How To Make Gun Powder The Old Fashioned Way ... - Ask A Prepper

Updated: 12 March 2025

Would you believe that this powerful propellant, that has changed the world as we know it, was made as far back as 142 AD? And you too can now learn how to make gunpowder the old fashioned way. It will only take half an hour.

With that knowledge, how about the fact that it took nearly 1200 years for us to figure out how to use this technology in a gun. The history of this astounding substance is one that is inextricably tied to the human race. Imagine the great battles and wars tied to this simple mixture of sulfur, carbon and potassium nitrate. Mixed in the right ratios this mix becomes gunpowder.

In this article, we are going to talk about the process of making gunpowder.

We have just become such a dependent bunch that the process, to most of us, seems like some type of magic that only a Merlin could conjure up. So, we will lift the veil on gunpowder.

Related: The Lost Art of Cut Shells

Things You Might Not Know About Gunpowder

Before we talk about how to make gunpowder. Here are some lesser-known facts about gunpowder:

1. Medicinal Origins: Initially, gunpowder was produced for medicinal purposes, being ingested to treat digestive ailments, inhaled for respiratory disorders, and applied to the skin for conditions like rashes or burns.

2. Industrial Applications: Beyond weaponry, black powder has been extensively used in quarrying, mining, and road construction. In the 19th century, more black powder was utilized for these industrial purposes than in firearms and artillery.

3. Artistic Medium: Starting in 1967, Los Angeles-based artist Ed Ruscha began using gunpowder as an artistic medium for a series of works on paper, showcasing its versatility beyond explosive applications.

4. Culinary Seasoning: After the Battle of Aspern-Essling in 1809, Dominique-Jean Larrey, the surgeon of the Napoleonic Army, lacking salt, seasoned horse meat bouillon for the wounded under his care with gunpowder.

5. Tattooing Method: British sailors used gunpowder to create tattoos when ink wasn’t available by pricking the skin and rubbing the powder into the wound, a method known as traumatic tattooing.

6. Early Engine Experiments: In 1673, Christiaan Huygens experimented with gunpowder in an early attempt to build a gunpowder engine, although he did not succeed.

7. First Smokeless Powder: In 1884, French chemist Paul Vieille invented “Poudre B,” the first practical smokeless gunpowder. Made from nitrocellulose gelatinized with ether and stabilized with amyl alcohol, it was three times more powerful than black powder and produced minimal smoke.

These intriguing aspects of gunpowder’s history and applications highlight its significant impact across various fields beyond its traditional uses.

RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE GUNPOWDER

Gunpowder Formula:

• 75% Potassium Nitrate
• 15% Charcoal
• 10% Sulfur

Tools:

• Digital Ounces Scale
• 2 Glass or Plastic Mixings Containers
• Plastic spoon
• Blunt object for smashing potassium nitrite (I used the handle of a small tack hammer)
• Fine mesh sieve

Ingredients:

• Potassium Nitrate (Salt Peter) / Stump Remover
• Activated Charcoal
• Powdered Sulfur

TECHNIQUE

Before we dive into the steps and instructions, let’s talk about safety first. Sulfur can be deadly, and the gas it releases when burned is just as dangerous. Likewise, potassium nitrite is no picnic – it can damage your vision and even poison you if ingested. On top of that, gunpowder is highly flammable and explosive, meaning it could cause serious physical harm. With these risks in mind, caution is absolutely essential.

• Wear eye protection
• Use gloves
• Use a dust mask
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Most importantly use common sense

PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!!

How To Make Gunpowder:

#Step One

Gather your ingredients and measure them based on the black powder formula above. Whether you are making 1lb or 10lb the breakdown will be the same 75% Potassium Nitrate, 15% Charcoal and 10% Sulfur.

#Step Two

Next mill or grind your saltpeter. Most recommend doing this in a ball mill but I wanted to do this all by hand to get an idea of how it would work without conveniences.

#Step Three

Once the potassium is ground add the measured charcoal and sulfur and begin to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

#Step Four

As you can see in the photo above the mix was not completely smooth so I ran it through a mesh sieve to remove and potassium nitrate that had not been ground fine enough. This process created a much finer powder and helped incorporate the three ingredients.

#Step Five

It worked so much better than hand mixing I just ran it through the sieve again. You can really see it becoming something at this point. The sieve was crucial to this process if you are going to be doing it by hand. The finer the sieve the better.

#Step Six

The final product ended up looking something like this. Given the short amount of time, I was very happy with the consistency achieved. In fact, the whole process took only about 30 minutes. By contrast, most people recommend running the ingredients in a ball mill for 12 hours! That said, their black powder is of superior quality compared to what was created here by hand. Even so, this stuff would still get the job done.

#Step Seven (Optional)

I started by folding a small piece of paper in half and placing it on a rock before lighting it. When igniting black powder, always do so from a safe distance using a torch or a long piece of paper – especially the first time. After all, you won’t know how powerful your black powder is, and the last thing you want is to find out the hard way by having it scorch your face.

#Step Eight (Optional)

If you want to make it more powerful here are two great tips for powering up your gunpowder:

• Add water to the mix and stir it into a paste then allow it to dry. This really gets the three powders to mingle thoroughly.
• Add (isopropyl) alcohol to the mix depending on batch size and this will make it really angry when the fire hits it.

Making gunpowder at home is one of those cheap and easy endeavors that will truly surprise you. In addition, it connects you with a process that changed the course of history! However, it’s crucial to remember – be safe and smart, as you’re working with a highly combustible substance!

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Disclaimer: I am not a gunpowder expert. Accidents can happen. If you choose to take the advice in this article, all risks are on you. I made gunpowder for recreational purposes and as an experiment to train myself for when SHTF.

Tags: DIYHow toweapons