Day 3 Saltpeter

Saltpeter, or Potassium Nitrate, is an easily made accelerant. Though the process can take several months, depending on the yeild desired, it can be easily produced even in times of crisis. Production methods vary, but many are covered here: http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/lecontesalt/leconte.html

This is perhaps the first thing you should consider producing once you get stabilized. Saltpeter is the main accelerant in gunpowder, useful for many reasons. This is a mixture of saltpeter, charcoal, and optionally wood chips (makes the formula more stable). You can also mix it with sugar to make an extremely effective smoke bomb. In the end, bullets will only last for as many rounds as you have stored, and depending on the situation, you could easily burn through a thousand rounds in a month. How many rounds do you think you can carry on you with your BOB at the same time?

The reason I bring up the creation of saltpeter is because a couple of smoke grenades are something I feel every BOB should have. They give you a tactical advantage for defending a location, they can clear a defensed location of unprepared individuals safely, and without harm, and they provide cover for both assault and escape.

Making a smoke bomb is really quite simple. The standard formula is 60% Potasium Nitrate to 40% Sugar. More sugar for a slower burn, more potasium for a faster one. Remember, the amount of sugar in the mixture is the equivalent of how much smoke you have. Once you have your mixture, add only enough water to make a paste, stirring slowly, and find something to shape it in.

As far shaping the charge, your best bet is to put it into a paper tube, either paper towel, or toilet roll sized, the ends sealed in wax. Bury a fuse in one end, and let it dry somewhere dark and dry. I can't estimate shelf life, because this composition is considered an explosive device, and is highly flamable. You should never store explosives in your home.

For more information on smoke and it's tactical uses, read FM 3-50.

(Disclaimer: I in no way condone the making of saltpeter, gunpowder, or smoke bombs in any way shape or form until after societal colapse and all form of government has long since vanished from the face of the earth, or in the event of zombie outbreak, when the government may potentially remain intact, and then only for purposes of making an escape. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!! I take no liability for any damage, bodily or otherwise, or legal action taken against persons as a result of using this information in any way. The purpose of this and future blog posts is purely for informational purposes only, and I can not promise you that any of the information on this website is 100% accurate in any way.)