From my youth days I hardly recall reсipe of the black powder: charcoal, sulfur and nitrate. I was never curious what exact nitrate needed. But nowadays I see it can be: ammonuim nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate… So, which one?
From my youth days I hardly recall reсipe of the black powder: charcoal, sulfur and nitrate. I was never curious what exact nitrate needed. But nowadays I see it can be: ammonuim nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate… So, which one?
I suppose I can’t speak out of practical experience but I do have some insight. For one, originally black power was made with what was called saltpeter, known now as potassium nitrate. That would be the “default” recipe. The other nitrates can be used but will likely significantly affect the burn rate of the powder. If you want to look into it, start with the standard potentials of each nitrate. Higher standard potential, stronger oxidizer, faster burn, more chamber pressure.