r/pyro • u/cKbeast123 • 14h ago

Magnesium - Flake vs Granular

So about 4 years ago I was able to get 1 lb of -325 mesh magnesium flake from hobbychemicalsupply which is just about finished now. It was used to make a great 50:50 mix with kclo4 to produce 0.25 gram paper blasting caps.

I still routinely use these caps in miniature action shots to make believable pyrotechnic ground effects: bullet hits, super hero landings, etc

Unfortunately the flake is no longer available on hobbychemicalsupply but I do see a -325 mesh granular magnesium powder. I've been reading literature online but it's often contradictory so I haven't been able to get a clear answer.

My question is, would it work the same as Mg flake?

And yes I know dark pyro is readily available for a 70:30 mix but I've found that it doesn't give the same "oomph" on camera. I could use more powder in the blasting caps to offset but I prefer to use make and use the smallest amounts possible as a precaution even though magnesium is purportedly not as stable.

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u/shotstraight 9h ago

It will not work the same as flake. The flake burns much faster due to the shape like a piece of paper burns faster when laid flat than when balled up. Particle size and shape are criticle. Just because something will go through the same size hole doesn't mean it will react and burn the same.