How to handle exploding targets
BY ALLEN MACARTNEY
UNTIL RECENTLY, exploding targets were
fairly rare, but now they’re available from
many sporting goods stores. Questions
arise. Why would shooters want to buy
them? Are they safe to store? How do they
work?
The most popular and widely available
exploding target is made by Tannerite. It’s a
“binary” target, which means you buy two
separate chemicals (both relatively safe
to store and handle) and mix them at the
range. The explosive isn’t flammable, and
needs the shock of a high velocity cen-
tre-fire rifle bullet (one with primer at the
back centre of the bullet, not on the rim)
travelling faster than 2,000 feet per second
to detonate. That means, usually, a .22
long rifle round won’t set it off. Detonation
requires a much heavier round, like a .223,
www.fishhuntandride.ca
with a longer cartridge containing much
more powder.
Why would anyone buy exploding targets
beyond the fun factor? Answer: to see
where the bullet hits.
Long-range shooters (people firing
beyond 300 metres) often can’t see where
their bullet is hitting the target. Even with
a powerful scope, bullets like a .223 are
difficult to see hitting the target. Exploding
targets solve the problem. When a round
hits, it detonates in a puff of greyish smoke
and a dull BANG!
This explosive is only dangerous if it’s
mixed into a large batch, or misused (e.g.
covered with stones or branches, or placed
in a watermelon). The television show
Mythbusters has demonstrated the safety
of the product when it’s mixed and used
properly. But this explosive, when misused,
has killed people. For safety, shooters
should stay at least 100 metres away from
the target.
Few ranges permit exploding targets, so
check the rules first. And make sure your
local municipal regulations permit them.
If Tannerite exploding targets interest
you, make it safety first:
• Treat the explosive with great respect. It
can seriously injure you.
• Never make large explosive targets.
Follow the directions closely and obey
local bylaws.
• Mix targets at the range, and use them
immediately. Never mix the explosive
and store it at home.
• Never place the targets on or near a
surface that might produce shrapnel.
• Shoot in a remote area, and respect
property owner’s rights to tranquility.
• Shoot with eye and ear protection.
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