon grade blaster's powder we used back then.
I remeber much about registered magazines and whatnot; what else is changed or does anyone know a link to info by cannoneers on the subject?

Your cheapest & easiest option will probably be to use Elephant Brand in Fg.

Goex has a reginal distributor in either Louisiana or Arkanas. You may be able to get blasting powder from them. I got hold of some (blasting) and I am using it in my 1 1/2" bore, at least until it runs out. Pull up the Goex site for their list of distrbutors.

I think that Goex moved their manufacturing operations to Louisiana.

Hog Killer

Thanks. I'll try Goex for starters. Last time I saw bulk black powder it was in a cardboard drum similar in size to a 8 gallon keg. Bet they don't do that much more.

What you'll be wanting is Goex "Cannon" powder. Goex Homepage

good luck,
Ian

I looked a the Goex page. The blasing powders were sodium nitrate based. That will be hydroscopic. I would stick with normal Potassium nitrate powders.

Is there a critical difference in cleaning requirements between potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate?

Soapy water should clean up either one. Then flush, dry, oil'er up.

Hog Killer

Someone is selling cheap Chinese cannon powder. Not sure who, or where, but I've seen it.

Brent

Man, I know it's probably good but the phrase "cheap Chinese cannon powder" just doesn't inspire confidence....

It's not supposed to, but for a cannon...

I've seen it used and it's fine. But accuracy in a rifle is miserable. Some of the grains are better termed "junks"
Brent

That sounds like what I need; accuracy and bowling ball mortars are not synonymous anyway.